No, no… I was just playing around. Its just a little something I do
before I go–, an idea came to Alices mind and she couldnt believe
that neither her nor Dana ever thought of it before, it was so simple.
Hey, How, I was actually headed to the Planet to meet Dana and were
having a family brunch thing. Why dont you come with? Alice asked,
all the teasing was gone from her voice now. Just a genuine willingness
to help and be there in whatever way her girlfriends brother needed.
After all, you ARE part of this family. Alice said jokingly but with
a bit of truth in it as well. Moving her guitar out of the way, Alice
grabbed Howie around the neck with one arm and playfully tousled his
hair with the other. *Like a little brother we never had,* Alice
thought to herself, liking the idea already.

Five minutes later, they were finally on their way out to go to the
Planet. Alice with her laptop case in her hand and Howie with the Bryan
Adams CD case in his hand.

…

Alice? Dana looked up from sipping her coffee. The mere mention of
her girlfriends name instantly got her attention. She was the vision
of a meerkat standing on its hind legs to smell the wind. I left her
at home, sleeping. I had some errands to run this morning and it was
too early for her, yknow, rough night… Dana was babbling again and
turned red when she realized what shed just alluded to.

Shane was leaning back on the couch and was the first to see the
newcomers enter the Planet. Hey, there they are now. Shane waved for
Al and Howie to join them. She doesnt look that tired to me, Dane.
Maybe she has more stamina than you thought. Shane wiggled her
eyebrows at Dana teasingly. The tennis player turned around and Shanes
teasing was the furthest thing from her mind at the sight of Alice. She
stood up to give her girlfriend a kiss when she finally noticed who she
came in with.

Howie insecurely stood with his hands in his pockets. Hed forgotten
all about Danas outburst the night before. Now that he was sorely
reminded of the surprised look his sister had on her face, he wasnt
quite sure if staying for brunch was such a bright idea. He looked to
Alice for help and she gave him a Come on, say something look, so he
opened his mouth to speak.