“Yes Alice, that Dana. Unless there’s another Dana you’re sleeping with.”

“Nope, the one and only hot sexy tennis star is all mine.”

“God, I can’t believe you two finally hooked up.”

“It wasn’t my doing. Our sweet and innocent and don’t forget clumsy little Dana is one smooth operator. She wooed me off my feet. And that big stupid visor she’s always wearing, not quite a Fedora but it’s really cute how she has it tilted on her head. Those mojo lessons really paid off.”

“It was nice of Bette to teach her a few highly romantic and incredibly seductive tricks. You never had a chance. Oh and Al, no offence, but no one wears a hat like my girlfriend.” Tina sighs dreamily.

“Tina.” Alice gives her friend a sympathetic smile.

“Okay, my soon to be on again girlfriend, once I find out where the hell she is.”

“Tina. Please don’t get your hopes up. Even Dana hasn’t heard from her.”

“She has to be back in Costa Rica. She has to be on that island. Her friends would know and I’m going to find her. You and Dana just take care of my house.”

“We will. I can’t wait to move in here. Dana wants to christen every room”

“Uggg Alice. I did not need to know that. Just…just don’t break anything and not on that dining table, it belonged to my grandmother. She was a crazy old mean woman. She’ll probably haunt you for it.” Tina tries to keep a straight face but they both bust out laughing.

Alice looks at her best friend with genuine concern.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you?”

“I’m sure, but thank you. I’ll be fine. I can’t wait to go back. I can’t wait to visit the island again. There was something wonderful about that island. It was magical. I need a good dose of magic right about now.” Tina smiles happily, excitedly.

*********************

She arrives in Costa Rica a week later. She’s happy to be here and hopeful in her quest. She rents a car and drives down the main highway, headed for the coast. She is again taken aback at the magnificent and majestic beauty that is Costa Rica. The view from the highway is not as ancient or awe-inspiring as the road Bette took her on but it still looks every bit the glorious wonder of Mother Nature’s artistic hand.