You hurt me, I hear Tinas behind me and Bette turns to look. Before the affairbefore the miscarriageyou hurt me. I see a single tear trickle down Bettes cheek. Im so sorry honey. I wish I could just make this all go awayfor both of you. After looking at me briefly, Bette turns and leaves.

Turning my attention back to Tina. God, TinaIm so sorryI shouldnt have let her inI just thought that

Its okay Alice, she interrupts me. We needed to talk anyway. I just wish I could have said more.

More? More than you said with that single sentence? Tina, I think you said a lot with that one statement.

Do you really think so? Shes not sure about herself.

Of course, I try to reassure her. Listen, I dont know every underlying issue that you and Bette haveand Im betting her affair is just the tip of the iceberg, but I do know that you two love each other. That being saidI also know that love isnt enough sometimesand relationships take work.

I knowbut I dont know if I can do it.

I think you can. What you said heretonightproves it. And I think you and Bette share a love that will inspire you both to work your asses off for this to work. I pause, allowing my words to sink in. Are you hungry? Im starved.

Yeah, I could use something to eat right about now.

Good, I say, patting her knee as I stand up. I walk into the kitchen and see the ringTinas ring. I cant believe I forgot about that! Uh, Tina? I say, catching her before she enters the hallway.

Yes?

UhI hate to bring this up nowbutlast Saturday God Alice, just tell her.

Whats wrong Alice? She asks, now standing right behind me.

Bette asked me to give this to you. I reach for the ring and turn to face her.

Give what to me?

This, I say, holding out the ring. Im sorry. She brought it with her last weekend and asked me to give it to you. You were in bad all week and it completely slipped my mind. Im sooo sorry.

Its okay Al, she assures me, holding out her hand for the item.

I place the ring in the palm of her hand and watch tears well up in her eyes as she closes her fingers around it. She swallows and takes a deep breath. Thank you Al, looking up at me, for everything. Then she encloses me in a hug, before turning toward her bedroom.

After deciding that weve had enough emotions for one day, Tina and I enjoy an evening of gossip and laughter about the Hollywood elite.

To Be Continued