“I thought maybe you needed to get home to Francesca.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Alice said …”

“I think Alice has said enough for tonight.” Bette interrupted. “Normally I wouldn’t stay out late if Francesca is home alone but she’s spending the night with Peggy. Are you rushing home to someone?”

“No.”

“Then why don’t you stay for a while?” Bette was never one for timidity but she really didn’t know how to read Tina’s mood.

“Only if you save all the dances for me.” Tina challenged.

“Um… I don’t know about that. There is a redhead over there that’s been giving me the eye.” Bette countered thinking it was all in good humor.

“Fine because I’ve got my eye on that dark haired beauty sitting at the bar. You’re not the only filet mignon around here.” “

Ouch. I guess I deserved that.”

“You did. Now I really must go to the ladies room.”

“I’ll go with you.” Bette and Tina make their way to the ladies room and as expected there is a long line of women waiting to use it.

“Come with me. I have the code for the private employee restrooms.” Bette leads Tina to the employee only section of the club and puts in the code for the ladies room. They use it quickly and wash up then head back out to the club. The house music had changed to a slower beat and several couples were just swaying to the music as they cooled down.

“Would you like to dance now?”

“Sure unless you have a better offer.”

“Tina I said I was sorry. I was just kidding around.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I seem to be on a very short fuse tonight. I don’t know why I keep lashing out at you.”

“Are you mad at me because I didn’t tell you about the baby?”

“Honestly … yeah … maybe just a little. I mean we spent so much time together in New York and you knew and you didn’t say anything. I thought you trusted me Bette.”

“I do trust you Tina but you have to understand that this is a decision I had to make on my own. I wasn’t ready to talk about it when we were in New York and once we got back here it was like you just disappeared on me. I mean how hard is it to pick up the phone or to set aside an hour to have lunch with a friend? You have an open invitation to Sunday brunch yet you never show up. It’s like you don’t want to spend time with me. I’m trying here Tina but I really don’t know what you want from me?”