Tina could feel her blood rising again as she recollected the scene she’d walked into earlier that evening. She wasn’t sure why it upset her to see the women coming on to the brunette but what she wanted to know was why Alice equated it to Bette becoming a mom.

“Alice I meant what’s this about Bette being a mom?” Her tone had taken on a bit of annoyance with Alice.

“Tina don’t tell me you didn’t know that Bette was adopting Marcus and Francesca’s baby? Half of WeHo knows it.” Alice declared nonchalantly.

“Well I guess I’m the last to know.” She said turning her attention to Bette. “Bette why didn’t you tell me?” Bette was taken aback by Tina’s accusatory tone.

“I’m sorry Tina. I tried to tell you several times but you were either busy or distracted or had something else going on.”

“I know I’ve been busy Bette but something this important you could have found the time to tell me.” Tina was fuming. She looked around the table at Dana and Leigh both of whom averted their eyes but when she made eye contact with Val she threw daggers. “Val why didn’t you tell me? We live in the same house for fucks sake.”

“Yeah and you’re never home. Besides that Tina you’re not that easy to talk to these days. You get so wrapped up in work or you’re distracted with Eric or whatever. I know Bette wanted to tell you herself and had you not blown us off at my opening you would have heard the news when she shared it with the rest of us. You’ve been neglecting your friends for weeks Tina so don’t put this on me.”

Tina was embarrassed. Val’s words hit home and she felt properly chastised for her outburst. It certainly wasn’t Bette or Val’s fault. “I’m sorry Val you’re right. I have been wrapped up in my own world lately.” She turned back to face Bette feeling like a fool. “Bette I don’t know why I’m acting like this. I’m sorry. This is wonderful news. Congratulations.”

“Thank you Tina.”

“So when did all this happen?” Tina was now fully engaged in a private conversation with Bette while the other couples looked on.

“Marcus and Francesca asked me to adopt the baby when we were in New York the first time. I made my decision a few days after we got back to Los Angeles. My sudden trip to New York just before Val’s show was to tell them that I wanted the baby and to bring Francesca to Los Angeles to give birth.”