“I got a new sponsorship deal with Subaru – the ad came out last week.”

All eyes were now on Bette’s as she took in the picture and finally settled on the slogan of the ad.

“Does this mean…?”

“I’m out!”

“Oh my god Dana! I’m so proud of you!” Bette leapt up to give her friend a hug.

“And your parents?”

“Mum has set me up on 2 blind dates since… with men. Dad is being silent, I don’t actually know what that means so I’m letting him ride it out, he’ll talk to me when he’s ready I guess.”

“But the world didn’t end?”

“Nope, still here, still standing…”

Bette smiled widely at her friend, her pride evident. Tina took in that smile and felt her stomach flip. The conversation continued around her, stories started to fly, exaggerated, out of context and down right lies were told as they four friends caught up. Tina stabbed the last few pieces of fruit on her plate, swallowed down her orange juice and stood up from the table.

“I’ll leave you guys to catch up, I’m going to head to work – see you later.”

“Tina?” It was Bette’s smooth voice that called her, she turned to face her.

“Family night is at my place tonight, see you there at 7?” she knew that the blonde had become an important fixture in the group in the last year and she wanted to make it clear that her return didn’t change that.

“Thanks Bette, I wouldn’t miss it.” She smiled gratefully at the brunette then turned to address the rest of the group.

“See you all tonight!”

They all waved their goodbyes and resumed the chatter as Tina gathered up her bag and walked out of the planet, trying to figure out why her heart was beating faster than usual.

Bette waited for Tina to walk out of the Planet before she turned to her friends.

“So that’s the straight girl huh?”

“Yeah… she’s cute isn’t she?” Alice winked and Bette laughed her agreement, she had so missed being around her friends, and she needed that right now.

“So what’s her story? Why is she hanging out with you lezbos?!” Bette teased Alice.

“Shut up Porter. Just cos you ran off and left us for a year and a half doesn’t mean other people don’t love us and find us amazingly entertaining and fun to be around.” Alice sniped back. Bette laughed again before smiling at her friends.