The morning of the trip, Bette and Tina met the rest of the gang at The Planet for the prerequisite drinking of coffee. The renting of a vehicle large enough to carry the eight of them was left to Alice. She volunteered against Bette’s better judgement.

“Don’t sweat it, Porter. I got this,” were her words walking to her mini two days ago.

“Has anyone seen this ‘deathtrap’ Alice has rented?” Bette asked as Shane joined the table.

“Hopefully it isn’t that bad,”Carmen answered sitting next to her girlfriend.

Bette slightly grimaced.

“Hi Carmen,” she said.

Bette had no reason for not liking Carmen but something about her just didn’t add up.

“Good morning,” she smiled, “So where’s the new girl?”

“I guess she’ll be walking in here soon,” Bette answered.

“Nice of you to be accepting of her relationship with Evan.”

“Accepting is not quite the right word,”Bette replied walking off.

“Wow,” Carmen said to Shane.

Bette went in search of her wife, finding Tina talking to her sister Kit.

“Hey babysis,” Kit greeted , “a refill?” Kit asked pointing to the cup in Bette’s hand.

“No.”

Bette slid her arm around Tina’s shoulders holding her close.

“You okay, babe?” Tina inquired looking at her love.

“Yeah. Just…”

“Worrying about Evan,” Tina completed.

“How is she doing?” Kit asked.

“Okay, restless as always,”Bette smiled.

“Back to her old self, then?”

“Almost,” Tina replied.

“This time away should be good for her,” Kit assessed.

“That’s the plan.”

“Where is my niece anyway?” Kit asked looking around.

“Outside waiting for Serena.”

“How is that…going?” Kit questioned.

“Hopefully very slow,” Tina replied.

Bette rolled her eyes.

*****

Evan stood seeing the cab coming to a stop. She watched as a long leg followed by the other climbed out. Her eyes traveled up to see a duffle bag slung over a shoulder and the tossing of blonde hair back. She heard the slamming of the car door before seeing it drive away. Het eyes followed the movement of the lithe body as it approached. Evan let out a breath and licked her lips preparing for interaction.

“Hi,” she said to the woman who stopped inches in front of her.

“Good morning,” Serena smiled.

Lowering her head for a quick peck Serena wasn’t completely surprised by the arrest of lips. She moaned. Pulling away before losing herself, Serena regained her composure.