Recap of Season 1, episode 7, L’ennui (with the aid of the good people here at www.l-word.com/):

In the caf, under the suspected scrutiny of a straight couple, a distraught Dana was beside herself. With tears flowing freely down her cheeks she called out to her girlfriend, I don’t want to be with you.
Lara remained silent as Dana, still in tears, backed away and then turned and left. Lara still stands there, heartbroken.

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Back at the country club Danas training hard for the benefit of the Subaru representatives and photographers. After a rigorous session of tennis she stops abruptly as she catches Lara walking by. Dana stares hard at her as her tennis partner hits the ball and it goes sailing past. Dana turns around and walks off.

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A few moments later, the main Subaru representative makes his intentions known, See, our concept is, uh, we wanna position you as the ***** Anna Kournikova.
To this proposal Danas rude, obnoxious manager, Conrad, releases an outraged cry, What?

The unnamed Subaru representative repeats himself, The ***** Anna Kournikova.

Conrad exasperatingly continues his berate of the gentleman, Hold, he pauses a moment to laugh Hold on a second here, guys. What are you what are you talking about? This is not something we discussed. I don’t I don’t think that

But before Conrad can finish his pointless argument, Dana rightfully interjects, smiling, I love it. I love it. I wanna be the ***** Anna Kournikova. I do. She chuckles and quickly inhales a deep sigh of relief.

The Subaru representative excitedly responds, Well, that’s great! It’s settled then.

Meanwhile, Conrad, possibly in realising his career is in jeopardy, has changed his tune, This is brilliant. Wait a second, this is brilliant! This is… this is exactly the… the kind of thing we’ve been groping for. It’s like…it’s a hook. You guys! That’s why they’re paying you the big bucks. Right?”

In mid-laughter, no doubt at the lengths of sucking up one will go to when the end is near, the Subaru representative replies, Well, I don’t know about that.

Yet, Conrad relentlessly drudges on, Fantastic. He turns to Dana now. Right, babe?

Dana smiles incredulously at Conrad, You’re fired.

Conrad playfully shoves Dana on the shoulder and laughs, Get outta here!
Thankfully, Dana perseveres, No, really. You’re fired. She walks up to the Subaru crew and begins to shake hands, a big grin planted on her face, Thank you so much. Thank you so much, you’ve no idea… how good this feels. She laughs…

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Chapter 1: New Beginnings

Dana and Alice are at The Planet having a cup of coffee and musing over the days events.

So, howd your big training session with the Subaru scouts go? Alice murmured while nursing her steamy hot caf latte.

I got it! Dana excitedly jumped out of her seat, I got the ad campaign with Subaru! They want me to be the next ***** Anna Kournikova

Wow, Im so happy for you! At this they both engage in a warm friendly hug.

Yeah and I made a booking with a certain sous chef for tonight. I plan on wooing Miss Lara Perkins back over some fine Chinese,

As long as you dont wear that god awful sundress

Thats exactly what I plan on wearing. And at this Dana gave a prize-winning grin.

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Later that night, Dana took a deep breath as she approached Laras apartment building. There she stood, in front of the buzzer, one hand bracing a single rose behind her back. This scene was both highly reminiscent of their first date and the morning after, exactly as shed intended. She wanted to start fresh, her way. Wearing the geeky clothes she wanted to wear, going back to the quaint little Chinese place, and, perhaps ending the night with cuddles in bed. She didnt think she could handle much jostling around after such a hard days work, but maybe a little. Instead of running out of her apartment in embarrassment like her first morning after, they would spend all day together. At this thought she grinned widely and buzzed Laras apartment.

Coming!

At hearing Laras heavenly voice, the nervousness of her anticipation finally sunk. It was true Dana had wanted to start fresh, but even the first date jitters had come coursing back through her veins. She anxiously juggled the thornless rose around.
And there she was, more beautiful than ever. For a split second, Danas heart stopped. This time Lara was dressed more casually and Dana was the overdressed of the two.
Dana giggled, Well, its fitting, this time Im the geek.

Lara smiled. Should we go?

Dana was gaping open-jawed, and hadnt moved a muscle. After a few moments pause she jumped Oh… Oh, wait I have something for you! Here. She launched the rose at her soul-mate. Now lead the way…

Okay, Dana, but when we get there I want to have a serious talk. You cant just walk in and expect me to act like nothings happened.

At this remark Danas heart skipped a beat, I knowI want you to see that Ive made a concerted effort totobe more out and open with my sexuality, the best part of me. As she uttered those lines shed repeated over and over since they passed Laras luscious lips, she smiled.
Their eyes met and Lara smirked as they walked with arms interlocked to the restaurant.

***see chapter 2 – the morning after***