A little later at the CAC..

Hey James said Tina Is Bette in her office?

Oh Hi Tina, Yes ..I think Kits in there with her.

Tina smiled at James Thanks..OK if I just go in?

James nodded, he liked Tina; she was always polite, never spoke down to him.

Tina walked down the corridor and knocked on Bettes door, pulled it open when she heard Bettes voice.

Hey babe, hows it going? said Tina as she came in the door Hi Kit she walked over gave Kit a quick hug then moved over to Bette and kissed her Is Rosie OK still?

Yeah..shes over there fast asleep despite Kit doing her best to wake her up Bette gave Kit an evil grin.

What you doin girl trying to get me into trouble.. she glared at Bette.

Tina frowned, was she going to have to have another talk with Kit?

Kit saw her frown and replied Its ok..Bette kept me on the straight and narrow.. Im not gonna get between a Momma lion and her cub..

Tina smiled; thank god she didnt have to have any more of those talks. She turned to Bette So was she a good girl for you?

Bette looked lovingly at Rosie What else would you expect? I think I tired her out though, too much talk of art.

Well said Tina you do get a little enthusiastic when you start..

Look whos talking. What about you and that L word show youre working on..

Kit looked up If you two are going to get into an argument over whos the most obsessive then Im leaving..just in case youre looking for any other candidates.. she got up and looked at her watch Oh god. Look at the time. I gotta be at the Planet and get setup for the show tonight. She walked over and gave them both a hug. I suppose I cant just have one Rosie hug?

Bette and Tina both glared at Kit. Kit put up her hands in defense OK..I know when Im beatensee ya later. Kit left after blowing Rosie a little kiss.

Tina noticed Bette didnt seem in a hurry to get back to work so she dropped on the couch next to her Did you have a good lunch with Kit?

Bette smiled at Tina, looked her in the eye Yeah.. we really talkedI told her how happy we were.

Tina lifted and eyebrow Thats good babe..I like it that youd tell her that and its good that youre really talking together. She really does care about you.

I know Im not sure what I did to deserve so many people in my life that care about me..but it feels good.. she leant in and kissed Tina on the lips.

Tina heard a noise at the door and broke contact with Bette. She looked up expecting James to announce a meeting or a phone call.

Candace walked into the office. She stopped short when she realised shed walked into a happy family scene. She looked at Bette and Tina who had their arms around each other. UhIll come back later.

Tina spoke first Hello Candace she said her voice steely.

Candace turned back into the office Hello Tina, Bette, Ill come back later… She could feel Bettes united front with Tina but she wasnt prepared to back down. It wasnt her fault that Bette had cheated. That was between Bette and Tina.

Bette spoke up Candace, before you go I want you to meet Rosie.. Bette got up from the sofa before Tina could stop her. She walked behind the desk, picked Rosie up and put her gently on the desk hoping not to wake her.

Tina walked over and stood protectively next to her child. Bette moved her body so she was slightly in front of both of them.

Candace looked at Rosie without moving further into the office. She could feel Tinas hostility from where she stood. She wasnt sure what to say Uh.. congratulations ..both of you.

Thanks said Tina almost dismissively.

Bette turned slightly and put her arm around Tina, offering both support and a clear message of a united front. She placed her hand in the middle of Tinas back where Tina could feel it but Candace couldnt see what she was doing.

They stood like that for a moment or two frozen in time all unsure what else to say to each other.

Finally Bette broke the silence You wanted something Candace?

Candace looked up at Bette I just came to tell you that the architect has suggested some further changes and we need your OK before we can start work. He said hed be back later today.

Ok. Well Ill see you both later then. Anything else? Bette looked away from Candace, clearly dismissing her.

No..thanks she turned to go Bye Tina. Congratulations again on Rosie. Candace left the room.

Tina let out a huge breath, she grabbed hold of the desk as her body sagged and Bette moved in quickly to steady her.

Bette looked carefully at Tina Are you OK T?

Tina took a deep breath, looked back at Bette Yes..I think Im going to be OK.

TBC