Dana blushed several shades of red and slid down into her seat. She couldnt, although she should believe Alice asked her that. Alice tried not to laugh as Dana sought for an answer. It was pretty funny watching her squirm while trying to remain calm at the same time. She eased herself back to an upright position and leaned her head down toward Alice. Alice mirrored her action and waited for her reply, trying not to burst out laughing.

Stop mocking me Alice, Dana snapped. Its not funny. I cant believe you asked me that. She continued still trying to remain calm.

Alice held in her laughter.

I know its not Dana. Nothing is, but I really wanna know. Alice remained focused on Dana.

Dana toyed with the salt and pepper shakers as she tried to gather her thoughts, wishing Alice hadnt asked her that. In fact she would rather Alice have kissed her again and gotten the answer to her question that way. At least she wouldnt have to say it out loud. Alice took the shakers and sat them closer to her side of the table.

Spill it! Alice broke in and Dana frowned. Guess it was pretty bad then if you cant answer me. Alice said flatly playing tricks on Dana. She leaned back into her seat with her head down.

No, no! Of course not. Whyd you say that Al? Dana struggled to speak. It, it, its not that I dont wanna answer. Its just. Just so, well, ya know? Dana babbled.

Dana? Alice said softly.

Dana looked wide-eyed at Alice who was toying with her hair with one hand and still holding hers with the other.

Yeah?

Yes or no. Dont think about it.

Yes. But

Alice half-smiled and curled her brow. The answer seemed like a double entendre and she wasnt sure how to receive it.

Ill be right back, Alice got up and excused herself. She walked behind Dana and went to the ladies room.

Dana sipped her drink looking around the room at the other patrons. She wondered what their lives were like and if they were going through the same madness she seemed to be going through. She made up a story in her head about the young man and woman sitting diagonal to her. They seemed to be very much into each other and oblivious to those around them. They leaned across the table kissing each other without regard for their public affection. She was so caught up in them that she didnt see or hear Alice approach behind her. Alice stooped down and covered Danas eyes then moved in front of her. Dana jumped and struggled to remove the hands, but couldnt. She smelled latex and she was really thrown for who it was.

Ssh! Alice whispered. Its okay. Jusss relaaax. She continued in her mockery of a Mexican accent.

Dana froze and stiffened her back. Who are you? She inquired.

Dat iss not for joo to no, Alice spoke in her feigned accent. Don wurry. Iss a lil surprise okay?

Alice leaned toward Danas mouth and kissed her gently and Dana pulled back.

Iss okay, I sey. Iss okay.

Dana tried to relax still trying to make sense of what was happening and who was trying to kiss her. She was a little panicked, yet tried to remain calm. Alice kissed her again this time letting it linger. Dana relaxed. She kissed her again, sliding a little tongue into her mouth. Dana flinched, then realized it was Alice but didnt let on. She allowed Alice to keep teasing and testing her, hoping that she would get the answer to her question. The kiss got really deep and she got into it. As she was about to reach out Alice pulled her hands away.

Oh you hot mamma you! Alice teased. I cant believe you would let a complete stranger kiss you, but you had a hard time answering my question.

Dana laughed. I figured out it was you and wanted to throw you off by kissing you back. Worked didnt it? She laughed again.

*****! Yeah, you got me, Alice conceded. So, shall I guess that your answer is yes and you liked my kiss?

Dana blushed again. Yeah, I guess I did.

You guess? What kinda answer is that? See if I kiss you again, Ms. Fairbanks. Alice mused and moved so the plates could be put on the table. Looks good.

Sure does.
Ladies enjoy. Call me if theres anything else you need.

Dana and Alice dug into their food without talking. Alice was half way through her plate before she put her fork down.

This is great. How did you hear about this place and why have you held out on sharing?

Dana pointed to her mouth indicating it was still full and swallowed hard to get it down to answer Alices question. She sipped her tea to rinse her mouth and not spill food as shed done in the past.

Lara told me about it and we grabbed some take out one time I was at her place. I never thought about sharing it til now.

Sentimental reasons huh?

Dana blushed. Yeah, kinda. I guess. Its okay though. Its just a restaurant, its not like we came here to sit and eat like we are.

Dana? Alice asked seriously. Dana looked up. Are you really over Lara? I mean totally?

Dana put her fork down and pushed her plate from in front of her. Placing her elbows on the table she stared hard at Alice. Her impish face, full of mischief and tenderness moved her. Alice was strong, full of life, and confident, but at that moment, looked pretty vulnerable. She took a deep breath and let it out. She prepared to answer the question as if she were playing a game, volley for volley.

Yes and No. She put her hand up to relax Alices bewildered look and continued. Yes, because I wasnt ready. I wasnt strong and confident and she deserved so much more than what I was prepared to give her and no for all the same reasons. A part of me wishes I went back to her after I came out, but by the time I really gave it any thought, it was too late and I hooked up with Tanya.

Okay! was all Alice could say and she let Dana go on.

Everything you told me is still fresh in my mind and Id love to deny it, but youre right about Tanya. I let her seduce and manipulate me. I needed someone Al. I was lonely and I needed someone. Bette and Tina are together. Shane has or almost always has a secret someone. Marina has whats her name and Jenny. And theres you. You werent with anyone, but youre secure in yourself to be alone. Then there was your fascination with men and your fling with your male ***** friend. Anyway, you were quite occupied to say the least. Me, I have no one. No one to go home to at night, no one to hold me when Im upset, you know all that happy horse *****, she confided. Id love to be strong off the court as I am on the court.

Alice couldnt believe Dana was saying those things. It was impressive that she was facing her flaws and not giving in to them as shed been doing. It still hurt her that Dana even had to deal with the ***** her mother and father gave her for coming out. For ending her very first relationship because she was afraid and thought she was protecting Lara. For being so talented and strong on the court, yet she was so passive off court. And most of all for having to put up with ***** like Tanya. Anger ran through her veins, but her sensitivity was stronger and she kept it at bay.

Oh Dana, you are such a sweet person and you deserve someone who will balance you, not take you for a fool and prey on your weaknesses. You cant keep Tanya in your life hun. Forget the traps you were gonna set for her. Shes not worth it. Just end it! Im sorry you cant go back to Lara, but I want to change things for you. I want to be the one you want, need, and know that you have real security with. End it with Tanya, not just because I like you, but because its the right thing to do for yourself. Even if you dont choose me Dane, at least I know youre gonna be better off without that wretched woman in your life. Get me?

Yeah, I getcha.

They went back to their almost cold meals and finished them and waited for the waitress to clear the table and given them the check. Alice took it and Dana snatched it back from her leaving the cash on the table.

My treat!

Thanks.

They walked out to the car and before Alice could get in, Dana pushed her against it and overpowered her with a powerful and passionate kiss.

Wow! Never saw that coming. Alice panted.

Now you know how I felt.