Candace nodded unnoticed. She stood slowly and moved to step closer to Bette. She thought maybe a hug, for old time’s sake. But a glance at Bette’s stiff shoulders changed her mind.

"Okay, Bette. I’ll be in town for a couple of weeks. I guess I’ll call you for that coffee. Do you still live at… well,"

"No! No, I’ve moved out."

"Um, that’s good. That apartment’s too big for a single person."

"Yes, it was."

"So… can I still call you?"

"Here." Bette slid a card towards Candace, but didn’t turn completely around. "My cell’s on there."

"Right. Okay then I’ll call you some time."

"Bye."

"Bye Bette."

Too late. Five years too fucking late. Candace pocketed the card and turned to go. Before she reached the door, it flew open like an unfurling wing.

*****

Shane tucked a leg underneath her butt, wriggling a bit to get into a comfortable position. She sipped slowly at her slowly-cooling coffee. Her mind was still processing that she had just seen two women who looked so much like her childhood crushes. She remembered how as a nine year old, she used to sit in front of the TV wishing to see just a little bit more skin. Even as a little girl, her gaydar worked perfectly, pinging every time the two ladies were on screen together. Best friends my ass. She smirked into her coffee cup.

Alice contemplatively nibbled on her lower lip. Suddenly, she wanted to write fiction. Her brain furiously tried to make sense of what had just transpired. So they’re real? They’re real people? Well of course the actresses who played them were real. But weren’t their names Lucy and Renee? And I don’t think they live around here. If they did, there’d be a lesbian stampede in the produce store everytime they went for groceries. Alice’s eyes widened as she imagined the beautiful pair with some zuchinis.

Dana absently scratched her shoulder and watched her friends sink into thoughtful silence.

Finally, Alice snapped out of her reverie. She flicked Shane’s arm. The two friends shared a look and started laughing.

*****

"Tina?" Bette’s eyes flew from her ex-lover to her girlfriend. She repressed a surge of guilt. What the fuck do I have to feel guilty for?