The match started as a meeting of rivals.  It started as a meeting between two veterans of the sport who had managed to outlast some of the bigger and younger names in this tournament.  A meeting between two players who had come up through the same circles and camps.  In this crowning moment, none of that mattered to Dana.  Being presented with an S.U.V. for her Championship victory, her focus is more on hugging her mother and making out with Lara.  In front of the world.  In front of Stephanie.  It was vindication.

K.C.R.W.

Alice has left Wax for a Saturday edition of her show.  Ruth, the new producer has not been too fond of Alice’s vagueness on the air or the level of drug talk.  Alice does not understand Ruth’s signals, leading to a rant about President George W. Bush.

The Mercedes-Benz Challenge.

The days of, ”Get Out And Get Stay Out,” from Subaru appear long gone.  Now in the new Mercedes-Benz S.U.V., Lara and Dana take in the sound system by listening to Alice’s rant on The Chart.  Upon completing Alice’s program, Dana switches off the radio.  She thinks back to everything that has happened in roughly the past half-year.  She thinks back to just the last two weeks.

Dana ”Shit.”

Lara ”Dana.  …What’s going on?”

Dana looks at Lara.

Dana ”I just won…one of the biggest matches of my career.  It’s my first big tournament win since I’ve been out.  And Shane’s got her big party tonight at Wax.”

Lara nods, realizing that Dana is avoiding the question.

Once back at Dana’s apartment, the focus shifts to preparing for the party at Wax.  Dana is tired, but she is going.  Tuesday, there is the needle biopsy.  For now, she is simply a huge tennis star.  She has given everything that is left today in terms of her career for that moment.

Wax.

The party is going on with Dana and Lara arriving to congratulatory hugs from Shane and Helena.  Alice also arrives to offer her congratulations.  Lara feels cautious, but decides to get drinks.  Carmen is at the D.J. booth, her mind already trying to put out the turning down of Russell Simmons to be here.

Alice and Dana hug.

Alice ”That’s the best I’ve seen you play in a really long time.”