At James’
What the *****? Bette screamed, as she grabbed her aching head. Where the ***** am I? She continued.

James jumped up in a panic and ran into his bedroom. Bette, its okay. Youre at my house, James tried to comfort his hung over friend.

Bette began to calm down and her racing breaths slowed to normal. Wha, what happened? Why am I here? Bette questioned, as she continued to hold her throbbing head.

We got pretty ripped last night and you passed out before I could get you home, so I brought you here instead, James informed Bette, as he reached across her to grab some Aleve from his night table drawer.

Bette covered her eyes and started pointing downward.

What? James creased his brow trying to figure out what Bette was doing. Am I stepping on your foot or something? Why are you covering your eyes? James was confused.

Bette pointed downward again, Your friend is making his presence known, she stated, trying not to sound prudish.

James shoved himself back into his boxers with his left hand as he thrust the Aleve in Bettes hand with his right, and tried not to be embarrassed all at the same time. James excused from the room, put some sweatpants on, and returned to the bedroom to find Bette lying with the pillow over her head. He smiled and said nothing. He went to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee and see what he could put together for breakfast.

Bette finally roused herself from the bed and followed the fragrant smell of coffee. She found James making scrambled eggs and toast, which was what she needed to get rid of her headache and soothe her acidic stomach.

Smells good! Bette said with a smile. I didnt know you knew your way around the kitchen, she teased.

James spun around and grinned at his very disheveled friend. Hungry I hope? pointing at the plate of eggs he made.

Yes, very, Bette sat down and immediately started digging in to the plentiful pile of eggs and stack of toast James set out for her. Man, these are great, Bette spoke while she ate. And I thought Tina made good eggs, she continued speaking mindlessly. James chuckled and sat a mug of coffee next to Bettes plate.

Im sure thats a compliment, James teased, sat across from Bette and started eating. You know we have to go to work today, James stated between a bite of toast and Bette frowned. Hey, boss lady, Id rather stay home, but you know how that might look if we were both out, James said with a wink. Bette laughed and huffed at James comment.

Yeah, now that would be a good one for the rumor mill, Bette smirked, and then quickly looked up. ***** it! Bette grinned.

What? James asked, not knowing what Bette was talking about.

Im not in the mood for Franklins tight ***** anyway and Im sure you could use a day off. Lets play hooky, Bette giggled. James looked at her in disbelief.

Are you really Bette Porter? James teased. Bette gave him the you think Im playing? look. Well, alrighty then, James sounded like Jim Carey. Deal!

James could not believe that Bette of all people suggested they take the day off, but he worked for her so who was he to complain.

At Alices
Tina woke up to see Alice staring at her and immediately pulled the covers over her face.

Uh, uh, uh! Alice pulled the blanket from Tinas head. Youre gonna get up right now and tell me everything, Alice demanded.

Tina frowned and tried to get the blanket back from Alice, but she wouldnt let it go.

Damn you Alice! Tina fussed. Does everything have to be an inquisition with you? Tinas groggy voice revealed tiredness and frustration. Alice nodded. Not now Al, Im still sleepy and I want the remaining hours sleep that Im supposed to get, Tinas voice trailed as she drifted back off to sleep.

Now! Alice whined, and shook Tina until she opened her eyes again.

Youre a pain in the ***** Al, sheesh! Tina complained and struggled to sit up. Happy now? Im up! Tina pushed Alice.

So dish! Alice grinned. And dont be skimpy on the details either, she added.

Tina rolled her eyes and stretched her arms above her head. She wasnt in the mood to talk, but knew Alice would not let it go if she didnt.

Can I at least brush my teeth first? Tina asked as she slid of the bed.

Yeah, but hurry, Alice snapped back, yelling into the air as Tina strolled to the bathroom.

Tina brushed her teeth, rinsed her face, and reluctantly returned to the bedroom to give her deposition.

We had dinner at the Wilshire Grand where Erics staying. Japanese food at a place called Kyetos. We talked, shared the details of each others lives since we last spoke. And then we went to Mulholland Drive to talk some more, Tina said all in one breath.

Dont bullshit a bullshitter Tee, Alice rolled her eyes. What else?

Tina sighed and let out an exacerbated breath. does she never know when to quit it? Tina complained to herself. Alice kept a fixed eye on Tina imploring her to say more.

Fine, you want details? Heres details, Tina adjusted herself on the bed. Okay, but dont say a word til Im done. Deal? Alice raised her hand as if she was being sworn in and then ran her fingers across her lips to zip them. So, dinner was great. We talked and caught up on life. Then we skipped dessert because we were too full from dinner. Eric didnt want me to leave and asked me to stay out longer. Thats when I called you, Tina pointed at Alice. Anyway, we went to Mulholland as I said and we hung out there. He told me more about what happened to him. Then I told him about me and Bette and, Alice began to make the sleepy face and all of Tinas words started to roll together for her. Then blah, blah, blah. Yada, yada, yada. Boring, boring, boring. And then we kissed, and it was kinda weird, but then it felt good, and next thing you know, were making out under the stars on a blanket in the great outdoors. We stopped it before it went there and

WHAT? Alice screamed. You did WHAT? Alice suddenly came back to reality. Tina looked at Alice as if she had two heads. Tina Kennard! Tina, you, you? Eric? Alice gasped, and covered her mouth with both her hands.

I know, Tina said softly. I wasnt expecting it. I never thought Id be attracted to anyone again. Especially not a man, Tina emphasized. Alice was still sitting with her hands over her mouth completely lost for words, which for Alice was an amazing feat. Anyway, we were gonna go back to his hotel because things were heating up pretty fast, but he decided we should slow things down. Us just getting back in touch an all, Tina continued dishing the dirt.

Can I speak now? Alice asked almost reluctantly. Tina nodded. So, let me get this straight, no pun intended, you and Eric had dinner and almost had each other for dessert in a very public place? Tina nodded again. Dayum girl! Alice gasped again. So, how was it? Alice asked in a whisper.

Tina looked around, as if she was making sure no one else could hear her and leaned closer to Alice, It was pretty decent actually, Tina said with a blank expression. Other than his hard on, there no was real difference, but you should know that Al, youre still into men too right? Tina flipped it back on a still stricken Alice.

Y, yeah, but Im used to it, Alice stuttered. You havent been with a man in what, eight years? Alice stared at Tina who shrugged.

Lights on, lights off, a kiss is a kiss and a touch is a touch. Its only the gender that gets in the way, and Im not letting it do that, Tina shot back and jumped off the bed. Well, you got the details and now that youve gotten me up earlier than I wanted to be, I better get ready for my day. Maybe Ill have time to take Eric up on his offer for breakfast after all, Tina yelled from the bathroom. Alice was still sitting on the bed trying to digest the incomprehensible words shed just heard.

Back at James
Bette and James devoured the entire stack of toast, eggs, some cookies, applesauce, cereal, and the entire pot of coffee. They both leaned back in their chairs thankful for the release of their respective headaches and Bettes hangover and smiled. Bette felt completely at ease and thought of what shed tell Franklin when she called to tell him she wasnt coming in. She looked at James and for the first time entertained a thought shed never considered.

Hey, let me ask you something, Bette sat up.

Shoot.

If Tina and I work this mess out and managed to decide to try and get pregnant again, would you consider being a donor?

James mouth fell open. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think that was the question he would be asked. He realized that theyd spent the past few days getting closer as friends, but this? This was quite a newsflash.

What? Wow! Thats an incredible thing to ask Bette, James tried to maintain his composure. What made you ask me that?

Dont know really, Bette shrugged. In all the times Tina and I were looking for a possible donor, one was right in front of me the entire time, Bette added. James was educated, healthy, well rounded, and seemed like hed make a good uncle if he chose to be a part of the childs life. And more importantly, he was someone both she and Tina knew, liked, and respected. Shed gotten over race. She just wanted a family if things worked out that way with Tina. What do you think?

James was too taken to give Bette an answer. He was truly flattered by it, but needed time to entertain the request. There were so many questions. More than he could even fathom.

Can I think about it? Was all James to say.

Sure, thats fine. Take youre time. Its not like its going to happen over night. I was just asking, Bette said with a smile. James smiled back at her. So, James, my hooky buddy, whos going to call Franklin first? Bette changed the subject and they both fell out laughing.