Tina, surprised by the change in Bette’s voice, said, “Hmm?  What?”

Bette: “About the job.  Helena, the paperwork”

Tina turned around and grabbing the fork from her plate, shoveled in a mouthful before continuing.  “Oh, yeah, well it looks promising.  She’s actually done her homework.  I have to admit, I was surprised.  I thought it was going to be just another half assed attempt.  But, she seems to have her ***** together.”

Bette took a sip of the wine and looking up, sighed.  “I see.  So, it’s done then.  You signed?”

Tina continued, “Yes, I signed.  That is what you wanted suggested, right, I mean, you haven’t changed your mind”

“No,” Bette said, “So, when?”

Tina: “A week from today.”

Bette leaned forward, “That fast?  Well, she certainly doesn’t let any grass grow.”  Tina dropped the fork on her plate and turning her attention back to Angelica, said, “I thought you didn’t have a problem with this.”  Bette smiled as she watched Angelica attempt to take the fork from Tina’s hand, “I don’t have a problem.  It’s just; in a week I have to go awaya business opportunity has come up”

Tina became excited, “Peggy?  Peggy came through for you?”  

Bette: “Kind of.  She gave me her reservation at a spa or something.  Not for the spa so much as the contacts that will be there.  I think I’m going to go and check it out; you know, rub elbows, network

Tina lowered her brow, “At a spa?”  Bette got up and began clearing the table.  “Well, it’s not really a spa.  It’s like a wellness week or something.  I don’t know.  The point is there will be a lot of influential people there; a lot of influential artists.  Anyway, she seems to think that I’ll benefit from it.”

Tina remained seated as Bette, carrying a stack of plates, walked into the kitchen.  “And how long will you be gone?”

As Alice activated the alarm she heard, “You got a new car?”  She turned and stumbled for her words, “Wow, that’s really nice.  You and your Mini’s,” Dana said, walking over and inspecting the ride. 

“Yeah, well, I didn’t buy itlook, it doesn’t matter.  So, what are you doing here?” 

Dana’s face dropped.  “I don’t know, I got in my car and this is where I ended up.”  Alice threw the keys into her bag and making her way to the door, said, “Twice in one week after months of nothing.  Lara might not like that.”

“Alice,” Dana said, running up to her.  “Alice, wait.”  Dana hurried in front of her and leaned against the door.  “What, Dana?”

They both stood, neither saying a word for the longest time until Alice finally said, “Look, I know you feel bad, but don’t.  I’m fine.  I’ll be fine, okay; so you can go on and live your life with Lara or whatever, I don’t have a problem with it.  I have no intention of making things difficult for you, well, no more than I already have.  I’ve moved on, I’ve gotten my ***** together”

Dana interrupted, “Alice, stop.”

Alice continued, “No, I just want you to know that its okay, that I’m okay and you should stop feeling as though you have to feel sorry for me.  I feel like everyone feels sorry for me”

Dana reached out and putting her hand over Alice‘s mouth, said, “Alice, I have cancer okay, I have cancer and I came here to tell you because I’m scared and I needed to tell you because I know if I tell you, you’ll say something, or you’ll do something that will make it better.  And I need you; I really need you to make this better, Alice.”

Alice pushed Dana’s hand away and took a step back.  “***** you.”  Dana shook her head and said, “I’m serious, I’m not lying.  Would I make something like this up?” 

Alice quickly lunged forward and as she gathered Dana into her arms, she whispered, “Oh *****,” over and over and

“Well, I was kind of hoping for something a little more encouraging, Alice, but that’ll do I guess.”