"You two did some pretty hurtful things to each other," Alice offered. "And to be fair, you were both focused on keeping things civil for Angelica’s sake."

"And to be civil, we ignored the possibility that we could be friends," Tina said absent-mindedly.

"That chance isn’t gone," Alice said. "I mean obviously it’s not – you were there tonight right?"

"For Angelica," Tina replied. "Pre-adolescent angst."

"But you spent the evening together – that’s progress," Alice said. "You deserve to be friends. There’s still a lot of history there."

"I guess we’re trying to get there," Tina replied. "But I thought we were doing it in the framework of Bette having another commitment. I probably shouldn’t make things more complicated than they need to be."

"The most important commitment you two have is to Angie," Alice started. "And don’t you think it would be good to model forgiveness and affection instead of blame and indifference for her?"

"This is more about her than it is us," Tina stated.

"Took you a while to get here," Alice said.

"Took me a while to be able to forgive," Tina replied. "Thanks Alice."

"Anytime Tina."

They said their goodbyes and as Alice set her cell on the coffee table she simply shook her head.

Moments later, it rang again. She glanced at the screen before answering.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Alice asked without an opening salutation.

"Can’t I call to visit now and then?" Bette replied.

"Of course, but I know you teach tomorrow, why the late call?"

"We’ve talked since I broke up with Olivia right?" Bette asked.

"Yeah, you mentioned it in passing a few weeks ago," Alice replied, a smirk teasing at the corner of her mouth. She wasn’t going to give up Tina on the conversation they’d just shared. "Everything okay?"

"Fine," Bette replied. "How are you two?"

"Couldn’t be better. Hey any interest in going out Saturday night? There’s a new band playing at The Planet I wouldn’t mind checking out. Might get your mind off of your relationship woes.

"I don’t have any relationship woes," Bette said curtly.

"Sounded like you did," Alice replied. "Always lots of eligible women at such events. A night out might do you some good."

"A night out would do me some good," Bette agreed. "But I’m definitely not looking to meet anyone new right now."

"Meet us at nine?" Alice suggested.

"Nine o’clock Saturday," Bette added the date to the calendar in her iPhone.

Alice had just disconnected the call when Dana entered the room.

"Why are you looking so smug?" Dana asked.

"Smug?" Alice replied. "I’m not smug." She thought it best to keep the succession of phone calls to herself for the moment.

"Whatever you say Al," Dana knew better than to try to get information when it wasn’t forthcoming. If Alice didn’t want to share, nothing could change that.

"Can you do me a favour? Alice went on. "I need you to invite Tina to come out with us on Saturday night when you see her tomorrow."

"What are you up to?" Dana asked.

"Nothing, but don’t mention I asked you to do this," Alice said. "Try to be casual about the invitation."

"It’s not nothing if I’m supposed to keep something a secret," Dana insisted. "And how do you know I’m meeting Tina?"

"Just trust me on this," Alice insisted. "And I know you’re meeting her because you shared your calendar with me. It came up as a reminder on the desktop tonight."

Alice was certain she could create some impromptu opportunities for them to meet. Just to help this burgeoning ‘friendship’ along a bit. And no one would be the wiser for her efforts.

(tbc)