Chapter 21

Alice was the first to arrive. And knowing Alice her arrival was never subtle.

“Hey you horndogs! I am so happy for you guys. Now you don’t have to sneak into each other’s house. Congratulations!” Alice said while giving her friends a hug. “Who else is coming?” Alice asked.

“The usual. Shane, you and Jodi.” Bette replied.

“Wow. You two have lots of friends, huh? You should consider going out more and stop staying in to fuck each other senseless.” Alice said with a chuckle.

“Shut up, Al.” Tina warned.

Alice made her way to Tina when Bette made an exit to go to the kitchen. “Jodi’s coming?” she whispered.

“Yes.”

“I don’t feel good about her Tina. She’s still in love with Bette.”

“Let it go, Al. They’re friends. Besides, didn’t you just tell us to get more friends?”

“I know I said that but get friends who don’t do hang-ups and unrequited love. You know what they say: Keep your friends close, your enemies closer.”

“What are you saying, Al?”

“I’m just saying, Tina. She may not be THE friend after all. I just don’t want to see you hurt.”

“I’m not going to get hurt, Al. I trust Bette.”

“I know you do but do you trust Jodi?”

“She’s not my concern.”

“You may think of it that way, Tiny but whatever concerns your beloved Bette should concern you.”

Tina eyed Al thoughtfully.

“I’m just saying. Just don’t let your guard down.” And with that Al was on her way to the garden screaming Shane’s name.

“Shane! Where are you? For fucks sake you just live next door and I get here ahead of you?! Shane!”

“Coming, Al. Hold on to your granny panties!”

“How the hell did she know that?” Al whispered to herself. All the while Bette was looking at her and laughing at her silliness.

Dinner was shared with stories, laughter and banter. All of which were directed at Alice. It seemed that it was, again, pick-on-Alice-day.

“You all laugh. One day I’ll get back at you!” Alice warned a bit drunk.

“You can try, Alice.” Jodi replied.

“I’m with Jodi on that one.” Shane added and they all laughed.

Bette picked up a couple of utensils and excused herself to bring the dishes on to the kitchen. Jodi offered to help. Once all dishes were put aside Jodi congratulated Bette.

“I’m happy for you, Bette. I can really see that you’re happy.” Jodi stated.

“Thanks, Jods. I really am. It took me a while to get here but it’s all worth it. Tina’s all worth it.” Bette said with a smile on her eyes.

Jodi’s heart was slowly breaking at Bette’s words. Bette’s question brought her out of her reverie.

“So, what happened to that girl that you were dating?”

“It didn’t work out. We just didn’t have anything in common.” Jodi said matter-of-factly.

“You should stop looking for perfection, Jodi. You’ll never find it.”

“It’s just hard. You did set the bar high.” Jodi jokingly replied.

“Oh shut up.”

“I bet Tina thinks that you are utterly perfect.”

“I’m not sure but she is for me.” Bette smiled.

Jodi took Bette’s hand and squeezed it. “Again, I’m happy for you.”

Bette brought Jodi in for a hug and whispered her thanks.

“I have to go. I have to get up really early tomorrow.” Jodi just can’t take the sadness anymore. She had to get out. “I’ll say good bye to the others. See you around.”

Jodi bid her goodbye and left. Soon, Shane and Alice did the same.

Tina and Bette was preparing for sleep.

“Jodi looked sad when she was leaving. Did you two talk about anything?” Tina asked curiously.

“Nothing much. She congratulated us and told me she was happy for us. She also told me she broke it off with the girl she was seeing. She said they had nothing in common.” Bette explained.

“Oh. That must be it then. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, me too. I hope she finds happiness. I know I found mine.” Bette wrapped her arms around Tina’s waist and gave her a kiss.