”Mom, please, we’ve been through this! I’m good,” Angie turned, a smile illuminating her face. ”Stop worrying. I have everything. And if you need to like, go, I can handle getting to her door on my own.”

Bette laughed. ”I won’t stay long, I promise. I’ll walk you in, and say hi to Alice if that’s okay with you.” Angie nodded, obviously not wanting to put up a fight. She practically ran ahead to Alice’s door and rang the bell, tapping her foot impatiently.

Bette stood slightly back, listening to Alice’s footsteps bounding down the hall inside. The door swung open, revealing Alice with a wide grin.

”Well hello there! I’ve only been waiting all day! Come on in!” Alice beckoned them inside, closing the door behind them. She squeezed Angie tightly, then leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on Bette’s cheek before refocusing on the teenager.

”I’ve got so much junk food your Mom is going to disown me,” Alice stage-whispered mischievously to Angie, who laughed.

”Very funny, Al,” Bette responded, only half sure that Alice was joking. Glancing towards the lounge, she noticed Alice had transformed it, pulling out the sofa bed and adorning the walls with twinkling lights. A silent expression of gratitude crossed Bette’s face as she gestured to the setup, acknowledging Alice’s effort to make the occasion special for Angie, who was busy retrieving her birthday present for Alice from her overnight bag.

”Stay for a drink?” Alice offered, making her way to the kitchen. ”I’ve got wine, seltzer, tea… um, probably some kombucha if you’re still into that?”

Bette shrugged lightly and shook her head. ”Thanks, Al, but I can’t. I’ve got work to do.” Alice rolled her eyes, exchanging a knowing glance with Angie, who mirrored her expression before succumbing to giggles. Bette approached Angie and planted a tender kiss on her forehead.

”Don’t stay up too late, Ang. You’ve got plans tomorrow,” she reminded her.

”Oh yeah kiddo? What are you up to?” Alice asked.

Angie grinned, reaching for a bowl of potato chips on the counter. ”Mama T is in town, and we’re going shopping and then out to dinner,” she replied.

”Nice!” Alice nodded, her face beaming.

”Yeah so if I look tired I will have double moms making a big deal out of it,” Angie said in mock seriousness.

Alice nodded understandingly. ”I have cream for that. You can stay up as late as you like.” Bette pretended to groan, secretly knowing that Alice would make sure Angie was tucked up asleep at a reasonable time. Alice walked Bette to the door after she had said goodbye to Angie, and leaned against the frame as Bette stood on the porch.

”Thank you so much, Al. She’s beyond excited. If you need anything just call, alright?” Bette leaned in and hugged her friend.

”I think I’m more excited,” Alice laughed. ”See you tomorrow. Don’t work all night!” she called out, as Bette walked to the car.