Two more women appeared at that point smiling their good mornings and pulling over chairs.  Alice, Carrie noticed, visibly withdrew, as the redhead settled next to her and the brown-haired beauty glanced over at her with a concerned look.  Everyone called them Dana and Lara.  Carrie realized she recognized, Dana Fairbanks?

            Dana smiled.  Yeah.

            Wow, said Carrie.  Im a big fan.  I saw you at the US Open last year.

            Really what match? Dana asked.

            Davenport, Carrie responded and Danas face fell.  Hey, at least you made it to the fourth round.  It was just tough luck you had to go up against the world number one.  I mean shes a Wimbledon champ.  It was a tough match.

            Thanks, um, who are you? Dana asked, finally realizing she had no idea who she was talking to.

            Last to the party yet again, Dana, Shane laughed.

            I know.  Im really sick of being the last one to know things around here, Dana whined and Lara, who Carrie figured must be Danas girlfriend, took Danas hand and kissed it.

            Poor baby, she said.  Alice rolled her eyes.

            So ***** cute, Bette muttered.

            Gross, Carmen breathed, with indulgent humor.

            Enough, enough, Carrie halted them, good-naturedly.  Hi, Dana, Lara, Im Tinas sister Caroline.  Its nice to meet you both.

            I didnt even know Tina had a sister, Dana said and she looked over at Alice.

            I ***** know you arent lookin at me, Alice said, with barely contained animosity.  It was never my job to keep you informed.

            Did you know? Dana asked.

            Yes, Bette interjected.  Alice knows about Tinas family.  This isnt a competition Dana.  Lets not fight about it.  I had never even met Caroline until today.

            Why? Dana asked.

            Shane shook her head.  Leave it alone, Dana.

            Oh, Dana said.  Shanes warning tone conveyed everything.  Sorry.  She smiled at Carrie.  Youll learn to just ignore me.      

            Carrie laughed.  Im already there, she muttered so only Bette could hear.

            Bette looked at her and raised an eyebrow.  You are so much like your sister.

            God, I hope so, Carrie sighed.  Bette squeezed her arm.