Alice turned off the TV and looked at her friends. Her brain shut down as she went into autopilot.

“I guess Dana deserves a congratulations party when she gets home. Maybe something small at the Planet. As her best friend I should probably start planning that.”

“Alice…” Tina interrupted.

“She’s coming home Saturday so I’ll have time to plan but I guess there’s not much of anything I have to do if it’s at the Planet. I’ll call Kit. I’ll call you all with the details later.” None of them could register Alice’s reaction. They grabbed their stuff as they were forced out the door. As Alice closed the door they all stopped.

“We’ve got o do something.” Tina said breaking the shocked silence.

“Let’s have Al’s party and I’ll figure out a plan by then. By the end of the night this engagement will be as done as it is fake.”

Bette and Tina smiled as Shane in agreement as they retreated to their cars.

The next evening Alice sat in her apartment with a quart of Ben & Jerry’s in her lap. Mid bite there was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?!?” The knocking continued as Alice approached the door.

“Shane. What the hell?”

“Your neighbors will let anybody in here. Get dressed. We’re going out.”

“I don’t want to Shane.”

“We’re going to Milk and having a drink. You can either go shower or be dragged out in your pajamas. It’s really your choice.”

“God! Give me 30 minutes.”

Shane sat down on the couch to wait on Alice. Alice walked back out of the bedroom in tight jeans and a low cut blouse.

“Damn Alice.”

“If I’m getting up I might as well look good.”

They were in Milk in 10 minutes.

Shane followed Alice to the bar and bought her a shot of tequila. Alice saw her checking out a girl in the corner and told her to go. She was planning on sitting there to drown her sorrows and take in the scenery. Shane got two beers and headed to the corner.

Alice sat alone when a voice from behind said “Long time no see sexy.” Alice cringed at the tone.

“I was kind of hoping to keep it that way Gabby.”

“Now Alice don’t be so bitter. I know how hard up you are and now your little closet dyke is getting married.”

“Don’t talk about her.”

“Ooohh…touchy.” Gabby saw her current approach wasn’t getting to Alice. “I am really sorry Alice. I know you’re hurt and you know I miss you.”

“Gabby…”

Gabby closed in on Alice. Alice could feel herself getting pulled into Gabby’s vortex. She started to pull away and then she flashed on Dana holding her ring up to reporters at the press conference. Alice crashed into Gabby as she pushed her against the counter. Gabby groped Alice’s ass as Alice moaned.

“Alice?” Alice froze, trying to decide what to do. Gabby chose for her. She pulled away and turned, wrapping her arm around Alice’s waist.

“Look at what the cat dragged in.”

“Gabby shut up.” Alice spat. “What are you doing here Dana?”

“I was driving to your house and I saw the Mini outside.”

“Why wouldn’t you be driving to your fiancés?”

Dana winced at the tone Alice used.

“I’m sorry Alice.” Dana turned and headed for the door. Alice tore away from Gabby and followed Dana.

“You’re making a mistake Alice.”

“Like I haven’t heard that one before.” Alice muttered as she ran out.

“Dana! DANA. DANA! You have NO fucking right to do this to me AGAIN!” Dana stopped but didn’t turn around.

“You did this Dana. What do you expect me to do?”

“I want you to be loved like you deserve.”

“Since when did you become the source of love and happiness?”

“Alice…”

“Fucking turn around Dana.”

“No.”

“Why the fuck not? Don’t you think I at least deserve to see your face while you break my heart?”

“If I look at you I don’t know what’ll happen. I can’t be strong if I look at you.”

Alice walked up behind her and grabbed Dana’s shoulders. She leaned in against her ear.

“When you decide that tennis isn’t your life, you know where I live. Just don’t expect me to be waiting forever.” Alice waked away and got into the Mini.

Dana kneeled into the parking lot as she watched her drive away. Her mind began to race.

She stood up and started running.