The next time Helena saw Bette, it was early Fall. Bette’s dark blue vest and jacket ensemble made her look like some pervy school teacher fantasy.  Helena laughed when they hugged, telling Bette exactly what had been on her mind. Bette pulled away, still close, and smiled sweetly but with a devilish look in her eye.

“You look really great, Helena.” Bette told her, running a hand her arms. “You look happy.”

“I’m doing well.” Helena shrugged, suddenly wanting to revisit the hug they had given one another initially. Their long talks and impromptu dinners and lunches were months past, but Helena wanted very much to revisit those as well.

Their eyes locked.  Helena knew that Bette had dumped whatever artist she had been dating, so now was the time, if ever there might be a time.

“Can we talk about Chicago?” Bette beat Helena to the punch.

Work then. Right. Helena nodded. “I’m sorry again to have missed that first meeting.”

“Not a problem. Dinner? We’ll discuss it.” Bette smiled but she was oddly professional about the whole thing. They sat and waited for their friends, while Kit’s latest hire took coffee and breakfast orders.

“Hey guys.” Alice arrived first, slumping into a chair. She smiled though, looking like the cat that swallowed the canary. “Guess whose article on open relationships among LA lesbians, got picked up by Bitch magazine.”

“Yaaaay.” Helena applauded while Bette rolled her eyes.

“Speaking of which…” Alice smirked at Bette.

“Tina visited. We are just friends. We are not poly or whatever else you might imagine in your twisted little mind.” Bette delivered scathing words with the sweetest of smiles.

“Totally platonic, right, no fucking?” Alice asked.

“Just friends, Alice, my nosy old friend.” Bette added with a wink. “Seriously, I’m enjoying this time alone. I’m reinventing myself.” The smirk she wore held a note of warning—that if Alice pushed, she’d pay for it.

“Good for you.” Helena said quietly. It made her happy in a really weird way. Her stomach actually jumped a little when Bette smiled back at her, much more sweetly than what Alice had received.