What? Shane exclaims.

Oh *****, comes from Alice.

Youre saying that Tonyayour Tonyais engaged to a man? I didnt know what else to say. I couldnt believe what I was hearing. How is that possible? How did you find this out?

Someone from HRC called last night to make sure everything in Palm Springs was good. Anyway, she told me that Tonya is straight and that she even met her fianc. Dana could barely get out the last few wordsthe tears were flowing more than ever.

God, Dane. I wish I could say something to make it all better. Shane put her hand on Danas shoulder. Do you know who he is?

No, she sniffs, I didnt think to ask. What am I going to do?

Well figure it out, Dana, Alice said, looking at me and Shane.

After sitting in the Planet for several hours, we eventually got Dana to stop crying enough to tell us whatever details she knewthen we decided to come up with a plan. At the end of it all I didnt know what else to say. I just remembered how I felt the night I found out about Bette and Candace and I wanted to take that pain awayfor my friend. My teeth clenched involuntarily. I have to talk to Bettenow.

Listen guys, I say, I have to go take care of something. Alice, you can fill me in on any other plans when I see you. Dana, youll get through this.

Thanks Tina, Dana responds as I stand up, that means a lot. I leave the three of them sitting at the table and walk out to my car. Ill call the house to make sure Bettes there. No, Tina, just go byyoull lose your nerve and just hang up.

Driving by the house, I see the empty driveway. Bette isnt homeI knew I should have called. I think Ill go grab some lunch and take it to the park. I stop by a diner near the house and pick up a club sandwich and some iced tea. Arriving at the park, I find a parking spot at the far end of the lot and sit on a nearby bench. Theres a game of basketball going on near me and some kids are playing soccer on the far field. All the activity and people hereno wonder I didnt find a parking space closer to the entrance. After finishing up my sandwich, I notice the crowd is beginning to thin and decide to take a walk. I need to think about what Im going to say to Bette. I begin winding my way through the treeslistening to the crickets and birds chirpwatching squirrels chase each other. I soon emerge at the other end of the park. By now, most of the people are gone. The soccer field is empty and the basketball players, now in the distance, are disbanding. I stop walking and take in the viewthats when I see her. Bette is sitting at a bench near the park entrance. Even from this distance I can tell its her. That figurethat body language. Thats my Bette. I begin walking againIll just talk to her here instead of at the house. But who is that with her? It looks like a woman. My breath catches in my throat for the second time todayCandace! She apologizedshe asked me for forgivenessshe lied to me. I watch them momentarilyuntil I cant look any more. I turn and walk back to my car. I cant drive right nowIm too upset. Ill just sit there until I can think straight again.

Finally regaining control of my thoughts, I notice the sun beginning to set. During the short drive back to Alices, I decide to find my own place. Its evident that Bette and I are over and I cant keep sponging off Alice forever. Ill start looking tomorrow. Tonight, I just want to have some funsomething I havent done in a long time.

To Be Continued