What exactly are you saying? Dana shot Alice an accusing look.

All Im saying is that Tonya should maybe do a little more investigation before she goes touting gossip as fact Alice did her best to not sound condescending but failed miserably.

Jesus Alice, should we all go out and study journalism before we speak to you? Dana responded as she slumped back into her chair.

No, just before you go spreading rumors about me!

Guys Shane looked up from her magazine. Both women looked at Shane and sighed.

OK then Dana said as she crossed her arms over her body What did happen on Saturday night?

The woman in question is Gabby Alice explained, holding up a hand to silence the inevitable protests from both of her friends, Danas mouth closed as she bit back her feelings on Alices ex We just caught up, thats all

Was it hi how ya going? or was there sharing of saliva? Shane asked.

Gross Dana pulled a face at the thought.

We talked, we danced Alice smiled slyly as she wrapped her hands around a mug of steaming hot chocolate in front of her.

Al, you cant seriously want to go back there Shane reasoned.

We talked, we danced. Thats it. Im not interested Alice shrugged before she tentatively took a sip of her drink.

Whos this? Tina enquired as she and Bette pulled two chairs up to the table.

Gabby Dana replied. The unmistakable distain in her voice earning a glare from Alice.

Tinas eyes grew wide but Alice interjected before she could speak.

Before either of you start Alice began pointing her finger at the late arrivals I havent, I wouldnt and I wont

Havent, wouldnt and wont what Alice? A suspicious smile spread across Bettes face as she sat next to Tina.

I havent slept with her. I wouldnt take her back. And I wont ever regret dumping her Alice shook her head before adding I havent forgotten your impassioned little speech from last time, OK?

Looks like something we said finally sunk in Bette smiled at Tina, reaching for her hand under the table.

Tina raised an eyebrow and returned Bettes smile.

So hows life in the honeymoon suite anyway? Alice attempted refocus Bette and Tina on the group.

Well Bette sighed Between Tinas schedule and planning for the Winter show, theres been a lot of take out, voice mail messages and falling into bed exhausted.

Alice looked at her watch.

So I assume youre this late because you slept through your alarm? Alice asked.

Tina dropped her eyes and bit her lip to suppress a smile. A faint blush colored her cheeks.

Assume away Bettes gaze remained on her partner as she lifted Tinas hand to her lips before placing it on her thigh and covering it with her own.

I told ya this was a bad idea Alice quipped.

Alice! Dana chided

Bettes cell phone rang and she deftly pulled it from her bag. Looking at the caller ID she opened her phone.

Hello Franklin Bettes tone was business like, she smiled and winked at Tina as she stood to move away from the table. Tinas eyes followed her every move.

I dunno, maybe shes right Shane conceded as she watched Tina watching Bette.

Right about what? Tinas attention returned to the three women in front of her.

They were debating whether the two of you are ready to be integrated back into society Dana offered.

Tina looked mildly confused.

Hand holding, hand kissing, meaningful glances, not to mention turning up an hour late Alice sighed and shook her head.

It was 45 minutes Tina corrected.

Im rounding to the nearest 30, keeping it simple Alice replied Lets not split hairs Tina, either way its not looking good

Guys Tina sighed Promise me no more questionnaires

Alices eyes lit up at the idea.

Down girl Shane smiled at Alice

I dont think Bettes totally recovered from the last one Tina chuckled. She glanced over her shoulder and spotted Bette standing near the window still talking on her cell. Their eyes met and Bette smiled apologetically.

So Tina, hows work going? Dana asked, trying to move the conversation to a neutral topic.

Uh, good, yeah Tina replied Busyreally busy, but good

Yeah they saw you coming Alice quipped.

Whats with you this morning? Dana snapped at Alice.

What?! Alice threw her hands up in surrender, looking first to Dana and then turning to Shane seeking support.

Dont look at me Shane shook her head Shes talking to you

It was a compliment! Alice said I mean, they must be really glad to have you back Alice smiled sheepishly at Tina.

Theyre working her into an early grave Bette chimed in as she sat back down.

See! Alice smirked at Dana who promptly rolled her eyes and looked away.

Its not that bad Tina shook her head Im enjoying the challenge Tina turned her attention to Bette What did Franklin want?

Ohuh MOMA wanted me to speak at a seminar next month Bette played with her coffee mug.

In New York? Babe, thats great! Tina smiled proudly.

I declined the invitation Bette said quietly.

Excuse me? Alice barely managed to swallow a mouthful of hot chocolate in her rush to be heard.

Butisnt that a really big deal? Dana asked quietly

Huge Shane said under her breath.

Its not that big a deal Bette said, trying to downplay the issue.

Why arent you going? Tina asked, concern evident in her voice.

Bette raised her eyes to meet Tinas.

We have plans for the weekend of October 16 Bette stated simply Ive already made reservations

Reservations can be cancelled Tina countered This is a really big deal for you, you should go She reached out and took Bettes hand in hers.

Let me see Bette said Do I want to spend the weekend with a bunch of art critic wannabes, spending my nights alone watching bad cable? Or do I want to spend the weekend at Big Sur in a beachfront villa with my gorgeous partner? Bette smiled before leaning in and kissing Tina lightly Baby, I wanna spend that weekend with you

Tina smiled weakly, reluctant to see Bette sacrifice this opportunity for the sake of a weekend away.

OK its official Alice quipped The Bette Porter that we all know and love did, sadly, perish in that plane crash. This woman is clearly an imposter, possibly an alien

Bette took the comment on the chin and directed her brightest smile at Alice.

Is love an alien concept to you, Alice?

TBC