Bette pulled her car to the front of Alice’s apartment.  Helena was talking with Alice while she waited for Bette. She grinned at the women as they ignored her, talking about real estate rentals and Helena’s best prospects in that department. Bette took her time admiring Helena’s casual attire—a thin white tank top and black slacks, which hugged Helena’s curves perfectly.

Bette shouted out, “Hello ladies. Are we three for our date tonite?” She was treated to a dazzling smile from Helena, and a snort of derisive laughter from Alice.

“Been there, done that, lost the golden ring. Have fun you two, for serious.” Alice nudged Helena forward, who leaned back to pat her friend on the shoulder. Helena picked up a rolled up blanket and a bottle of wine that had been sitting at her feet, threw the blanket into the car and nestled the bottle of wine against it for the ride.

“Hello darling.” Helena leaned into the car to kiss Bette, before opening the door and turning to Alice again. “Alice, sweetheart, don’t wait up for me.” Alice nodded, waving her hand.

“Wait, do you have your sweater Helena? It might get chilly tonite.” Alice turned on her heel to retrieve a sweater for the bemused woman. It would seem that Alice’s maternal streak was being triggered by Helena’s decisiveness about moving out of the apartment.

Bette sighed, looking at her watch. “Helena, we’re going to miss our reservation.”

“Oh hush, darling, I’m waiting for Alice. She’s having separation anxiety, so let her get me a frikkin sweater.” Helena leaned in to kiss Bette again.

Bette laughed. “You know, you’ve been saying that word a lot lately. ‘Frikkin’—Alice’s vocabulary is really rubbing off on you.”

Alice returned and leaned into the car to hand Helena her sweater, having overheard the last part of their conversation. She nodded in agreement, “Yeah, and now I call the washroom the ‘loo’. It’s a whole cultural exchange thing.” She squeezed Helena hard around the shoulders. “Take good care of my roommate. And don’t do anything I’d do.”

“Great, great, yes, yes, we’re leaving. Goodbye Alice, sweet Alice.” Bette’s sarcasm was offset by a kiss blown in Alice’s direction.