“Helena, are you all right?” Alice asked softly, trying to reach for the other woman’s hand. But Helena quickly pulled away and wiped her eyes fast.

“I’m sorry Alice, you’ll have to excuse me. I really must go. Take care of yourself will you, darling?” The British woman said wile backing away towards the doors and quickly disappearing through them.

–

Dana was sitting at her standard table at the Planet, eating dinner. She was waiting for Lara to come out and eat with her. The chef had her dinner break about 9.00 PM and it was a slow night so it was perfect for them to eat together now Alice was drinking her weakly coffee with Helena Peabody. Dana had never been very fond of Helena. She did not know why. Alice said she just hated her on principle and maybe that was true. Correction: Dana did not hate Helena Peabody. She did not think anything at all about the heiress. She did not know her well enough to have a real opinion. But Alice seemed to like her so the woman was probably not as bad as Dana first thought. Dana lifted her gaze and saw the soup chef coming towards her with one plate in each hand.

“Here you go. This is a new dish I’m working on. Now you have to be brutally honest with me, because I’m not sure if I should add it to the menu yet.” Lara put the plates down and smiled sweetly.

“Okay.” Dana took a first bite. “Mmm! It’s delicious!” She exclaimed honestly and caused Lara to smile happily.

“Sure?” She asked, giggling a little. Then she moved her eye from Dana to the door. “Dana.” She said patting the brunette’s arm, causing her to look up from her meal.

“Al!” She called, standing up to greet her girlfriend. Alice approached them slowly with her hands in her back pockets. Dana drew her in for a hug and a kiss, which she responded to, but just barely. Dana did not seem to notice.

“Hiya. So here you are Eating.” Alice said changing her weight from one foot to the other.

“Yeah. Won’t you sit down, I’m sure Lara can get another plate for you.” Dana said, still standing up.