Tile.

Bette, Tina, Lara, and Dana are there, waiting for the rest to arrive.  Shane and Carmen arrive.  They all greet each other with hugs and kisses on the cheek.

Tina ”Where’s Mark?”

Carmen ”I don’t know.  Had to go out and do something, but he-”

Mark arrives.

Mark ”Hey guys.  Sorry I’m late.”

Shane ”Well…”

Shane looks around, noticing that Alice is missing.

Shane ”You’re not the last arrival.”

Lara ”Is Alice coming?”

Shane ”I told her what time to be here.”

Mark ”There she is.”

Mark sees her arrive.  The others turn toward her.  Alice appears meek, but with a smile.

Alice ”Hey, guys.”

As everyone gathers at the table, looking over their menus, the various pleasant conversations take place with Mark feeling thankful to be part of it.  One of the subjects is his taking a breather from his relationship with Lola.  On one side sit Bette, Tina, Dana, and Lara.  On the opposite end are Mark, Shane, Alice, and Carmen with Carmen across from Lara.  The recommendation from the restaurant this evening is lobster, which everyone decides to order.

Back at Bette and Tina’s, Kit and Angus babysit Angelica and get to know each other better.

Tile.

Dana and Lara mention taking a food and wine tour in France on the 15th, ”next month.”  Nothing is discussed about the nature of lobsters as they are cooked.  The various conversations continue.

Carmen ”You ever thought about trying to get a job here, Lara?”

Lara ”At one time, but…I’ve grown rather attached to The Planet.”

Bette ”Kit and Marina are lucky to have you.”

Tina ”How are things working out with Billie Blaikie?”

Lara rolls her eyes and grins, inspiring some laughter at the table.

Mark ”I think he tried to hit on me.”

Carmen ”Don’t worry, Billie probably hits on everyone.”

Mark ”Darn.  I was hoping to be the straight boy crush.”

Mark laughs, with the others laughing along with him.  Dana soon excuses herself to the bathroom.  Alice looks down and away for a moment after Dana leaves.

Alice ”I’ll be right back.”

Alice excuses herself from the table, soon to make her way to the bathroom as well.  Lara looks on and for a moment, feels tempted to exit the table as well.  She can sense that doing so may cause a scene, or at the very least some wild speculation in hers, Dana’s, and Alice’s mutual absence.  Lara looks down at her plate instead, which Carmen notices.  She wants to reach out to her.  Mark notices Carmen’s eyes now fixed on Lara, causing him to look over at Lara.  Shane now notices Mark.