When talking about some of their favorite movies Alyson mentioned several that Tina had produced. Alyson told Tina that she needed to find a fitness club to work out while staying in L.A. so Tina invited her to use her guest pass at the gym.

By the time they were dropped off at their respective homes Tina and Alyson had become fast friends. Over the next several weeks they saw each other socially either on their own or as part of Bette and Peggy’s family gatherings.

Tina was honest with Alyson. As much as there was an attraction between them she had a lot to sort out for herself, with Henry and Helena before she could venture into a new relationship. Alyson on the other hand had a life in New York. It would only complicate things to get involved and then have to deal with a long-distance bi-coastal relationship. By mutual agreement the relationship remained platonic.

***

Once Peggy said goodnight to her guests she made sure Allyn and Winnie had everything they needed. She looked in on her sleeping grandchildren then retired to the master bedroom suite in the west wing of her enormous Malibu beachfront mansion.

She undressed and got into the herbal essence fragrant bath that had been prepared for her in the master bathroom spa tub. She lowered her body into the soothing bubbles enjoying the gentle jet streams as each pulse eased the tension of the day from her weary body. As she relaxed against the cushioned headrest her tough exterior dissolved and her mother’s heart surfaced once again. For the second time that evening she broke down in tears. She cried for her daughters and for herself. How did they get to this point? How could her love for one cause so much hatred in the other?

In her mind she always thought that Bette and Helena would become sisters in the true sense of the word and share equally in her legacy. They were so alike in many ways and so different in others that she believed they would complement each other perfectly. They each had their strengths and areas of expertise that combined would produce a powerful duo if only she could get them to see that for themselves.