Candace sunk into her plush leather executive chair looking like she needed a drink. And rightly so, considering she was seated in front of the woman whos wife shed cheated with, and whod kicked her ***** pretty good only weeks before. Tina sat in an equally plush seat eyes fixed on Candace after shed thoroughly surveyed the room.

Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Water? Candace nervously asked. It was unlike her to be easily intimidated, but there was something eerie about Tinas serene disposition that made her feel uneasy.

No. No Thank you, Tina declined, and carefully adjusted her purse in her lap.

Nerves got the best of Candace and she almost spilled the entire contents of the cup of coffee shed poured for herself.

Dammit! Candace scolded. Gimme a minute to clean this up and youll have my full attention, she continued, trying not to sound too nervous. Tina adjusted herself in the chair and moved her purse again.

Shes too calm! Too damn calm! I hope she doesnt have a gun, Candace thought, as she cleaned up the spill and discretely watched Tina at the same time. Shes holding that purse like shes protecting it. Dios mio! She mused. Por favor no la deje tener un arma (please do not let her have a gun), Candace grimaced, took a deep breath, and stood up. There. All clean. Now what can I do for you Tina? Candace tried to maintain confidence.

Listen, this is very hard for me so Ill just cut to the chase okay? Tina leaned forward slightly.

Okay.

Things are still heated with Bette and me. I have no idea whats going to happen between us, but I want you out of the picture for good, Tina spoke with authority.

Dont you think thats Bettes decision Tina? Candace retaliated, not knowing where the words came from. She felt her cheeks get warm.

Dont get cute with me Candace! Tina spoke through gritted teeth.

I dont mean to be indignant, but you did come to me remember? Candace challenged, before realizing Tina was still clutching her purse tightly. She backed down. Okay, I apologize, Candace put her arms out, subliminally pushing Tina back. She didnt budge!

Youre right. And again, I apologize for that, but I dont know where you live and I wasnt going to track you down like a stalker, Tina remained focused. The other night you backed down and almost defended me against Bette and I couldnt understand why you did that. But since thinking about it, I realized that I dont really care, Tina rolled her neck. All I know is that youve caused a lot of trouble for me, and I want you to hear it from me that its over. Why? Because I said it is. Shes all but gave me an ultimatum this morning of which I didnt appreciate, and something inside of me said to ask you to stay out of the way and let us figure this out. Dont you think youve done enough? Tina sounded a little exacerbated.

Candace was speechless! She didnt know how to interpret Tina and it was more frightening than the fight they had. But something in her defense mechanism took over and her mouth wrote a check she wasnt sure she could cash.

You know Tina, you have a lot of strength for someone who was too weak to keep her woman at home where she belonged, Candace blurted out.

And with that statement, Tina lost it. She stood up, reached into her purse, and pulled out something that made Candace paler than the snow.

Bette makes it home

Bette parked and ran into the house. She pulled a notebook out of her workbag and started to furiously write down the things shed come up with while driving like the proverbial bat out of *****. When she was finished, she looked over the list and a half smile graced her lips.

1. Officially cut Candace off. (Apologize to her first though)
2. Call a shrink. (Lord knows I need one at this point)
3. Call Tina and apologize for being pushy (no explanation necessary)
4. Make people (Tina, life, friends) a priority and not work so hard
5. Talk to Melvin (he needs to hear my out once and for all. Cant let him keep having this much control over me and my lifes choices)
6. Possibly go to a retreat (maybe time away may help heal things if counseling doesnt)

I think this is good start, she spoke to herself. I wish Id thought of that damn quote sooner and maybe some of this ***** could have been avoided, she continued.

Bette looked at the time and decided to shower, change, and take a nap. Though it wasnt too late in the day, she felt drained and wanted to relax for a while, but before she could make it to the bedroom the phone rang. Panic came over her thinking it could be Tina calling her back. She looked at the caller ID; it was Kit. She let out a sigh of relief and answered.

Hello? Bette acted like she didnt know who was calling.

Hey baby girl! Whas hapnin? Kit cheerfully inquired.

Bette smiled at Kits slang. Though shed been well educated, Kit still spoke like she graduated Sum ***** Laude from the School of Ebonics. Hey sis! Bette casually replied.

Kit stopped for a moment before continuing. Okay, something must be wrong, cause shes never usually this friendly, Kit thought. You okay? Kit inquired, with caution.

Yeah, Im good. Why are you asking me like that? Bette got defensive.

Hey, calm down. You just didnt sound like youve been sounding lately. Not complaining though. Cheerful sounds good in you, Kit giggled.

Bette smirked too. She knew hadnt been the easiest person to deal with lately and understood Kits apprehension. Im trying a new approach, Bette announced. I guess Im off to a good start, she rhetorically stated.

Thats cool! Change. New approach, or whatever youre calling it is good I suppose, Kit rambled. Anyway, the reason why I called was to find out if youre done with the CDs I loaned you? Got something Im working on and need the Maxwell one back in particular.

Bette paused to think. Uhm, yeah sure. Wanna swing by or do you want me to drop it off?

Are you busy now? Kit questioned, as she fussed over some lyrics she was working on.

I was gonna take a nap, but I guess I can drop it off. An hour good? I wanna grab a bite too, Bette announced realizing she was getting hungry.

Tell you what, Kit declared. How about you grab some take out and bring it with you. We can eat together.

Sounds like a plan. Want anything in particular?

Nah! Whatever you want is cool. Imma big girl remember? I eat damn near anything, Kit burst out laughing.

Bette laughed too. Okay. See you soon. Bette hung up, slid her shoes back on, and readied herself to leave. The phone rang again. What did she forget now? Bette picked up the phone. What did you forget Kit? Bette said with a chuckle.

Kit? No, its not Kit. Its James. And its not good news! Bettes heart dropped.