Found – part 1

Three months after the opening of Provocations

Tina and Bette walked into The Planet hand-in-hand. Well, Bette walked and Tina waddled. She was five months pregnant and more beautiful than ever, but even she couldnt avoid the natural consequences of impending motherhood”like waddling.

Kit spotted the expectant mothers and hastened around the counter, leaving the lunchtime rush of customers in her employees capable hands. Hey girls! How are my favorite sisters? And my little niece? she added, directing that last query towards Tinas abdomen. Bette and Tina exchanged indulgent smiles at Kits antics. Her excitement over the baby amused them, but they loved every bit of it. And they had to admit that it was nothing compared to their own excitement. Were great, Kit. How about you?

As they all settled themselves at a free table, Kit shook her head. Fine, just fine. But I have got to tell you what happened this morning. Just let me get you some lunch, first. What will you have?

Bette shrugged and said, The usual for me. Tina, on the other hand, gave an embarrassed smile. UmCould I please have a prosciutto and peanut butter pita pocket? Bette and Kit both stared at her with wide eyes. Tina looked sheepish and admitted, Its a craving. I cant help it. And its not my fault its also alliterative. Shaking her head again, this time in amazement, Kit moved off to get their lunch. Bette just grinned; she thought Tinas cravings were adorable.

While they awaited Kits return, both women settled into a companionable silence, each busy with their own thoughts. Tina was busy wondering how long she would be able to keep working, and whether or not she would want to return to work after the baby was born. She knew she didnt have to decide right then, but the time was drawing near and she felt no closer to a decision.

Bettes thoughts were directed more toward the past than the future, and she found herself contemplating all the changes they had experienced in the past three months. She hadnt thought it possible, but she was falling more deeply in love with Tina every day, and it seemed that Tina was, too. Bette thanked her lucky stars every single day that Tina had chosen to fight for their relationship, for their love.

They had put a lot of hard work into their relationship since that fateful weekend, and it showed. Bette was ever cognizant of just how close she had come to ruining her life”and Tinas. She was working through the guilt, but the memory drove her to be a better person, and a better wife. They had found a marriage counselor that they both felt comfortable with, and were diligently working on their communication skills. Bette still struggled with opening up and allowing herself to be vulnerable, even to Tina, but she was improving and Tina was happy with their progress. That was what mattered most to Bette, that Tina be happy. And she was.

Bette suddenly leaned toward Tina and softly kissed her cheek. Startled, Tina asked, What was that for? Bette smiled into her companions soft brown eyes. Just because I love you. Tinas face lit up and she offered her mouth for a proper kiss. I love you, too, Babe. Thank you for telling me.

Ahem. Dont you two ever stop? Kit asked with a laugh. As a big sister, it was her duty to harass the couple. In truth, it warmed her heart to see Bette and Tina so happy. They had gone through a rough patch, sure enough, And I certainly gave Bette what for about that, but they were still together and their relationship seemed to be stronger than ever.

All right. Heres your oriental salad, Bette, and Tina, heres your”prosciutto and peanut butter pita pocket, she finished with a chuckle. Girl, I do not want to know what else you have been eating. This kid is going to have some crazy food preferences the way youre going. Tina just grinned and started eating.

So, Bette managed between bites, what happened this morning? Kits stories were usually amusing, both for the story and for the telling, so Bette wasnt going to pass on her sisters earlier comment.

Kit scooted her chair closer to the table and leaned in, almost conspiratorially. Youll never believe who came in looking for a job, this morning. At the womens blank stares, Kit continued. Marina. Bette and Tina both raised their eyebrows in surprise. Relishing her audiences reaction, Kit leaned back with a big smile on her face. Yep, Marina. She said she was back in L.A. and missed her life here. She knows that I own The Planet now, but she misses it and wants to just be a part of it somehow.

Bette looked skeptical. Sowhat are you going to do? Are you going to give her a job? She wasnt altogether sure that would be wise, but was trying to allow Kit to make her own decisions with minimal interference from her little sister.

Kit looked thoughtful. You know, I think I will. I know it could be awkward having her around, since Im still trying to make this place my own. But I think her experience could be valuable. And you have to admit, she adds class to the place. At that, everybody laughed. If Marina was anything, it was elegant. So, yeah, Im going to ask her to come on as an assistant manager. It will be nice to have some more time to myself, and to devote to my music.

Finished with her sandwich, Tina joined the conversation. I think thats great, Kit. Youve worked hard to make this place a success, and you deserve to have some help. Whatever we thought about Marinas personal life, she has always been a good friend to all of us. And you are right, shes definitely easy on the eyes and nobody around here objects to that, she finished with a waggle of her eyebrows.

Bette laughed as she started gathering her things and stood up. All right you two, thats enough. Kit, I really do hope things work out well with Marina. I look forward to seeing her again. Will she be here tonight?

Kit leaned in to give Bette a quick hug and peck on the cheek. Yes, she will. She said shed come to the show no matter what. She cant wait to see everybody again. Giving Tina a hug, Kit continued. So, Ill see you both tonight?

Tina returned the hug. We wouldnt miss it, Kit. You know how proud of you we both are.

With goodbyes said, Bette and Tina left The Planet, hand-in-hand, smiles on their faces. All was right in the world.