Bette and Tina marveled at how well Dana looked that afternoon and how much better she seemed to be coping of late. It was the most upbeat that they’d seen her since the surgery and the new bald pate was very flattering. They also loved Shane and Alice for doing the crazy hairdo’s. It was another way of showing Dana how much she was loved and supported by her friends and how willing they were to go out on a limb for her. They agreed Alice was good medicine for Dana and their rekindled friendship was obviously giving Dana a boost while at the same time allowing Lara some much needed space.

Alice provided an excellent mix of humor, love, support, motivation, and encouragement to the situation. However she did not let Dana get away with too much self-pitying bullshit nor did she indulge her when she used her illness as a reason or excuse to treat people badly. Alice called her out on what a total monster she’d been to Lara. She made Dana realize that though Lara loved her, but treatment like that could very well push her out the door. She told Dana that she better get a grip or she was going to lose the love of her life. Coming from Alice this had quite the impact on the tennis player. It was the kick in the pants that she needed to stop taking Lara for granted.

***

Bette and Tina thoroughly enjoyed each others company for the hour and a half ride. For the first time in a very long time they talked, laughed, joked and teased one another so reminiscent of the early days of their courtship. Some of the best times they’d shared as a couple was taking long weekends away. They’d often rent a lakeside cabin or to stay at a quaint bed & breakfast in the wine country or put a check mark next to one of the top ten things on their bucket lists.

The limo ride, the wine, the delicious food, the music, the soothing atmosphere, the light conversation, the laughter, the feelings of a renewed love, the drive via winding roadways to a remote piece of paradise and the fact that they were a little high on the wine and the enjoyment of sharing the time together peaceably would almost give the impression that their trip to Vermont was a romantic weekend getaway but reality prevailed as they reached their destination and the driver helped them to unload their bags. They thanked him and confirmed the reservations for a pickup on Sunday afternoon for the ride back to the airport then they checked in at the reception desk.