Jackie walked into the living room with Alice on her arm like some sort of trophy or accessory.  None of the gang could deny that they made an absolutely stunning couple.

Alice introduced Jackie before going through a round of hugs and greetings with everyone.  Jackie was close behind and always made sure to have a hand possessively on Alice. 

Dana saw Alice for the first time in over three months.  She couldn’t stop staring.  Dana thought Alice was always beautiful but had to admit she looked gorgeous tonight.  That wasn’t the only reason she was staring.  After having Alice out of her life for the past few months, she wanted to store up as many memories as possible.  Dana found herself feeling jealously, sadness and regret that it was not her by Alice’s side.  But she put a smile on and moved forward to greet them.

“And this is Dana Fairbanks, also known around these parts as the famous lezzie tennis player.”  Alice and Dana shared a small smile at this.

“I guess she is the one I have to thank for us getting together.”  Jackie said as she shook Dana’s hand.

It was official.  Dana only met Jackie 30 seconds ago and already hated her.

The first plan was put into effect.  Carmen went up to Jackie and started asking detailed questions about the latest line of fitness gear.  Jackie found her to be surprisingly knowledgeable (not so surprising if you knew she had been studying it for the last day).  Once Tina was sure there were thoroughly engaged in conversation she led Alice away.  “Alice.  You haven’t seen the latest photos of Angelica” Alice had been keeping her eyes on Jackie but swung her head around to Tina when she heard that name.  “How is my Earth Daughter doing?”  Alice grinned and her eyes lit up when she saw the recent pictures of Angelica on one of the side tables.  “She has gotten so big!  And I think she looks a little bit like me.”  Alice joked.

Tina laughed and said “You really need to come by soon and see her.  Or maybe start back coming to The Planet regularly.  We named you Earth Mother so that you could be part of her life.”  Tina gently rebuked.

Alice’s response was vague as she continued to look at the various photos.  “It really depends on my schedule and Jackie’s schedule.”

Tina replied “I like Jackie…” inwardly adding the obsolete “not” to the end “…but it’s you we really want to see.  We have all missed you.”

Alice barely reacted to this.  “Well, Jackie works a lot and I like to make sure that I am available to meet up with her when I can.”  Alice wanted to deflect any further questions and asked “Where is Angelica tonight?”

“Angus has her over at Kit’s for the night.”  Alice noticed one picture that had the whole gang around Angelica.  Well, the whole gang except for Alice.  Angelica looked a couple months younger in the picture.

“When was this one taken?”  Alice asked quietly.

“Oh.”  Tina blushed slightly.  “That was to celebrate her first steps and her first night sleeping through.  Can you believe both happened on the same day?  Bette is sure she is some kind of prodigy” Tina rambled as she returned that photo to the table and made sure to set it a little behind the other photos.

Jackie came up behind Alice and wrapped her arms around the writer’s waist.  “It’s a shame Alice couldn’t attend the party.  It must have been a pretty small guest list for you to not have invited her.”  She then requested that Alice join her in the living room.  They went and sat on the sofa.  Tina stood where she was, staring daggers at Jackie’s back.