“I thought you were doing a play in San Diego?” Dana asked.

“Yeah, I was,” Ellie replied wistfully.  “It was a great show.  But, the funding ran out about two months ago, and I was kicked out on my ass.  I took that, plus the whole Dave thing, as a sign that I should come spend some time with my little sister in L.A.!”   

“Right,” Alice said, trying to remain noncommittal in her response.  “See, the thing is, I’m not really going to have a lot of time to do sisterly stuff together, El.  Things are a bit hectic right now.”

“Yeah, I know,” Ellie replied, glancing at Dana understandingly.  “But, I thought I might be able to help out there, too.  You know, I could make dinners for you and keep the place clean while you’re out… I could do all the stuff you won’t have time for.”

“You mean you’ll be my maid?” Alice asked, unable to stop herself from dissolving into a fit of laughter.  “El, I love you, but you can barely make Kraft Dinner without burning down the kitchen.”

“Oh, I heard about that,” Dana interjected, as she joined in Alice’s laughter.

“That only happened once,” Ellie responded indignantly.  “And, it was ten years ago!  Don’t you forget anything, Alice?”

“I’m your little sister, El,” Alice said with a mischievous grin.  “It’s my job to never let you live stuff like that down.”

“You’re only two years younger than me,” Ellie grumbled quietly.

“Two and a half years,” Alice amended, laughing as Ellie glared at her.  

Dana smiled to herself as she watched the two women bickering.  Ellie was exactly as Dana had pictured her: a slightly more hyper version of Alice.  

“So, what do you think?” Ellie asked, gesturing toward her bag and giving Alice a pleading look.  “Or, should I start searching for a comfy-looking cardboard box on Sunset Boulevard?”

“Of course you’re welcome to stay as long as you want,” Alice answered after only a split second’s hesitation.

“Thanks, sis; you’re the best!” Ellie declared, pulling Alice into another rough hug.

“Just promise not to use the stove while you’re here,” Alice squeaked out as she returned Ellie’s embrace.

“Fuck you,” Ellie replied with a laugh as she pulled away.  Smiling brightly at Alice and Dana, she suddenly noticed that they were dressed to go out.  “Were you guys going somewhere when I arrived?” she asked.