Two weeks later Alice, Shane, Jenny and Tina sat sharing drinks in the Planet.

So guys, where are we going to celebrate Danas return tonight? asked Alice eagerly.

I still cant believe she took off to her parents without telling us Tina commented.

Well thats Miss Fairbanks for you Shane sat with folded arms.

Give it a rest, Shane Alice wasnt going to let anyone ruin Danas homecoming, not even Shane with one of her moods.

Why dont we just go out and get a few beers? suggested Jenny, trying to break the tension.

As long as someone doesnt have too many like last time! Alice nudged Jenny with a grin on her face.

Girls, look who I found outside! Bette entered the Planet with a slightly sheepish looking Dana in tow.

Dana! everyone but Shane exclaimed, and Alice jumped to her feet to hug her friend.

Four sets of eyes met awkwardly across the table. Dana and Shane, who neither of whom knew whether to bring up their liason, and Bette and Tina, who were still waiting for Tina to sort her head out.

Hey Shane Dana crossed the table to see her.

Hey Fairbanks the exchange was suitably awkward. Shane looked up to check that none of the others were listening before speaking maybe we should talk

Dana nodded in agreement and they moved to another table. Alice noticed the possibilities of the situation and practically dragged Jenny to her feet.

I just remembered something I need to show you Jen and without even giving Jenny a chance to protest shed hauled her over to the other side of the room.
Tina indicated for Bette to sit down as the others left.

TI

Wait, let me speak. I dont want things to be awkward between us, Bette. I want us to be able to talk

Bette let out a sigh of relief So do I T

But you have to know things cant just go back to how they used to be. Not while shes still around. I can see what she does to you Tina looked away sadly.

I feel nothing for her Bette protested.

Well so far I havent seen that stated Tina plainly.

Ill prove it to you, I promise

I really hope you do. And I mean that, Bette. Coz you and I are good together

So good baby Bette reached for Tinas hand I cant lose you

Tina stared into Bettes eyes well youre gonna have to fight for me

And with that Tina pulled her hand out from underneath Bettes and got up.

I will, I promise Bette called after her.

Meanwhile Dana and Shane were both trying to work out how to approach the unapproachable subject.

Soyou have a good time back home? Shane asked nonchalantly.

Not really Dana replied curtly, raising an eyebrow.

Right they sat in silence for a moment *****, Im just gonna start this. Why didnt you tell me you were going?

I didnt know, it wasnt planned

So you just ran out on me

NoI woke up and you werent there. I couldnt stay and end up like the rest of the girls you sleep with, I have some dignity. I thought you said I was different it hurt Dana to say it, but it was the truth.

Dana, you are different

Then why did you leave?

I had to go to work. You looked so cute sleeping that I couldnt bear to wake you

Oh Dana didnt know what to say. Her face grew red as she realised how shed jumped to conclusions, and her heart grew heavy at the thought that shed blown it.

You really thought Id bailed on you? You think Im that much of a *****? Jeez, Dana, I thought you knew me better than that

ShaneIm sorrypleaseI just Dana stuttered frantically.

Shane grinned Im teasing, Fairbanks

Dana forced a smile. Shane reached out an upturned hand to her, and she circled the palm that she was presented with with her fingertip.

So

So Shane raised an eyebrow as she waited for Dana to speak.

What happens now? Dana was nervous. Shed had the time of her life at Shanes apartment, but was scared of being rejected like all her other conquests.

Whatever you want, baby Shane replied, taking hold of Danas hand. Her husky voice sent shivers down Danas spine. Their fingers intertwined as Dana leant in.

Well I believe were going out tonight to celebrate my return. So how about we see if you can keep your handsand eyesoff all the other girls she whispered.

Shane too leant in so her face was inches from Danas

With a woman as hot as you theres no need to look at anyone else
Dana blushed. At that moment both of them wanted to kiss, but they knew it wasnt appropriate. They werent ready to face the others just yet. Instead they just looked at each other knowingly.

Ladies Alice interrupted, looking from Shane to Dana and then back to Shane. The two leapt apart like naughty schoolgirls as Bette and Jenny also approached their table.

Yes? Shane smiled innocently.

Were off now but well see you at seven, yeah? asked Bette.

Sure, okay Shane just wanted them all to leave.

The others turned to walk off.

Behave warned Alice as she left with a knowing smile on her face.