CHARLOTTE-  “I don’t know, but you’re the one who told me you will go ahead with it.”

EVANGELINE-  “It’s part of the way things are, besides, I can divorce if I’m not happy I suppose.”      

CHARLOTTE-  “I think you are a little more conflicted than you care to admit.”

EVANGELINE-  “Yes, whatever…now, maybe I shouldn’t go to LA?”

CHARLOTTE-  “Don’t be silly.  And grow up, show your maturity.  Be a proper mentor to this young woman.  Accept her feelings, whatever they are, but make clear the boundaries of your friendship.  She will accept it as long as you don’t make her choose between being your friend and having to give up your friendship just because her heart happens to have found you so interesting.  If you hurt her Lia I will deal with you myself.  I remember what it was like to be young and a little bit lost in the ways of love…and you should remember too.”

(In LA, the skies were overcast…)

ALICE-  “Hi, Tina?  It’s Alice…Alice from the Planet…the café…Alice…Al…you know…you were lost…just the other day…I was with Bette…Right, there you go.  Not to worry, I’m sure you’ve got a lot on your mind.  Yes Yes…how are you?  I hope it’s ok to be calling.  Good good.  Listen, there’s a reception gallery thing at Bette’s gallery this Friday, we thought you might like to come.  Sure.  Ok.  Say, you up for lunch tomorrow?  Oh, ok.  Really?  Where’s that?  Oh.  Well that’s interesting.  You’ll like that place.  Your brother has good taste!  Sure.  Ok.  No problem.  I’ll see you then.  Bye.”  (Alice hangs up and phones her friend.)  “Hey, it’s me.  She sounds excited about the gallery thing.  Yep.  I’m having lunch with her tomorrow.  She’s really nice.  I like her despite the fact I didn’t seem to make much of an impression!  Oh nothing, never mind…she remembered you though.  Whatever.  No, I’ll get her contact information tomorrow at lunch.  Take it easy Porter… she doesn’t need a personal invitation, she’s pretty sure she can make it.  Yeah all right.  Okay.  See ya later B.”

(Tina had hung up a few moments ago, but she still sat there, her hand resting on the receiver.  She felt excited, like the rest of her life was there to behold, to take hold of, to discover….all this in LA…New York seemed so far away now.  The phone rang, startling her.  She picks up…)