Dana stepped out of the cab outside of Milk. She felt too unsteady to drive, and she was planning to do some serious drinking tonight. Entering the club, she searched for her friends. Recognizing Shane’s unmistakable slouch, she began weaving through the crowd toward their table.

Shane glanced up as Dana sat across from Alice. “Hey, Fairbanks. I see you took my advice and left the ball and chain at home.”

Dana just grunted as she pulled the sleeve of her pink sweater down over her bandage, making sure it was hidden from view. She glanced over at Tina. “Tina, how are you?”

Tina smiled at her. “Feeling much better now. I think I’m going to get through this, as impossible as it seems right now.”

Dana nodded, thinking that if Bette and Tina’s relationship couldn’t last, the rest of them were definitely doomed. The pair had always been so stable; Dana was sure they would have been together forever. She cleared her throat. “So, where are you staying at?” she asked quietly, hoping it wasn’t a sensitive topic.

“I’m moving in with Alice tomorrow,” Tina replied, glancing at Alice and smiling.

Dana nodded once more, feeling a bit like a bobble-head doll. She sat listening to her friends’ chattering for a moment. She nearly jumped out of her seat as she felt something brushing against her thigh. She glanced wildly around the table as she felt a stocking foot press against her crotch.

Alice grinned evilly at her from across the table, holding in a giggle as she raised her eyebrows at Dana. Dana felt flustered and jumped up, quickly excusing herself to go to the restroom.

Dana stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom, studying her reflection. “Fairbanks, what kind of mess has your life become?” she muttered aloud to herself. Wiping a small bit of dried blood from her lip, she sighed and washed her hands.

The bathroom door opened behind her. Dana glanced in the mirror to see Alice locking the door behind her with a wicked grin. She marched over to Dana with a determined look on her face. “We need to talk.”