Tina, Alice, and Lara shoot their hands into the air like they’re at a rock concert. Dana smiles proudly as she walks over and stands next to Bette and Shane.

Bette turns to Shane, a triumphant smirk on her face. “Dana and I will get cracking on your wild whiskey soirée—with the finest single malt your best woman can find.”

Shane’s eyes go soft. She steps forward and drapes an arm around Bette’s shoulders. “I’ve got chills already.”

Carmen laughs. “Whatever…” she turns to Tina, Alice, and Lara. “Girls, our wine night is, it’s gonna be fucking amazing.”

Alice leaps up, looping an arm around Carmen’s neck. “Of course, it is—because I’m in charge.”

Carmen narrows her eyes and teases, “Uh, co-in charge.”

Alice throws up her hands, beaming. “Of course.”

Shane chuckles and looks at Carmen as she nods to Alice. “Good luck with that baby…”

Carmen sticks her tongue out at Shane, giggling.

“Alright, let’s eat, people,” Bette announces, setting the sizzling steaks among bowls of potato salad, corn on the cob, and a platter of grilled vegetables.

Alice nudges Tina as they drift toward the table. “So, you’re certainly very calm and seem to be in a satisfied mood…something changed with you being uncomfortable at Bette’s place?” she asks, her voice laced with playful intrigue.

Tina blushes, her cheeks blooming with warmth as she glances over at Bette, who is busy arranging the silverware. “Let’s just say I sorta took your advice about cleansing the house….” she replies, her voice teasingly cryptic.

Carmen giggles and gives Tina a light nudge. “Ooh, Tina Kennard…I need details, girl…” she says, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Tina laughs, a melodic sound that floats through the air, and she shrugs nonchalantly. “Maybe later…” she says with a wink, before making her way over to the table. She slips her arms around Bette’s waist from behind, pressing herself into the comforting warmth of her girlfriend.

“Hey baby…” Bette greets her with a smile that lights up her eyes.

“Hey, you…” Tina replies flirtatiously, rising onto her tiptoes to gently nibble on Bette’s ear, the playful intimacy sending a shiver through them both. “You know I’ve been a little sore all day…”

Bette’s smile widens as she turns within Tina’s embrace. “Oh yeah? What kind of sore?” she asks, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.