So, here we are, Bette said as the taxi pulled up outside the Metropolitan hotel in Mayfair. It looks nice.

Wow! Shane exclaimed as they piled out of the taxi. Thank ***** we got the rooms at a discount!

Hello, may I help you with your bags? a porter asked politely, gesturing to the pile of suitcases the taxi driver had deposited on the pavement.

Uh yeah, sure. Bette paid the taxi driver, then turned back to the waiting gang, who were looking up at the place in awe. Come on guys, lets go in.

They had ***** again, Alice whispered to Shane as they trailed behind Bette and Tina, watching the way their bodies kept brushing up against each others accidentally.

Yeah, even I couldnt miss the twinkle in their eyes, Dana agreed.

Twinkle in whose eyes? Tina asked, just catching the end of the conversation as they reached the reception desk.

No ones.

Yours.

Alice and Dana spoke at the same time, then turned and glared at each other.

Huh?

Look, they were just saying how happy you looked, Shane interjected. Its nice to see you two have stopped fighting and have started… She gestured with her hand and wiggled her eyebrows.

Thanks Shane, Tina said warmly, slipping her arm around her friends waist. Youre all cuddly under that hard ***** image of yours, arent you?

Ssh, dont tell anyone, Shane joked in a loud whisper.

Hey, were all checked in, Bette interrupted, handing out the keys. You three are on floor two, and were on floor seven.

So, what do you say we all go get settled in, and meet down here later for some dinner? Tina asked. I dont know about you lot, but I am starving.

The rest agreed, so they told the porter where they needed the suitcases, and made either way to the lift. Bette and Tina decided they would come down to the others rooms – which were conveniently next to each other – in an hour, and they would go to the restaurant together.

And dont forget to dress up, its a posh restaurant! Bette called through the closing lift doors at the second floor.

Tina chuckled as the lift started up again. What do you reckon Shane will wear?

She must have something, a shirt maybe? Bette suggested, taking Tinas hand and pulling her in close.

Youre about the same size; maybe you should go down in a bit and lend her some of your clothes?

Uh-uh. Bette shook her head. I am going to take a nice hot shower, and you are coming in with me.

Tina giggled. Sounds good. As long as were not late

Dinner was delicious, served in the Japanese restaurant in the basement of the hotel. Bette, Tina, Alice and Dana chatted while they ate, the conversation flowing as freely as the wine, while Shane eyed up the various bored wives dotted round the room.

A couple of hours later, as the buzz from the alcohol was beginning to take hold, Shane turned to Dana.

Hey Dane, what do you think of that blonde over there? She discreetly nodded towards the bar.

Shes cute, why?

Shes been staring at you for the last half an hour.

Yeah right, Dana replied sarcastically, waving the comment away. See, shes with that guy. The gang watched as a rather weedy man in a suit came up and kissed her on the cheek, then held out his arm for her.

So? Maybe she wants a bit of ***** on the side, Shane insisted.

Oh no, I am NOT getting mixed up in any of that.

Good for you Dana, Bette said. Its immoral.

Alice almost choked on her wine. What?! How can you, of all people, say that? she asked accusingly. You did exactly the same thing with Tina and Eric!

Tina looked at Bette. Shes right you know. You behaved terribly immorally.

Aah, but you see, I knew it was true love, Bette defended, placing her hand over her heart. And that you werent just some fickle bi-curious girl.

Hey!

Oh, sorry Alice. Bette grinned, letting Alice know she was just teasing.

It doesnt matter, Ive decided Im not bisexual anymore, Alice told them morosely. Im asexual.

Tina rubbed her back and poured her another glass of wine. Well have to change that while were over here then. Hook you up with some dashingly handsome women/men.

Yeah, Shane agreed, leaning in and lowering her voice as if to tell them a big secret. I hear the English girls are wild in bed.

And that accent Tina put her hand to her forehead and pretended to swoon.

Oh God, and the men are so smooth! Alice said excitedly, her glumness gone as quickly as it struck. Like James Bondhe is so ***** and gorgeous andmmmm! Dont you think?

There was a long silence as the rest of the table just looked blankly at her.


TO BE CONTINUED…