Bette was thinking about Jenny. Again. She was also thinking how Alice probably had told everyone what happened. But she really thought that everyone sort of just assumed it. There was that unspoken ***** stare that would leak your secrets all over everyone else like a broken faucet. Bette remembered when she knew Jenny and Marina were having an affair. She didn’t ask, didn’t really see anything, just took what few things she did see and well, she just knew. She wasn’t even going to bother with Alice, because Alice would be Alice and it was just a waste of breath. Besides, why should she hide? Jenny is beautiful, she’s intelligent. Why shouldn’t all her friends know? Bette needed to stop treating this whole ordeal like a tragic accident and start treating it like a glorious new beginning. She guessed that Jenny was afraid of the secret being exposed. She figured everyone would look down on her, since Tina had been such a big part of Bette’s life, and with Jenny in the way Bette would never get her back. But it wasn’t about Tina anymore. And Jenny needed confidence. Bette felt compelled to call Alice, all the same. She wanted to know how everyone found out.

B “Alice, it’s Bette. Did you tell everyone about what happened?”

A “What? No! C’mon Bette, you know how lesbians are. They pick up on this kind of stuff. I didn’t say a word, I swear. Not until everyone was begging me to. They new something was up between you and Jenny. You two have been making googly eyes at one another every time you were together. It was so obvious. I just happened to be the one to witness it first hand.”

B “I thought it might go something like that. I believe you, and I’m sorry if I’ve been rude to you lately. At first I totally freaked out about the idea of our friends knowing about Jenny and I, but I realize that it’s foolish to think like that. Jenny is a wonderful person and I need to give her more credit.”

A “You know what? I’m happy for you two. I’m glad you’ve been moving on, and I’m glad that Jenny has found someone. After Carmen, I wasn’t sure if she’d go back to men or not.”

B “Because that’s what you usually do, right?”

Alice pauses and swallows her curses.

B “Sorry Alice, I didn’t mean – “

A “Forget it, doesn’t matter anyway. I’m happy for the both of you, Bette. Really. By the way, did you call her?”

B “I did. She’s coming over for dinner tonight. We’re ordering out. I thought cooking for her would send the wrong message.”

A “Good thinking. Although, Jenny has her own apartment now, so I don’t think she’ll be inviting herself to stay. Still, it was a good move not to go too fast.”

B “Thanks, Alice. And again, I’m sorry. Sometimes you can be difficult too, you know.”

A “I know. Thanks for calling, Bette. Good luck with tonight.”

B “Thanks. Bye.”

A “Bye.”

Alice had been waiting for Bette to call. Not just to hear about Jenny, though that was the number one reason. She knew Bette would suspect her of telling their secret. It had happened in the past, and everyone knew how hard it was for her to keep things to herself – especially if it involved other people. She’d have to work on that. Dana kissed her hard on the lips and left for training. Alice watched her buttocks sway side to side as Dana carried herself like an angel to her car. Alice was lucky, that she was certain.

Bette was just finishing up the day’s work, excited about seeing Jenny once again. She hoped she hadn’t scared her away. Just as she was about to step out the phone rang.

“Bette Porter.”

“Bette, it’s Tina.”

Tina? What was she calling here for? They hadn’t spoken in a month, and she didn’t think she’d be calling anytime soon.

“Tina? How are you?”

“I’m good. And you?”

“I’m doing alright. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I was just wondering if we could talk. I have something important I want to tell you.”

Important? What was so important. Oh God, please tell me she’s not getting engaged.

“Um, ok. Is it urgent?”

“No. Not really. I just need to talk to you. Are you busy tonight?”

Bette didn’t want to cancel on Jenny. She needed her comfort and didn’t want to let her down.

“Actually I am. What about tomorrow night?”

“Tomorrow is good, say 7?”

“Ok. I’ll see you at 7. I’ll order some dinner for us.”

“That’d be nice. See you then.”

“Ok, bye.”

That was awkward. What on Earth could she need to say? Well, whatever it was, it’d have to wait. Jenny was coming over and Bette needed to get the house in order. She left the CAC and jumped into her car. Tonight they were going to have some fun.