At Alices

Alice showered and found some comfortable clothes to wear. She still felt a little weak and didnt want anything tight or restrictive on. She gathered her notes, her tape recorder, and put them all into her messenger bag, then headed out the door. Alice was half way down the stairs when it occurred to her that she couldnt drive her car today.

*****! She fumed out loud and headed back to her apartment where she promptly dialed the insurance company to see about getting a rental. She pounded the buttons, as she had to go through all the voice prompts before she spoke to a person. By then she was furious and almost snapped on the man who answered the phone, but she maintained her cool knowing that he stood between her and getting her car fixed as well as a rental. After spending nearly twenty-five minutes on the phone going over details, Alice was finally given the information she needed and hung up the phone. Alice called a cab to take her to work and would call Dana later to see if she could take her to get the rental.

At the Club

Lara!

Dana!

They each exclaimed looking at each other in disbelief.

Dana fidgeted as she looked at Lara before averting her eyes. Lara looked her up and down with a smile.

You look good Dana. Havent seen you around lately, Lara tried to break the ice and ease Danas nervousness.

Uhm, thanks. You, uh, you look good too, Dana stepped back not liking the closeness between them.

So, how have you been? Lara was still eyeballing Dana. Ive heard good things about your campaign.

Why is she being so nice to me? Dana thought. Wow! And she looks great too! Hot actually. Dana continued. Oh, Ive been good. The campaigns going really well. Thanks for asking.

Lara walked to her locker, opened it, and began to remove her jacket. Dana tried not to look at her, but memories of their initial encounters forced themselves into her mind and she had to sit down. A wave of guilt swept over her causing knots in her stomach.

You okay Dana? Lara touched Danas shoulder making her jump. Im sorry, I didnt mean

Its not you. Im sorry. I just, I mean I should ha

Lara swallowed hard. The pain of their breakup had made her take an assignment in Arizona for a while so she could clear her head. When she came back, she thought that she was over Dana until she watched her play and realized she was still very much attracted to her. Lara avoided her if she thought Dana would come in to eat or be in the locker room while she was there and she was unprepared for this moment.

Yes, you should have Dana, Lara cut in. You tossed me aside like a disposable pen and it hurt. I never pegged you as being like that.

Dana felt the words cut like a knife and she wanted to turn and run out of the locker room. She sat back down, pulling Laras hand to make her sit too.

I know I was an ***** to you and Im sorry. Everything was caving in and I panicked and blamed you for my insecurities. I was wrong and I understand if you hate me now, Dana gave Lara a woeful look. It was wimpy of me to avoid you, but I really am sorry for treating you the way I did, Lara stopped Dana with a tender kiss on the lips as she felt the sincerity in her voice.

Dana initially responded and then caught herself and stood up.

*****! Dana fussed as she covered her face with her hands. I shouldnt have done that. *****!

What? Lara inquired. I didnt mean to upset you. I just, well, I thought I still felt something between us.

Lara, look, Dana tried to find the right words. Uhm, I do think youre still great and all that, but, but Im err, Im with someone new and I

I understand. Im sorry, Lara looked sad. I shouldnt have crossed the line without asking. I hope I
No, you didnt, Dana interjected, putting her hand on Laras mouth. I should have been stronger and stood up for myself. Please dont blame yourself. May I do one thing before I go, cause I really have to go, Dana asked in almost a plea.

Whats that?

Dana planted a slow, soft kiss on Laras mouth and Lara still had her eyes closed as Dana pulled away.

I just needed to get that out of my system, Dana confessed. Plus I owed you that for the way I acted back then.

Lara opened her eyes, staring intently into Danas eyes. Wow, youve really changed, Dana gave Lara a confused glare. No, its a good change. Whoever she is, she must be good to you and I hope it works out. You deserve to be happy, Dana couldnt believe what Lara was saying.

You really mean that?

Yeah. Youre a great girl and *****, this is the best second breakup from the same person Ive ever had, Lara laughed.

Look, I really have to go, but it was great seeing you. Again, Im sorry for hurting you, but I hope we can still be friends?

Of course, Lara said sweetly, as she watched Dana leave. Damn that girl is so hot!

Outside

Dana ran all the way to the car and jumped in before she stopped to catch her breath. I cant believe that just happened, Dana thought. *****! Should I tell Alice? She continued. Yeah, I better cause if it comes out Im gonna get flustered and Al will kick my *****, she mused, as she cranked the ignition.

Elsewhere, in another part of town

Can this day be over already? Alice fussed, munching on a now cold bagel.

Bread, crackers, and soup were the only things shed been able to tolerate and she desperately wanted something of substance to eat. Another hour and I can get the heck outta dodge, see Dana, and hopefully get some real food, Alice mumbled, scribbling the final notes for her article.

Time ticked away and Dana was now back home, showering, and preparing for her evening with Alice. She slid into a tight fitting t-shirt, form fitting, low-slung capris, and a pair of Keds. She knew that her appearance would soften the blow she had to give Alice and make their evening more tolerable. Then shed throw in the news of their trip to New York and all could be smooth.
Dana smiled at her plans, threw herself across the bed, and dialed Alices cell.

Hey cutie! Dana complimented. Hows your day? Damn! That bad? Aww, Ill have to fix that. *****! I forgot about that. Okay, Im on my way. Oh, one more thing. I saw Lara at the club, Dana paused. Yeah, she looked great. We talked. We settled how I broke up with her. Yeah, yeah, she took it well. And I, uhm, I kissed her, Dana pulled the phone away from her ear as Alice screamed into it. Calm down, its not like you think. ***** Al, gimme some frickin credit for heavens sake. No, it was an, Im sorry I hurt you, Im an *****, please forgive me, tap kiss, Dana embellished a little. Yes, Im sure. Of course I am. She even gave you a compliment, Dana knew that would smooth things out. Yeah, she said she wished us well and that you must be a really good person. No, she doesnt know youre seeing me, she didnt ask. No, youre right it doesnt really matter. Look, I wanna see you. I missed you today and I have great news. Nope, not telling til I see you, so you can properly thank me. Yes, I know. Its all your fault, Dana laughed. Im your little hussy and you like it. Okay, lemme go so I can getcha outta that office and your clothes, Dana burst out laughing and hung up the phone.

Dana took the time to arrange some candles; she put bath salts and bubble bath in the tub, and sprayed air freshener around the apartment. She wanted things to be setup ahead of time so she could dedicate her time and attention to Alice. Dana wrote up a coupon indicating their trip to New York and with a smile of satisfaction headed to the door.

She opened the door and was greeted by…