Elsewhere at the party, Marina has joined after a day at The Planet.  Marina looks around as she meets up with Alice who is doing the same.  Neither find anyone else of note to talk to, finding themselves on a couch.

Alice ”Can’t find anyone interesting enough to talk to either, huh?”

Marina laughs.

Marina ”I am just happy to be here and hopeful Bette and Tina can find a donor.”

Alice ”Yeah, I don’t know if they’re having any luck with that or not.  …So what’s up with you?  You okay?  Planet’s not stressing you out is it?”

Marina ”No, Alice.  Everything is fine.  I just feel…”

Marina looks up in thought, amused at herself.

Marina ”I feel very relaxed.  It is as if all of the things that could stress me out have no meaning now.  I am among friends.  I have a business.  I think life is…swell.  It is very swell.”

Alice ”So uhh…you ever hear from Francesca?”

Marina ”She’s busy, in Europe.  It will be at least another six months before she is able to return home.”

Alice ”Wow, half a year, huh?  Well, I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone to occupy your time, right?”

Marina grins.

Marina ”I told myself that if such a thing were meant to be, it would be tonight.  I am not interested in a distraction.  I want something that is everlasting.  I want something that…can be envigorating.  Something moving.  I understand that my past is unchangeable.  Being here tonight however…it makes me think.  It makes me think that perhaps it is better to simply focus on my business.  So I can make my business, The Planet better than it already is.”

Alice ”Well, personally I think it’s already good.”

Marina ”Yes, I know, but I want to make it better.  I want to make it more than just the quaint little cafe that has an occasional evening party.  When Francesca returns, I want her to be amazed at how well things have improved.”

Alice ”That’s a pretty good goal.  And hey, don’t forget you’ve already got some high marks from L.A. Magazine.”

Alice gives a playful wink which brings forth a smile from Marina.

Marina ”Yes, thank you for the wonderful writeup.  I promise you, Alice…that you will never have to regret the kindness that you showed me in that review.  I think…I think that’s what I want to do with my life.  I want to make it better for all of us.  Not just myself or The Planet, but…also the people that I care about.  There is yourself of course.  There is Bette and Tina.  There is Shane and Dana.  You have all been wonderful.  I want to assure you that no matter what happens in this life, you have me as a dear friend.”

Alice ”Aww, Marina?  Getting all sentimental on me.  Come here.”

Alice and Marina give one another a hug on the couch before returning to their seated positions.  Marina leans back on the couch, almost laughing at herself.

Marina ”I am also incredibly tired.”

Marina laughs as Alice smiles.

Alice ”Really long day.”

Marina ”Yes.”

Marina stands with Alice almost immediately standing as well.

Marina ”It has been a good conversation with you as always.  I am going to say good evening to Bette and Tina and then be on my way.  I’m going to enjoy a very pleasant good night’s rest.”

Alice ”Well, good seein’ ya, Marina.”

Marina smiles.

Marina ”Always.”

As Marina departs, Alice looks around.

Alice ”Okay!  Let’s go back to getting drunk.”