Yeah, thankswe really appreciate itit was soooo.thoughtful. Tina chuckled into the phone and tossed the contents of the manila envelope from one hand to the other. Bette, meanwhile, was sitting at the dining table watching Tina pace back and forth, between the act clutching her head and shaking it miserably. No, Bettes got to do the show thing tonightyeah, I might be up for itcan I call you later, I think shes having a panic attack or something, okay, bye. She placed both the phone and the HUGE bag of weed on the table, sat down, crossed her arms over her chest, and waited. Bette covered her face with her hands and sighed, I cannot believe she left that on our front door.

Tina: She apparently really appreciates us looking out for her

Bette: But does she have to show it by leaving aaan assload of illegal drugs at our home!

Tina: Well, maybefor herits less expensive than potpourri.

Bette rolled her eyes and gave Tina a disapproving look. You wanna make brownies? Tina asked through a giggle. I want that stuff OUT of here, right now! Bette commanded sternly. Tina lifted her eyebrows a bit at the warning in Bettes tone, FineIll return it to her tonight. Bette sighed with relief and started collecting her things to head to the gallery. I think Ill just take my suit with me and change therecan you please handle all the arrangements for New York? Tina nodded and walked Bette to the door. She turned around with a worried expression, and, understanding, Tina patted her on the shoulder, On my honor, I will return the package to Alice. Bette rewarded her with a soft kiss before jogging down to the car. But unbeknownst to Bette, while one of Tinas hands reached up to gently touch her concerned face, the other was behind Tinas back, crossing two fingers.

***

At Milk

Alice: Man, this suckstomorrows Monday already!

Shane: God, I think Im still stoned from last night

Tina: Wheres Dana?

Alice looked at Shane who then looked at Tina with a we all smoked A LOT of pot last night, how well does Dana stand up to that kind of chemical assault? look.

Tina: Ooooohyou know thats weird, cause shes like an athlete and stuff

Alice: I KNOW!
Shane: (archly) So did you and Bette have some fun last night?

Tina: NO! She was horrified, started running around the house and cursing the ***** out of you (points at Alice)I dont knowI think she thought a SWAT team was gonna come in crashing through the windows or something.

Shane: (winking) Well, maybe now that the initial shock has passed, you guys can use it relax tonight

Tina: She made me swear I would return it.

Alice: How incredibly ungrateful!

Tina: But my fingers were crossed when I said it, so it doesnt count.

Shane held her hand up for a high-five with Tina, and Alice raised her martini glass proudly. One of the most fiendish smiles Alice or Shane had ever seen appeared on Tinas face, I was thinking of making brownies. Shane sat back, thoroughly impressed with Tinas creativity to get Bette high.

Alice: I think you should smuggle it into New York!

Tina: Oh, come on!

Alice: (laughing) She would be so pissed if you did that.

Tina: What if I got arrested?

Shane: You know I usually dont condone illegal activities such as thisbut you would be my idol forever!

Alice: I can show you where to stash it, trust me you will NOT get caught.

Tina laughed uncomfortably, realizing that the two slightly tipsy, very stoned women sitting with her were actually kind of serious. Well, it doesnt hurt to dream right, she said with a chuckle, hoping that the topic would end there. Alice looked at Shane who looked at Tina with a we think this is a fabulous idea and this night isnt ending until you agree with us look.

***
At the gallery

Bette: Tina and I are so excited about this tripthank you so much for finding us a place to stay.

Art Buff Man: Well, Im so excited youve finally agreed! Youre gonna love it, its a cozy little loft in Chelsea.

Bette smiled, but for some reason, she suddenly had a really bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Maybe its just indigestion, she thought.

***

At Danas townhouse

Cmon Mr. Piddles, its your favorite, SALMONMr. P, Im trying to apologize to youMama splurged on you, godammit, now get your furry little ***** out here! Dana slammed the blue and gold feeding dish onto the tile floor of her kitchen and stood up. Feeling remorseful, she bent down and picked it up, slowly making her way up the stairs to her room. Cmon, P-man, I know weve hit a rough patch, but I wanna get through thisyou dont just throw away a relationship as deep and significant as ours.

She finally reached her bedroom to find Mr. Piddles sitting stoically on her bed, eyes boring into her soul. Dana swallowed hard to contain her emotion as she placed the dish of cat food on the nearby nightstand. She bent down on her knees in front of the chilly feline and looked straight into his eyes. I love you, Mr. P, she said simply, eyes glistening with tears. Mr. Piddles silently looked away, then met Danas tearful eyes. He extended one of his forelegs and placed a paw over one of Danas hands. Dana held back a sob as the sound of purring filled the room. She pulled the lovable hairball into her chest and started kissing every inch of fur.