Tina made a talking puppet with her right hand to convey to Bette that Alice was still talking to her on the phone. Bette tapped an impatient finger on her wristwatch and gulped down what was left of her coffee. Okayokayyeahyupalrightokay, I have to go to work! Tina slammed the phone into its cradle and made it to the front door in four or five huge leaps. What was she yammering about all that time? Bette asked turning to lock the door. Tina rolled her eyes and bounded down the front steps, She wants to watch a movie tonightshe was going through every showing of every movie at every theater. Bette furrowed her brow as she approached the drivers side of her car, Maybe we shouldve left the whole Gabby thing alone? Bette! Tina snapped, she just needs a little extra attention, thats all.

Bette: Well isnt that what Shane and Dana are for?

Tina: Neither one of them were stupid enough to answer their phone

Both women cackled for bit. So what are we watching tonight? Bette asked with a smirk. Tina pulled down the visor to give her makeup a final touch up, You dont have to come Bettes lips curled into wicked smile as she merged onto the highway traffic, Well, I have to get back at you for the interruption at work yesterdaymovie theater sounds like the right place for it. Tina spun in her seat to glare at Bette, Well, youre the first customer to complain. Bette had to laugh out loud. Besides, Tina continued in pouting tone, I didnt interrupt you, it was lunch time. Bette nodded her head in defeat, Touche. So you might be thinking, Why the ***** is Tina riding with Bette to work? Well, Tinas car wouldnt start that morning at the last minute, hence the poor judgment in picking up the phone when Alice called. The pair decided to share Bettes beloved Saab for the day. Bette pulled onto the curb in front of her gallery, sighing a bit as she turned off the ignition. Tina shook her head with annoyance, God, Bette youre acting as if I dont know how to drive or something!

They met in front of the hood, and Bette reluctantly handed Tina the keys like a boy giving up his favorite marble. Call me a half-hour before you want me to pick you up, and with that and a quick peck, Tina sped off, screeching the tires a bit to Bettes absolute horror.

***

At the Planet

*****, this is like the 50th message shes left for me this morning.

Shane shook her head in disbelief, stuffing her cell phone back into her jacket pocket. Dana nodded sadly and sucked a grape into her mouth. A few seconds later, she noticed Shane was sort of staring at her, What are you looking at? Shane quickly shut her mouth and leaned back casually into her chair, Nothing, its just cool how yousuck the grapeslike that. Danas eyebrows knitted together in confusion at Shanes behavior, You mean like this? She slowly suctioned another pale green grape through her puckered lips. Yeahjust like that Shane whispered, enthralled.

Dana jumped at the ringing of her cell phone and shooting Shane a curious look answered, Yeah? She immediately slapped her forehead, hard. It was Alice.

Alice: Where are you, Ive called you likea bunch of times!

Dana: Im at the clubyeah, practice, practice, practice

Alice: Why is it so noisy?

Dana: Well, Im actually in the dining room, grabbing a bite!

Alice: Oh, wellyou havent heard from Shane, have you?

Dana: Shaneum

Danas voice trailed as she watched Shane gesturing in various forms that she was not available, around, or even existed. Dana arched a brow as her lips formed a mischievous sneer, Shanenope havent seen or heard from her. Shane dropped her head into her folded arms in relief at the sound of Danas lie. UmI think Im gonna be pretty busy, have some intense training todayyupyeahokayokayuh-huhalrightALRIGHT, bye. Dana panted out loud as if she had just escaped some kind of horrible death, She wants to go to the movies tonight Shane slowly lifted her head, a look of absolute horror etched into every feature, Please, godno? Dana nodded gravely, The romance movie marathonit starts at 6pm, at least 5 Meg Ryan filmsguaranteed. Shane sat up straight and rubbed her face like a man who hasnt slept in months, Theres only one thing we can do Dana cocked her head to the side, intrigued. We need to get her laid, Shane stated cooly.

Dana: Isnt that how we got in this mess in the first place?

Shane: Nono relationship junkthis is about pure, unadulterated sexwith this whole Gabby thing, shes lost her mojo

Dana: Her mojo?

Shane: Yeah, her primal, instinctive sexual energyshes like a wounded eagle, her confidence is gone.

Dana: And so what are we going to do forwounded eagle?

***

1, 2, 3, 4…5! Tina ran her fingers through her hair and released a defeated sigh. Just then her cell phone began buzzing away atop her desk. Whats up, babe? she answered brightly. Hey! Just wanted to see how you were doing? came Bettes honeyed voice. Tina rolled her eyes and switched the phone to her other ear, Bullshit! Youre calling to check on the car Bette chuckled hoarsely, playing with the coiled cord of her office phone, That is not true, she protested with a smile, Actually, I wanted to get more information on this evenings cinematic plans. Tina chuckled, Ooh, baby, I love it when you talk dirty like that, she teased, are you ready for this? Bette uttered an affirmative, but apprehensive grunt and Tina continued, Romance Nightten cheesy date movies back to back. Bette groaned into the phone, holding her head with her free hand.

Tina: But waitit gets better!

Bette: Oh boy

Tina: Five, count em, FIVE starring Meg Ryan!

Bette let out a labored breath as she listened to Tina chuckling on the line. Babe, I totally understand if you dont want to come.

Dont worry about meas long as I get you in a dark theater, Ill be fine.