Im about to spill the beans when Shane walks up. She notices Tinas obvious state of distress and closes her eyes letting out a deep sigh.

Can I talk to you Al? She pulls me aside.

Ill be right back, I tell Tina. Ill take you home.

Alice, what just happened with her and Bette?

I dont know, this morning she told me that she was going to talk to Bette todaybut when she got home earlier she said that she hadnt talked to herand that she was moving on.

No, what happened tonight?

What do you mean? Nothing happened with her and Bette tonight.

Then why did I just see Bette leaving? She was upset, but wouldnt talk to me.

What, I ask, mortified. Bette was herea little while ago?

Yes Al, she responds, thats what I said.

*****! Listen, can you keep an eye on Dana? Shes already half way gone. I need to take Tina to see Bette.

Okay, she agrees.

Ill call you tomorrow to check in.

Just make sure you find out whats going on with them now.

Bye, I say to Shane. I turn to Tina and see that another woman is now hitting on her. I gently grab her arm and rescue her from another situation. She willingly walks to my car with me before breaking down.

I couldnt do it, her tears are freely flowing, no matter how much I triedI just couldnt do it.

Do what, Honey? I ask even though Im afraid to here the answer.

I couldnt do anything with that woman. I just wanted someone to hold meto touch meto love me like Bette used to do. What did I do wrong that made her turn to someone else? Shes blaming herself for Bettes affair.

Tina, you cant do thatyou cant blame yourselfthis is all on Bettes shoulders. You didnt make her do it. I dont know if my words are any comfort. I havent seemed to find the right words all week.

I saw her with Candace, she says. I wasnt expecting to here THAT. My brain cant figure out how to respond. I turn the key in the ignition, thinking Ill just take her hometo her homeso she can see Betteso I can find out whats going on with both of them. Earlierwhen I went to talk to hershe wasnt home so I went to the park. She was therewith Candace, she says the womans name with an obviously disagreeable taste.

Tina, I have to tell her what Shane said, Bette saw you.

What? At the park? How do you know? Shes confused.

No, not the parktonight. When Shane pulled me asideshe told me she saw Bettewalking out. Tinait was right after you kissed that woman.

Oh God! Now she thinks Im being unfaithful.

Were you?

Was I what?

Being unfaithful? I mean, you have to be in a relationship to be unfaithful. I thought you and Bette were over. Not again Alice! Open mouth insert foot. She closes her eyes and begins tremblingI cant stand to see her cry like thisit breaks my heart. Look, Ill take you to the house so you can talk to Bette. Ill stay there to make sure she believes you didnt do anything with that woman.

Okay, she whispers.

Fifteen minutes later, I pull into the empty driveway at Bette and Tinas house. The lights are all outits obvious shes not home. Tina has a look of mortification on her face. She needs to see BetteNOW. Listen, she probably just went someplace to thinkshell be home soon. Why dont we go inside and wait.

Ill go wait for heryou dont have to stay with me. She opens the door and gets out.

Are you sure Honey. I dont have anything else to do tonight.

Yeah, Im sure, she replies.

Call me if you need anythingno matter what time it is.

Thanks, I will, she says before closing the door. She walks around the car and up the path to the front door. She turns and waves then continues up the steps and into the house. I hope those two find each other again. As soon as I see the lights begin to illuminate the inside, I pull out of the driveway and turn toward home.

To Be Continued…