A night out with the girls.

Alison was running late, as usual. As she hurried into the wine bar, she brushed past the hostess and made a beeline for her group's table. She excused herself and sat in the open chair. There was an open bottle of wine and an empty glass waiting for her.

"Sorry ladies, you wouldn't believe the afternoon I've had. I was on my-"

"Shut the fuck up, bitch," Missy interrupted. The other women laughed for some reason. Alison shrugged and did as Missy asked.

"Nobody gives a shit that you're late," Carol added. "You're a moron and things are always better without you around."

"Aw, you guys are always joking around," she said sweetly. "It's good to see you again. Missy, how's your sister doing?"

"She's fine," Missy replied curtly as Alison reached out to pour herself some wine. "You know we're fucking with you, right?"

Alison nodded and sipped her wine. "I know. You always do, right? Let me guess. Something to do with the wine?"

Janice laughed and slapped her hard, causing her to spill some wine on her dress. "Nope. I'll give you a hint. I just slapped the shit out of you."

Alison was dabbing at her stained dress with a napkin, distracted from the conversation. "Oh geez, I'm so clumsy. I really like this dress. I hope I can get the stain out."

"It makes you look like a whore," Carol replied. Alison smiled politely and thanked her, still blotting the stain. The waiter approached the table and set a glass of water down in front of her. He asked if she'd like to order any food.

"No thanks," she replied, having given up on the stain. "I'm ok with wine for now."

As the waiter scurried away, she turned back to her girlfriends. "So, what did I miss?"