Previously:

Tina reached down and grabbed a strawberry from the plate. She picked it up as Bette watched her intently. Tina held the berry to Bettes mouth as she dragged it in slow circles across her lips to give her a taste. Just as Bette opened her mouth to take it in Tina pulled the strawberry away and placed it between her teeth. She bit down gently allowing some of the juice to drip past her lips to her chin. Bettes eyes widened in surprise as Tina leaned across the table and brought her mouth to Bettes offering the strawberry to her. Bette cupped Tinas face with her hands and licked the juice from her chin up to her lips. She took half of the strawberry into her mouth and she began to kiss Tina, the taste of strawberry making the kiss that much sweeter.

Suddenly and unexpectedly they were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Tina pulled away from Bette and they were both startled to see a nosy, little blonde glancing from one to the other with a mixture of shock and amusement upon her face.

Oh ***** its Alice! Bette uttered under her breath.


The Morning After – Chapter 8:

If looks could kill Alice would have dropped over dead the instant Bette looked up at her. Bette grabbed the napkin from her lap to wipe the residual strawberry juice from her lips. Damn that kiss was hot! Why is it that Alice keeps interrupting us just when things begin to get interesting? she thought to herself. Bette looked expectantly at Alice waiting for some kind of explanation for her interruption.

Where the ***** have you been all day Porter? Alice asked almost accusingly. You were so plastered when we dropped you off last night I figured youd have the hangover from ***** and spend the day in bed. Dana and I stopped by to check on you this morning and you werent at home or at work! Alice uttered with exasperation.

Alice did it ever occur to you that I dont need a baby sitter; that I am perfectly fine taking care of myself? Bette asked in frustration.

Well, I just.I mean I thought you.. Alice stammered as she trailed off. Alice quickly turned to Tina and said, I never did get your name but Im glad I ran into you; you left your bra in my car last night. Alice pulled the black satin garment from her purse and dangled it from one finger as she looked smugly from Tina to Bette.

Tina had just plopped another grape into her mouth as Alice held her bra up for all the world to see. She recognized the bra immediately but had no recollection of being in Alices car or taking her bra off for that matter. Truth be told, Tina had been so caught up in Bette that she hadnt even realized her bra was missing. Tina began to choke on the grape and felt like a fool as tears came to her eyes. Suddenly her embarrassment was replaced with panic as she realized the grape was lodged in her throat and she couldnt breathe.

Bette knew from the look in Tinas eyes that something was wrong and she got up to pat her back. Tina, are you OK? Do you want some water? Bette asked Tina desperately.

Tina was getting weak and felt like she was going to pass out. Suddenly Alice shoved Bette out of the way and hoisted Tina out of her chair. She wrapped her arms around Tina from behind, clasped her hands beneath Tinas diaphragm and thrust upward. Tina still could not breathe and Alice saw the panic set in on Bettes face. Alice repositioned herself and thrust into Tina again. This time Tina let out a guttural sigh as the grape dislodged and went airborne across the room where it firmly and squarely whacked Dana in the eye before falling to the ground.
Ow, what the *****? Dana whined as her hand came up to cover her smarting eye. She had been standing in line waiting for her mocha frappacino and was finally making her way to the table to join Alice and the others when she became the target of the wayward grape.

Tina gasped breathing in as much air as her lungs would hold. She flopped back down in her chair as her legs were feeling weak and she wasnt sure they would hold her. Bette could not contain her relief that Tina was Ok. She crouched down on her knees beside Tinas chair and took her hands in her own. Oh my God Tina, are you Ok? I was so worried Baby! Bette practically cried as her eyes searched Tinas.

Baby? Alice asked aloud. Both Bette and Tina looked from each other to Alice and back again. Neither could help the smiles that suddenly appeared on their faces.

Dana finally appeared at the table rubbing her eye completely oblivious to what had transpired within the last few minutes. Some ***** twit just hacked up a grape and blasted me in the eye! she whined as she began to glance around the table finally taking notice of Tina. Oh Im sorry Bette, I didnt know you had company. Im Dana Fairbanks and you are? Dana asked Tina as she extended her right hand in greeting.

Tina smiled, accepted the handshake and said, My name is Tina but I guess you can call me ***** twit! Tina laughed as Danas expression went from confused to mortified. Bette sighed in relief that Tina was not upset by the insult and she joined her in laughter as they watched the color drain from Danas face. Alice stood with her mouth open glancing around the table. For once she didnt know what to say so she just stood and waited to see how things would shake out.

Finally Tina stopped laughing and said to Alice, if you are done displaying my bra why dont you and Dana sit down and join us?

Yeah and I am really interested in hearing the story of how Tinas bra ended up in your car Alice! Bette said with an icy tone.

It was Alices turn to laugh. Bette do you remember how you got home last night? Bette did not anwer.

What about you BABY? Alice asked mimicking Bettes pet name for Tina. Do you remember anything about what went on last night?

Bette shot a look at Tina and they both looked back at Alice and shrugged. I dont suppose you would be kind enough to enlighten us Alice? Bette asked tentatively knowing there would be a price to pay for soliciting information from Alice.

Alice smirked as the wheels of her investigative mind began to spin. Ill tell you what..Ill be glad to fill you in on all the details of last night under one condition.

Mm Hmm Bette said knowingly, And what is that Alice?

Well, its obvious that something heavy is going on between the two of you, right? So I figured if you are willing to give up some details

***** Alice! Bette interrupted. She was upset that Alice was disrespecting Tina by assuming that they had slept together. Why dont you get your own ***** life and stop trying to dig up details of other peoples private lives!

Alice knew her plan probably wouldnt work so she conceded quickly. Ok ok, you cant blame a girl for trying right?

Bette shook her head and looked at Tina checking her reaction to her nosy friend. Tina smiled at Bette and raised her left eyebrow as if in question as she spoke, So.?

Before Tina could finish her question Alice interrupted and said, so what do you want to know?

TBC