Bette smiled back at Tina as she sat down at the edge of the booth. Soon to arrive was Alice who gave Bette a kiss on the cheek and moved to give what at best was an awkward hug to Lara. She motioned to the center of the booth and Lara rose to let Alice sit on the inside, where she hugged and kissed Tina. Shane could see them talking about Alice’s new haircut as Alice blushed and lowered her head. She had to admit she looked hot. Shane sat back smoking a cigarette as Bette and Tina rose to get drinks at the bar, leaving Alice and Lara in an awkward silence. Lara leaned in and began talking to Alice in what seemed like a comforting manner. Shane could see what Dana saw in her. Her mannerisms were smooth and gentle with ordinary tasks. She brushed the hair from her face, reached for her drink and covered her mouth when she laughed like a work of art. Alice, no matter how strong, wouldn’t last long in this one-on-one with Lara. In fact, before long, Alice was blushing and leaning into the conversation. Lara had broken her. If this kept up, they might actually be friends.

Bette and Tina returned to the table with Jenny in tow. Jenny sat next to Lara, as Bette moved into the booth next to Alice, and Tina resumed her spot next to Bette. Shane new that eventually she would have to go over and disrupt this family reunion of sorts, but she sat back watching with intensity as she lit another cigarette. A waitress came over and refilled Shane’s drink as she leaned against that wall. With her moment of distraction Shane didn’t notice Dana’s arrival at the table. The frazzled tennis pro made her apologies for being late while ordering a drink from another waitress. Dana’s usual awkward demeanor seemed cloaked in a new confidence that Shane could only imagine came from Lara’s natural ability to bring out the best in everything she touched. Dana leaned in and kissed Lara, smiling into her mouth and blushing. The original Dana Fairbanks always made an appearance if you gave her time. She pulled out of the kiss and blushed lowering her head. Lara lifted her chin and gave her a quick tender kiss, letting her know everything was ok. Dana and Alice exchanged brief pleasantries as the group became enraptured in each other’s busy lives.