The girls where dancing up a storm and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Alice ducked off the floor to the lounge area to get to know Carla better. Shane had long since disappeared and no one expected to hear from her for a while. Jenny and Marina were pretty cozy and left and returned to the dance floor a few times, but they were too enamored in each other to notice anyone else. Dana and her date were standing at the bar drinking and talking, leaving Tina and Nya to themselves. The intensity between them could be likened to a five-alarm fire and Tina felt it best to back away a little to slow down and not get caught up in something she wasnt prepared to handle.

Can we sit this one out? Tina politely asked.

Yes, of course, Nya replied, taking Tinas hand as they walked toward a VIP room. Tina stopped as Nya slid the door open. Its okay, a couple of my friends and I are member and we reserved the room, Nya informed a now extremely nervous Tina.

A member? Tina asked not knowing what else to say.

Yeah, Ive been a member since shortly after they opened. Members get perks such as reduced drinks, access to the VIP, the ability to reserve the place for a private party, things like that, Nya informed and motioned for Tina to have a seat.

The room was stylishly furnished with art deco furniture and paintings and Tina felt immediately comfortable there. Nya pressed a button and was ready to speak through an intercom, What are you drinking? She asked. Cosmos, Tina replied and Nya requested that a waitress bring them drinks and an appetizer sampler. So, Ill give you five minutes to tell me as many things as you can about yourself, Nya stated, breaking the silence between them as she looked at her watch, causing Tina to immediately blush. Tina was having a hard time being the center of attention again. She rested her hands on her knees and turned to face Nya, whose beautiful face shone in the reduced light.

Tina was thankful for the change of pace and the muted sound of the room. Five minutes huh? Tina sighed. Wow! she giggled. Okay, go ahead.

Nya looked at her watch again and did the 3,2,1 countdown with her fingers. Tina giggled again.

Im newly single. My wife and I have been separated for a little over a month now. Im getting used to being single even though its scary sometimes, and I have no idea when or if Im getting back with my wife. I do miss her and I feel bad about the situation, but maybe we needed the time apart to fix what was wrong. God, that was double talk wasnt it, Tina stopped herself for a moment, but Nya motioned for her to continue. I just accepted a position at a prestigious development firm and its the first time Ive worked in almost two years. Well, I did some volunteer work recently that turned into a paying position before I accepted the full time position. I currently live with Alice, my best friend who you met earlier. The other girls are best friends too, but were all like family. Uhm, I cant of anything else, Tina stalled.

Youve still got a couple minutes, Nya teased. There has to be more.

Lemme see, Tina scratched her head. Well, I wasnt always a *****. I had boyfriends my entire adult life until I met my wife. I recently saw my ex boyfriend, Nya gave Tina a probing look. No, nothing happened, Tina giggled and waved her hand at Nya. And until now, Ive never been attracted to another woman, Tina blurted out without thinking. Oops! Tina covered her mouth.

Nya leaned forward and took Tinas hands in hers, sending currents through them both. Tina, I wish I could describe how beautiful I think you are, Tina looked down. Please dont do that, Nya put her hand under Tinas chin and lifted her head up. Thats a defeated look and youre anything but that. From what I can see, you have great character, charm, wit, and beauty that shines from within, Nya showered Tina with compliments. *****, you could be two hundred pounds and I swear Id still be attracted to you, Tina made a yeah right face. Im dead serious Tina. You simply have no idea of your aura? Nya shook her head, completely taken by Tina. I hope your wife realizes what shes given up in you, Nyas barrage of flattery continued. If I were her, Id be fighting tooth and nail to make things right again, Nya sighed.

Tina stood up as the sound of the knock on the door granted her pause. She slid the door open and took the tray from the girl. Add it to your tab Nya? The girl asked and Nya nodded.

Tina was completely spent by Nyas compliments and assessment of her. Being intrigued was an understatement and the best Tina could do to deal with it, was to take the drink and finish it in one gulp.

Bette
Bette arrived and nervously got out of the car. She paused before entering the large building before her, wondering what was in store on the other side. The call had been very cryptic and provided no definitive information she could use. The best she could do was to go in and find out what was in store for her. She paid the cover charge and walked into a world of colors, music, and fantasy. It was a vibrant change from being home.

Bette hadnt been inside more than a few minutes and she felt the tension and emptiness peel away. Friendly faces greeted her with smiles and flirty comments, but she only smiled in return. She found a vacant table and took a seat, as she scanned the room for familiar faces, but none could be seen. The building filled fifteen hundred at capacity and it seemed like there was that many people in the club. A slender waitress arrived, took her drink order, and left; leaving Bette to her still confused thoughts. The voice that invited her to come out wasnt one she recognized and she thought it could have been a setup or something. One drink and if I dont see anyone I know, Im leaving, Bette thought.

Hey luscious, a voice spoke from behind and Bette turned around. A beautiful woman like you shouldnt be here unescorted, the voice continued.

Bette eyed the blended beauty and smiled, but was not at all impressed or turned on by her approach. Hey yourself, but I assure you Im not here unescorted, Bette lied, hoping the woman would go away.

Well, I guess thats both good and bad isnt it? the woman continued.

And whys that? Bette sassily replied, really wishing the woman would leave her alone.

Good because if you were here alone, Id be inclined to want to keep you company, and bad because your date has left you alone enough for me to temporarily keep you company, the woman continued her advances.

Bette scanned the room again and saw a large framed woman who could easily passed for Chyna, the professional wrestler and pointed to her. There she is and shes on her way back, Bette lied again, with a smirk and saw the look of fear in the strangers eyes.

Well, it was nice talking to you luscious. Hope you enjoy the rest of your night, and with that, she was gone leaving Bette to laugh loudly at the woman.

The waitress returned with Bettes drink and she took it, and began perambulating around the vast building. She saw some faces shed seen at other clubs in the LA area, but none that shed want to talk to and she continued on. Bette made her way around the wrap around bar and ran into a friendly face that she did want to talk to and they met each others face with a huge smile.

Bette!

Dana!

And the women folded into a tight and warm embrace. Oh my goodness! Its so great to see you, Bette gushed. Ive missed you, she spun Dana around, looking her up and down as if shed gotten a new body. You look great. Your training is paying off. Look at those arms, Bette fawned over Dana.

Oh stop it! Dana dismissed, I look the same as I always did, she brushed off Bettes remarks. So, what brought you out here? Its a pretty out of the norm for you isnt it? Dana questioned.

True, Bette agreed, but I got this weird phone call telling me to come out here. I dont know who it was because she didnt identify herself, she elaborated. The caller made it seem like I should absolutely come out, so I did, Bette went on, never once realizing that it was Dana who called her.

Oh yeah? That is odd, Dana played dumb. Im not sure I would have come out on a strangers invitation, Dana continued her charade. She sure must have been convincing?

Vague, but convincing, Bette noticed Danas date looking at her. Oh, Im sorry, Im Bette Porter, good friend of Danas, Bette introduced herself.

Im sorry Bree, Dana apologized. Bree, Bette. Bette, Bree. Shes a volleyball champ and future Olympian, Dana detailed.

Nice to meet you, Bree firmly shook Bettes hand.

Likewise, and nice grip, Bette laughed.

The trio made small talk, had more drinks as Bette learned more about Bree, and went Bree excused herself to the ladies room, Dana used the time to confess.

Bette, I have to tell you something, Dana began, I was the one who called you.

Bette gave Dana a quizzical look. You did? Why?

I know it was your choice to stay away from us while you and Tina dealt with the situation, but I never wanted it like that. I didnt really want to take sides. None of us did, Dana put her cards on the table.

Alice did! Bette replied defensively, but she had her reasons and I cant blame her for that, Bette admitted.

Well, whatever the case, I think it time that we all at least made some time to talk and start to clear the air somehow, Dana spoke with extreme clarity for someone whod been pounding drinks all night. Tina is in a better place now and isnt as fragile as she used to be. None of the others know youre here and Im not sure where theyre all at now, but if you want to stick around, Ill try to find them, Dana looked away to scope the room.

Dana, I really appreciate what you did and what youre trying to do, but shouldnt this be Tinas decision? Bette asked a little fearful that her presence might cause contention and not comfort.

Yeah, it should be Tinas decision, but honestly, I dont think shed be mad if she saw you, Dana supposed. Plus, I know the others would love to see you and shed be pleasant toward you in front of them, Dana finished the remains of her drink.

Look, Im all for seeing everyone and trying to at least patch up our friendship, but I dont want to compromise Tina in the process, doubt shrouded Bettes words. Shes come a long way and it wouldnt be fair to set her back. Especially now when shes celebrating and ready to take on new endeavors, Bette tried to convince Dana who was visually countering Bettes words.

Ill tell you what, Dana rubbed Bettes arm in reassurance. Let me find her and talk to her. Ill tell her that youre here at my invitation and see how she takes it. Then Ill come back and let you know whats going on. Cool? Dana smiled convincingly.

Okay. I guess theres no arguing with you, Bette conceded.

Good. Let Bree know Ill be right back okay? And Dana walked away in search of Tina.