While Shane sat thinking, Alex and Marissa snuck up to the edge of the pool and splashed water on Shane.

Awe man! What the ***** is your problem? Now Im going to have to change!

Boo, you *****! Get your skinny ***** in here! Alex reached up and grabbed Shanes leg, pulling her into the pool. Shane dove in, splashing the girls twice as hard. Shane took off her clothes and threw them on the patio as they began splashing each other.

Alice and Jenny walked out to the patio, drawn to investigate by the giggling and splashing. Dana and Tonya followed them out to see the three naked women splashing in the pool.

This looks like a party! squealed Alice.

So then are they back together? asked Tonya.

It certainly looks like it, Dana said as she pointed out the two girls kissing.

Well then, Tonya said as she nuzzled Dana, I think this calls for drinks!

Anything with alcohol sounds great! yelled Jenny at Tonya as she dragged Dana back inside the house to make drinks.

Jenny and Alice sat down in two lawn chairs that werent sopping wet from the splashing.

So has anybody heard from Marina at all? asked Jenny.

I think shes been keeping in touch with Bette. Youd have to ask her, replied Alice.

Right

Do you miss her?

Sometimes, yeah. I mean, its ok to miss her, right?

I suppose, Alice shrugged her shoulders, I mean, if you didnt miss anything, you wouldnt be human.

There are days I dont feel human.

I think everyone has those days. It seems like Tonya has them everyday.

They laughed, Shes interesting like that.

Interesting is not the word Id use.

Tonya came out carrying two glasses of something that looked vaguely like a margarita. She set them on the table on the patio. Alice, sweety, could you go in and grab some of the other glasses?

Alice tried her best to put on a smile, Uh, sure.

Alice walked into the kitchen where Dana was pouring the last of the margarita mix into glasses.

What are you doing in here? asked Dana.

Ton Ton asked me to grab some of the glasses, explained Alice as she approached Dana.

You know our rules. We cant be alone together.

Fine, Im going. Alice grabbed two of the glasses, nearly hitting Dana in the process.

Careful, Dana warned as their faces lingered close together.

Im trying, whispered Alice as she gazed into Danas eyes. I really want to kiss you.

I want to kiss you too.

Why is this so hard for us?

Maybe if we slept together it might ease the tension.

Or build it up even more.

We dont know until we try.

When can you get away from Ton Ton?

Tomorrow night. Shes going to some work thing in Newport. Shell be gone all night.

My place or yours?

Yours, incase she does come home.

Ok, seven all right?

Make it eight.

Eight it is.

They gazed into each others eyes another second before Alice turned and walked back out to the patio. Shane, Alex, and Marissa were putting on their clothes when she got out there. Dana followed with three more glasses. Each woman grabbed a glass. Alex held it up for a toast, everyone else followed suit.

To LA, the most incredible city in the world. And to my amazing friends, after three years, you guys are still saving my *****, she turned to Marissa, And to Marissa, who is not the first person to give me a second chance, she glanced over at Shane, But will be the last. She and Marissa kissed as everyone else looked on at the tender moment. Um, to LA.

To LA, everyone else replied. They all clinked their glasses together and sipped the drink.

Oh my god, guys, wheres Bette? exclaimed Alex, She should totally be here.

I think shes still at home, replied Shane.

Im gunna go get her. Ill be right back, Alex said as she turned and ran next door. She heard someone talking as she entered the house.

Wait a minute, what? How? Bette asked into the telephone. Alex cautiously entered the kitchen, listening for any hint of what the conversation was about. Oh my god, T, this is Bette let out an exasperated sigh, I dont know what to say