“So,” Bette says in between forkfuls of pasta, “How’s the no sex thing going?”

Shane has her mouth full of chicken alfredo but she looks over to her friend with a disgusted look on her face and manages to say, “It sucks.”

Bette smiles. “Yeah I remember those times. When Angie was born and after Tina and I had gotten back together, man it was tough. Everyone starts to look real good after awhile.”

Shane’s eyes get wide, “I know right? It’s fucking terrible. Yesterday I was checking out the fifty-two year old security guard who always calls me ‘suga’—the woman is fifty pounds overweight and always smells like pickles!”

Bette laughed. “Been there.”

“So what do I do about it? I mean I love Shay, I don’t want to rock his boat or anything but come on! He is always there!”

“Ok well what’s you and Carmen’s work schedule like?”

“She has every Sunday and Monday night off.”

“Ok good. Now you need to talk to Shay, he’s been there for what? Two weeks? You need to sit him down and tell him that you love him and you love when he comes in to sleep with you and Carmen but sometimes you need some grown up time. Maybe suggest he can fall asleep in your bed on Sunday and Mondays but after he is asleep you guys carry him to his room?”

“I’m telling you, Bette, the kid’s not going to go for it. He can’t sleep alone. He’s pretty fucked up. Seriously. I think he is scared he will be left or something.”

“Well honestly, Shane I don’t know what to tell you, does he have a friend or anyone who he could have a sleepover with?”

Shane thought for a minute.

“Max. He loves Max. Maybe I can talk to him? I just need like one night a week. That’s it. I’m not asking for much here, you know?”

Suddenly Bette starts coughing.

“Shit, Bette! Are you okay? Jeez what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” She says inbetween coughs, “I just really wish someone else was here to hear you say that you only need one night a week, that’s all.”

“Okay what does that mean? It’s not that big of a deal. I have a lot of shit going on right now and once a week sounds pretty damn good at the moment. I don’t need your ridicule.”

Bette smiles and stifles a laugh.

“Oh and don’t tell Tina I said that okay? Or anyone actually. I mean I just think people will take it the wrong way is all.”

Bette leans over and gives Shane a kiss on the head and a quick side hug.

“I’ve got to get back to work. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.” She says as she pulls down her sunglasses and heads back to her car.