Alice playfully hit Dana’s hand on the table. “I certainly don’t ‘like’ like the guy!!! He’s my boss & that ***** Linda kisses his ***** all the time & he totally lets her! I can’t let her win the good stories without a fight.”

“I’m flattered Al. So you think I’m that good, haa? That I can make you a tennis star overnight? Then your boss will like you & want to play tennis with you on weekends & then You become friends & this way you win over Linda What a plan!!!” Dana started to laugh hysterically, Alice tried to look offended & hurt but she flashed a smile too. Dana continued between breaths “If what you do also is not *****-kissing, I can safely announce that my ***** has never been kissed”

Alice‘s mouth delivered a weak “Yeah right!” exclamation. In her head she thought “What about Tonya, the queen of the ***** kissers?” Of course she could never share that comment.  

When Dana finally composed herself Alice merely asked: “Will you help me or not Fairbanks?”

“I’ve already told you, I will. It’s gonna be a night to remember. I’ve already booked the court at the club.”

Alice still had Tonya in her head: “Are you sure Tonya won’t mind?” She was sure she definitely would. She rarely left Dana alone with anyone. Some people might say it was only love in its early days but not Alice. She did not trust Tonya. She thought Tonya was ‘over’ of everything Over-controlling, over-protecting, over-reacting Alice feared that she was loosing Dana to ‘Tonya overdose’

“Why would she? Besides she went to visit her parents. She’s absent for tonight.”

Dismissing the Tonya subject once again, Alice asked: “All jokes aside, do you really think you could teach me to hit a ball or two? I used to suck at PE, at school you know.”

“I think I could. Well I’m not promising you’ll be good. But if you suck, I’ll teach you to suck with dignity on the court.” Dana smiled once again.

“I hate you Fairbanks, you’re enjoying this too much. I hope I’ll get my revenge someday”

After that, Dana drew a court over a paper & taught about the rules, the game system and some general knowledge about famous players & tournaments & unforgettable moments in the simplest form so that Alice could chit chat with her boss about tennis like she was really into the game.

She was beginning to like the game, actually. Dana made it look so simple & passionate at the same time. She wrote little notes on the paper & continued to talk; she enjoyed the topic so much, naturally. Dana was all over the paper but Alice threw a look from time to time to meet the sparkles radiating from her best friend. Dana was practically glowing; her eyes became the brightest tone of blue. Alice felt special to be the best friend of this special woman. And she prayed that Tonya deserved her too.

They left the Planet together. Dana went on her separate way to her Subaru when Alice called out her name & came close.

“I’m sorry Dana about the way I’ve reacted. It’s just that you’re my best friend & I saw your heart got broken once. I don’t think I can witness it again, that’s all.” She held Dana’s hands tight. Dana stood there smiling for a while & mustered a weak but sincere “Thank you”

Alice kissed Dana’s one cheek & walked away to her mini. “See you at the club tonight” she shouted without stopping or turning back.

Dana finally sat on her leather driver’s seat & let out a “Wow” from her mouth. She rested her head before she turned on the engine. Maybe she was moving too fast with Tonya after all.

TBC