“Just as well the place is virtually deserted – we are drawing attention to ourselves “

“I would say that was what happened when one is foolish enough to be seen in public with Alice and Dana – isn’t Dana seeing your assistant ?”

“Lara – yeah – they have had a few dates “

“So where is she ?”

“I think they are treading carefully – especially with Alice still – well – she’s Ms Unpredictable about these things “

“You hear about the party ?”

“What ? – you mean Alice’s party ?”

“Yeah – maybe on reflection it wasn’t tactful for Dana to take Lara along but there were some moments that were just so uncomfortable. Dana apparently had helped Alice pick out a new bed”

“Oh dear “

“Which made Alice pretty maudlin “

“I am yet to see her like that “

“Trust me – it is bad “

“I can believe – Bette’s told me how bad Alice gets when she is down – she seems okay at the moment “

“I think Bette’s comment about always picking a weekend away with you was a small footstep of tactlessness “

Tina sighed “We do try with Alice but “

“You don’t like her “ Helena said

“What ?”

“You don’t like her “

“Where did you glean that from ?”

“You don’t “

Tina shook her head “She’s not my best friend but I know that Bette cares about her “

“But if you had your way you would have nothing to do with her”

Tina sipped her beer “I like Shane more – in fact I love Shane to pieces “

Helena smiled “ Don’t worry – its not compulsory for all lesbians to get on “

“I don’t dislike her Helena – I just prefer other people. And I am delighted that Dana is with Lara “

“So what news from down on Walton’s farm ?”

“We are going over there for Easter “

“Will it be the first time that Willow will have been back home ?”

“Yes- I don’t think she’s going to be easy to deal with “

“How come Finn is so laid back – laid back to the point of horizontal, you are fairly placid though a little fire cracker at times and then there is Willow who has always had the most dynamite temper ?”