Chapter 6

“Jodi, can you bring home some napkins as well?”  Bette texted Jodi as she was putting the finishing touches on the BBQ they were planning to have for Bette and Jodi’s friends.

She had promised she would be relaxed and it would be informal and she was really trying hard.  She hoped she wouldn’t be tempted to interpret since Jodi had invited Tom.

The doorbell rang and Bette took a deep breath to keep from being frustrated that Jodi wasn’t here before the guests started arriving. She wiped her hands on the apron Jodi had gotten her.

Bette opened the door and was greeted by Alice and Shane.  Alice kissed Bette and handed her a bottle of wine.  Shane did the same but handed her a case of Corona.

“Nice apron Bette. It said No beef just chicks.  “How dykelike of you”  Alice commented.

“Thanks.  Present from Jodi”

“Where is Jodi?” Shane asked

“She’s on her way”

“Ooh and you’re not flipping out that everything isn’t perfect?? Where’s the real Bette?” Alice asked

“Funny.  You make it sound like I was a control freak”

Alice and Shane looked at each other.

“Relax.  Tina had a heart to heart with me and informed me of this element of my personality.”

“Oh that reminds me.”  Alice said. “Helena, Max and Tina are right behind us.  They were giving the baby sitter final instructions.  Helena is anxious about leaving her kids.”

“How long does she have them this time?” Bette asked.

“Winnie’s allowed her to extend until the end of the week.  It’s amazing how cooperative she can be from her place in Gramercy Park,” Alice commented sarcastically

“Be fair, Alice” Shane said “She and Helena are doing all right at the moment.”

By coincident, the doorbell rang and Tina opened it enough to poke her head in.

Bette greeted her. “Come on in T, were in the kitchen.”

Tina entered followed by Helena and Max and crossed into the kitchen.  Bette’s breath caught as she saw Tina in her white halter and blue sarong.  She would also see the light purple bikini underneath.  All three items looked fabulous on Tina.