Bette really had no interest in going out tonight, but she had made the effort, realizing that her actions had caused a big rift between her friends and herself, and it was her responsibility to bridge that gap. Alice had called and said she was going to drive and You better be ready Porter!, so Bette was dressed and ready to go when Alice arrived to pick her up.

She heard the horn honk and as she opened the minis door, Alice let out a wolf whistle.

Now thats more like it Porter! See I knew you would feel better if you just got yourself up, dressed, and out in the world. There is more to life than just work!

Thanks Alice. I just have not felt like going anywhere other than work. She was dying to ask how Tina was, but kept quiet on the subject. So where is Dana?

Alice swallowed hard and said, Im sure she will meet us there.

Bette studied Alice after noticing her hesitancy. Ok, spill!

Spill what?

You cant fool me Alice, I know you too well. Whats up with you and Dana? Are you two fighting about something?

No, nothing like that. Alice replied. You have enough going on in your life right now, and I really dont want to talk about it.

I have no life right now Alice, and it would help me to help you. So spill!

Alice pulled in and parked at Milk, then turned to Bette and spilled. She told how she had requested that Dana not marry Tonya and then how she had kissed Dana, who had kissed her back, and the subsequent removal of Tonya from Danas life.

Sounds good Alice. I always thought you and Dana could have more than a friendship. You two just seem to click.

Right! We click so well that we have both been avoiding the subject and not dealing with it, sometimes not talking at all. I really think we could have something special, but Dana seems ok not discussing what happened, and I just dont want to rock the boat.

Al, Im probably the last one you should take relationship advise from, but I say you go for it. If she doesnt want to talk, then act. Actions speak louder than words; at least my actions seem to have proved the truth in that saying. At the least, actions cause reactions, which might result in settling the matter.

Thanks Bette, I will take it into consideration. How about you follow a little of your own advice?

What do you mean? Bette replied. My actions have gotten me into enough trouble.

Right, but then you just gave up. Tina has cut herself off emotionally. She talks to us, but wont TALK to us. She doesnt get happy, sad, angry, or anything. She just is. And you just are not!

Im not what?

Youre not! Youre not living, but mostly, youre not dealing. You continue on like everything is just fine, but have cut out the one part of your life that made anything ok. You dont ask about Tina, acting like she doesnt even exist. You are both so miserable in your own ways.

Oh she exists Al. She is in my heart no matter where I go or what I do. I dont deserve to ask about her or to know how she is. I threw my rights away, for something that was nothing.

Bette, dont you think you owe it to Tina, and yourself, not to mention your friends, to at least discuss this with her and try to work it out?

Al, it is more complicated than you know. Tina doesnt want to talk to me, or see me. I cant blame her and I wont harass her. What I owe her is peace. Being away from me without constantly being reminded of my selfishness will give her the peace she needs. If she ever wants to talk to me or needs me for any reason, I will be there, but my so-called love has hurt her enough. Now are we going in or did we just come here to park?

Very funny Porter!

When they got inside, Shane, Dana, Kitt and Ivan were already there and sitting at a table. They got their drinks and joined them.

Hey Baby Girl, you look good. Kitt said.

I am so happy you are performing here tonight Kitt! Its good to see you. Bette said.

Very nice Bette. No one fills low cut jeans like you! This came from Shane.

Except maybe you! Bette replied laughing.

The group sat and chatted for awhile. Bette noticed that Alice had positioned herself between Kitt and herself, and was avoiding eye contact with Dana, who was on the other side of Bette.

Bette decided to give nature a helping hand. Standing up, she took a hand each of Dana and Alice and said, Lets go dance.

As they proceeded her to the dance floor, Bette sat back down. When they noticed she wasnt there and looked over at her, she made dancing motions with her fingers and pointed to the two of them. Bette thought, Either fight or dance. They danced.

Very sneaky Porter! Shane smiled at her. Something has been brewing between the two of them for awhile now. The sexual tension between them is so thick.

Well maybe it is time they were a little less tense. Im just giving them a little push. Bette said.

Well I have to get set up. See you all later. Kitt got up and left. Ivan said goodbye and followed her.

They are so ***** cute together! Shane stated, then turning said, So Bette, how are you, really?

Not good, but surviving.

You going to do anything about it? Shane asked.

Just keep going on.

Youre as stubborn as those two are! Shane said nodding towards Alice and Dana. Im getting us another round.

Upon Shanes return, Bette discovered the next round consisted of a bottle of tequila and shot glasses.

Dana and Alice had finished their dance and returned to the table. They were at least now talking. After about three shots each, everyone was loosening up, talking and laughing. However, Bette suddenly stopped laughing as her eyes riveted to the blond at the bar.

Tina had come in unnoticed and had been watching the interactions at the table. Bette seemed just fine, a little bit thinner maybe, but nowhere near as sad and guilt ridden as Candace had seemed to think. Tina went to the bar to get herself a drink before joining the others at the table. She knew the instant Bette had spotted her, could feel the eyes burning a hole in her back.

When her drink came, she downed it immediately and ordered another, a double this time. After drinking half of that one, she felt fortified enough to make her way to the table. However, when she turned around, Bette had disappeared.