Oh come on, everyones there. Bette still looked skeptical, We have alcohol.

Theres the key phrase I was looking for. Both women laughed and walked out of the house.

Bette, Alex said as they walked, I really want to thank you for talking to Marissa.

It was no big deal.

Youre always looking after me, and I really appreciate it.

Bette place a comforting arm around the shorter girl. If I didnt watch your *****, what kind of mother would I be?

Alex chuckled as they walked into the back yard of the other house.

The partys here! yelled Bette, I think we need to get out the hard liquor!

***** yeah! everyone yelled in agreement.

You know what I havent played with you guys in a long time? POKER! Alex yelled as she bumped fists with Shane.

Liquor in the front, poker in the rear! Shane and Alex yelled at the same time.

Oh god! Now theres two of them! exclaimed Alice at the prospect of hearing that dumb joke all night. Everyone headed inside to prepare for the game.

Everyone gathered around the dining room table at Bettes house since they had reasoned it was bigger than anything in Shane and Jennys house. Shane shuffled the deck of cards and began dealing them out.

Marissa, are you in? asked Shane when she got to her.

No, Im not good at Poker.

Thats ok Riss, youre on my team, Alex said with a wink, My team always wins.

Oh, none for me Shane! exclaimed Tonya, Danas so much better at Poker than I am.

Shane passed up Tonya and dealt the rest of the cards.

Lets make this game interesting, said Bette, returning from the kitchen with a bottle of tequila and a shot glass.

What did you have in mind? asked Alex with a smile.

Every time you fold, Bette explained as she sat, You have to take a shot.

That sounds like a really quick way to get drunk, said Jenny.

And Marissa and Tonya take a shot when Alex and Dana fold.

This ought to be fun, said Marissa sarcastically. She knew her and alcohol didnt mix well. But if she had managed to get through last night with only one beer in her, and Alex said she always wins, there should be no problem.

After three hours of Poker, Alex and Marissa were up three hundred dollars and everyone else was drunk as *****.

See, Alex said as she pulled in another hundred from the pot, I told you, I always win. Were going home rich! Alex kissed Marissa on the cheek.

I cant believe you guys are going home tomorrow, slurred Shane.

I know but we have to, replied Alex.

Yeah, my mom is having a party and she wants us there. Besides Ive got class, said Marissa.

I think thats the last round for me, said Alice as she took one last swig of her beer, I dont think my wallet can take it.

Yeah, Im done too, said Jenny.

Me too, said Bette as everyone began cleaning up, Besides Ive got to work tomorrow.

Marissa and Alex left with Jenny and Shane. Both went to bed right away with no fooling around before. They had to get up early to make sure that Marissa would make her classes on time. Not that there would have been any energy for fooling around anyway, both women fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.