Lara looked into Dana’s eyes trying to absorb the reality of the situation. It had been three months since Dana had shown up on her doorstep crying, and desperate for Lara to wrap her arms around her, and now in a tone dripping with despair, Dana was telling Lara their relationship could no longer continue.

The chef lowered her eyes and wiped away a tear that was slowly making its way down her cheek, “I saw this coming, unfortunately, that doesn’t help dull the pain.” Once again Lara lifted her head to look into Dana’s eyes. “I know you never meant to hurt me, or Alice, but it’s about time you figure out what you want, Dana, because you can’t keep toying with people’s emotions.”

Only wanting to find comfort in her empty apartment, Lara made her way to the door of Dana’s home, before she walked out she turned around and gave the tennis player a tight hug, “I don’t regret getting back together with you, I’m just sorry I wasn’t what you were looking for.” Releasing her grip Lara walked out the door.

A steady path of tears was falling down Dana’s face as she made her way to her coach. Allowing herself to fall back onto the plush pillows she felt a sense of relief and shame. It had taken her some time to realize the pattern her love life was following, but now that she recognized her fear of permitting another to hold her heart fully, she was ready to face the many truths she had been running from.

***************

Alice was perched on the arm of Kerry’s sofa watching the news, when her attention was drawn to the tiny, black puppy, who was running from one side of the room to the other, while frantically trying to catch a purple tennis ball. A large smile spread across Alice’s lips when the dog finally grabbed the ball between its teeth and headed in her direction. The writer bent over and picked the puppy up and gently cradled him in her arms.

Kerry was in the kitchen preparing dinner when she heard a scream followed by a loud thump. She quickly rushed into the living room to find Alice sprawled out on the floor with Trevor lying on top of her, licking every inch of her face.