Alice “Lisa tried calling, but I told him to go away.  He’s still complaining about his shirt getting messed up.”

Lara “Such a sad waste of a perfectly good spirulina shake.”

Dana “So ummm…Lara?”

Dana looks around at all of the women slow dancing together then back to Lara.

Dana “Do you wanna dance?”

Lara “I’d love to.”

Dana and Lara hold hands, joining together at the dance floor as Alice takes a seat, ordering water instead of beer, keeping the possibility of being pregnant in mind.  Alice’s original idea was to look around for a potential date herself, but has instead become fixated with watching Dana and Lara dance together.  She sees the happiness with Dana and the cautionary optimism of Lara.  For Alice, it is water for the rest of the evening.  As Alice sits and watches, Dana and Lara continue to slow dance together, their foreheads leaning against each other.

Dana “I’m glad we’re taking it slow this time.”

Lara “So am I.”

They slide their heads away, now with their right cheeks brushing against each other.  Dana gives a soft kiss to Lara’s right cheek as they dance on.  Alice sits quietly.

The evening will end with all three going back to their respective vehicles.  Dana has gotten in her car and left, feeling vibrant and hopeful.  Lara is about to go to her car, but sees Alice slowly opening her own driver’s side door.

Lara “Alice?”

Alice “Yeah?”

Lara walks over to Alice.

Lara “Everything okay?”

Alice “Yeah, I’m cool.  Just got a lot goin’ on.  It was good to get out tonight, watching everybody dance.”

Lara “I…I know I teased you a little about the boyfriend, but…I’m sorry that didn’t work out.”

Alice “It’s fine.  I umm…I’m just wondering about this whole…baby thing.  Really don’t wanna talk to him until I know what’s up there.  And if I get my period then fuck it.”

Lara grins.

Alice “Y’know, it’s really great to see you and Dana getting along again.”

Lara “We’re taking it slow.”

Alice “Very slow.  She’s happy, but…I’m guessing she didn’t really wanna go home alone tonight.”

Lara “Well…like I said.  We’re taking it slow.”

Alice “Lara…if you take it too slow, it’ll stop.  And you’ll just be friends.”

Lara “Like and you and Dana are?”

Alice smirks, getting into her driver’s seat.

Alice “Yeah.  Like Dana and I.  I just drank a lot of water and would like to get back to my apartment before it’s too late.  Good night.”

Lara “Good night.”

Lara watches Alice drive off.  She ponders over the conversation she just had.  Her mind is conflicted as she gets in her car and drives.

Dana’s apartment.

There is only a slight disappointment she feels, but she knows why she and Lara are going at the pace that they are.  Now in her pajamas, she lies in her bed.  Mr. Piddles, her faithful cat is there to keep her company.

Lara’s apartment.

Lara lies on the bed, her arms crossed and her eyes open.  Her mind will race her to an exhausting sleep.

Alice’s apartment.

Alice knows she will be receiving yet another visit from her mother soon.  That thought soon goes away and it is back to Lis and the possibility of being pregnant.  She lies on the couch, looking at her Chart board.  She looks at her name, then elsewhere on the board where Dana and Lara are linked.  Alice has a lot on her mind tonight.
The following evening, the attention turns to a televised debate Bette is to have with Fae Buckley over the C.A.C’s upcoming Provocations exhibit.  While Alice has received her inevitable visit from her mother Lenore, Marina helps Francesca pack.  There is little discussion, only the listening to Bette and Fae debate.  Francesca is looking forward to Virginia and then returning for Marina.  Marina is looking forward to Francesca returning and finally taking that vacation together in Antigua.