Bette was busy making the rounds, greeting guests, ensuring they all had the right amount of alcohol in their glasses, when Kit crept up from behind. She playfully tapped her on the ass and said, “Impressive turn out, little sister,” and nodded with pride as she looked around. Bette nervously smiled and said, “So far so good. Listen, Alice and Dana are probably around here somewhere. You think you can make sure they stay out of trouble?”

“I just hung up with Alice. She picked Dana up and I think they were on their way to get Tina. I assumed she meant Tina Kennard–I don’t think they’re here yet.”

Bette wiped at her brow, “T..Tina, really, Alice is picking up Tina?” Kit shrugged.

“Hey just out of curiosity–how do you know Tina? I mean, I remember meeting her the one time…”

Putting her hand to her chin, Kit said, “Well I don’t remember meeting her, but, she belonged to your mother’s friend–the bald dude.”

“Philip?”

“Yeah, that guy. I’m surprised you don’t remember her; she followed you around like damn puppy when you were teenagers.”

Bette had been keeping an eye on Kit from the other side of the room, who was now taking glass after glass of champagne and throwing them back. She noticed the shift in Kit’s demeanor and staggering toward the entrance, watched as she threw her arms around Alice. Bette’s body tightened and her eyes widened as Tina stepped into view. She was wearing a tight green cocktail dress which hugged her body, and showed off every curve. On the outside, amongst her guests, Bette maintained the facade of their aloof contemporary, but on the inside, she felt like a twenty year old. The same twenty year old who, tucked away in the quiet and safety of Tina’s bedroom all those years ago, became the first to taste her lips.

Tina was gracious and smiled as she touched Alice’s arm, excusing herself to walk around. Bette followed her steps and leaned against a partition as Tina stopped to once again admire the painting. She studied it for a moment, and turning around, noticed Bette admiring her body in the same manner. She sent a slight wave in her direction and as Bette was about to approach, she became preoccupied by an artist complaining about the lighting. She looked over at Tina and pouted before being torn away in the opposite direction.