"But I didn’t stand a chance." Shane gave a wistful smile. "You are one lucky woman."

"I know." Again, Bette found herself agreeing. And, in spite of the young woman’s admission, she found herself enjoying the woman’s company.

———————–

It was late morning before everyone was ready to leave the Kennard-Porter household. Tina found herself one more time at Shane’s door, this time knocking softly, and hearing her guest’s quiet invitation.

As Tina entered, she couldn’t help but glance around the room.

"Don’t worry," Shane started.

Tina tried to maintain a look of nonchalance, but she had a feeling that that look just wasn’t working.

"It’s all back," Shane admitted. "I know you had me figured out. I just thought, I don’t know, that you wouldn’t miss a little bit of all you have."

"I did have you figured out," Tina admitted. "That’s why I was sure you’d put it back." She gave Shane a smile, which Shane shyly returned. "You ready?"

Shane nodded and headed out of the room, following Tina.

———————–

At The Planet, they made their way over to a table already occupied by two women. "Hi guys," said one of the women, a blonde. The other, darker hair, was looking less chipper. "Hi."

"Who’s your friend?" asked the blonde.

Shane sucked in a deep breath. "This is Shane." Both Shane and Tina looked at Bette, surprised at the quick introduction. "She’s a friend of Tina’s." Tina gave Bette a small nudge. "And mine."

"Nice to meet you, Shane. I’m Alice," said the blonde. She pointed at her friend. "This is Dana." Dana managed a tepid wave. "Dana’s all tired from playing games all morning."

Dana didn’t seem amused by the comment, but that didn’t seem to bother Alice, who just kept right on talking.

"So," Alice’s stream of verbiage kept right on rolling, "did you guys hear who was at Milk the other night?"

Shane took a seat. She had Tina on one side, and Bette on the other. Both women were paying attention, at least on some level, to what the blonde woman was yammering about. As for the rest, she was here, just like the rest of them. And no one questioned a thing.

At one point Shane caught Tina looking at her, with a small smile on her face. She returned the smile.

Yes, she decided. She would change. And maybe it was this easy. Maybe she just needed someone to say the right words, add a little trust, and life could change.

(the end)