“To be honest…  I was feeling like an idiot that I didn’t recognize you.”  She said with a blush.

Alice felt so stupid when she went to register.  Dana had apparently mentioned she would be there and the registrar had no problems adding Daniel to Dana’s team.  Then she mentioned that she was lucky to get the spot since Miss Fairbanks’ team was one of the most popular.  She went on to say it wasn’t every team that was coached by a former professional athlete.

Alice almost slapped her forehead.  Dana was “the” Dana Fairbanks.  She was not only a tennis superstar, but, a very out lesbian.  How could she have not recognized her?  Alice actually thought about taking the registration forms back, but, Daniel was with her and so excited.  She figured she would try to just duck Dana and maybe look for another league.  Not her best plan, but, it was the one she thought of to save face.

Now she realized how stupid that was.  Even moms can be immature at times.  

“You won Wimbledon.  You are… beyond famous.  I guess I never expected to just run into someone like you in the park.”  Alice ended lamely.

“I’m not really famous.  I mean to some people I guess I kinda am.  I mean I was I guess.  But I love that you didn’t know.  Wait.  I like that you talked to me just for me.  And my obviously advanced conversational skills.”  Dana ended her stammering and noticed Alice looking at her fondly.  It gave her some courage.  “Really, Alice.  I’m just Dana.”

Alice gave a warm smile that the issue seemed to be resolved.  She was really drawn to Dana and it was difficult to avoid her.  “Thanks.  We’ll be at the next practice for sure.”  The smile that Dana gave could have lit the whole store.  

“Mom?  Cupcakes.”  Alex interrupted the moment.

“I shouldn’t have saved my shopping until so late.”  Dana said with a sigh.  At Alice’s confused expression, she explained her cupcake dilemma.  She did not relish running around to various stores trying to find some.

“You could bake cupcakes.”  Alice said in a way that tried hard to make it not sound like such an obvious answer.

Now it was Dana’s turn to blush.  “Uhhh…  Not my strongpoint.”  She dropped her head.  “I can grill with the best of them and use the stovetop, but, I am not even sure how to use the oven.”  She finished with a mumble.

When she finally found the courage to raise her eyes, she found herself looking into the slightly amused eyes of Alice.  “Maybe I can assist?  It’s the least I could do for your help with getting Daniel on the team.”  Alice said with an impish grin.

“Really?”  Dana smiled and her relief showed.  “That would be great.”  She got her game face on as she proceeded to step out of her comfort zone.  “Just tell me what we need.”  Alice laughed as they turned their carts toward the baking aisle.  “Do you have a cupcake pan?”  Alice asked.

“Tell you what…”  Dana said with a smile.  “Let’s assume I don’t have anything.  It might be easier.”

Alice laughed once again as she thought that even a simple shopping trip could be made special if you were with the right person.