“Bette…”

Bette’s eyes popped open. That tone. That was familiar too, but not very comforting. When Tina said her name carefully like that, with a faint note of wheedling, Bette knew a request she wasn’t going to like was coming. She sighed deeply.

“Don’t sigh.”

Bette propped her head up on one hand and studied Tina. “Alright, T. What is it?”

“Would you be terribly upset if we didn’t spend Christmas here?”

“Of course not. Why?”

“I have business to attend to in L.A. that week. Want to come with?”

“Is that all? T, you know I don’t mind. As long as we’re all together, I couldn’t care less where we go.” Bette paused, reconsidering. “Unless it’s Arizona.”

“Here we go. It was one time, Bette. You promised not to bring up the Arizona incident anymore.”

“You say incident like there weren’t several during that trip.”

Tina made a huffy noise. “Do I ever bring up the holidays we spent with your dad? May he rest in peace.”

“No, but unlike your uncle, my father never slapped you on the back every time you entered the room or served you roadkill at dinner.”

“It wasn’t roadkill. It was armadillo with a side of rattlesnake, a southwestern cuisine delicacy.”

“Whatever you say, T.” The corners of Bette’s mouth twitched. She never could keep a straight face when she teased Tina.

Tina made an annoyed sound. “So anyway. Are we on? L.A. at Christmas?”

Bette didn’t hold back her yawn this time as she snuggled back down into her pillow. “Fine with me. When do we leave?”

***

“So we’re leaving on the 21st, and we’ll be there just about the whole week. You’ll get to see Aunt Kit and Alice and let them spoil you since you haven’t seen them in awhile.. Pretty cool, right?” Tina smiled at Angie as she tied a scarf around her neck.

Angie nodded as she pulled a coat on over her school uniform. “Sure, mom.”

“And,” Tina said with an air of suspense, “We’re going on a private jet!”

Angie looked on mildly as she slung her backpack over one shoulder. “Why wouldn’t we?”

Bette exchanged a glance with Tina. “Come on, Ang, we’re running late.” She gave Tina a peck on the lips goodbye and murmured, “The next trip we take, that child is going on Greyhound.”