“Well, no. But if you’d like to tell me…” Bette trailed off as a friendly waiter came by and took her order for a chai tea latte.

“I decided to embrace a simpler, more natural lifestyle,” Helena continued. “I got so tired of my consumerist lifestyle. Another house, another overpriced handbag… it was all so empty, you know? I wanted something different. Besides, there are so many other things to spend money on.”

Bette raised a delicate eyebrow and said nothing. Some things clearly hadn’t changed. Money was always at the forefront of Helena’s mind.

“And I’m a fully raw vegan now. It’s done wonders for my skin and my health.”

“You look great,” Bette said with sincerity. It was true, Helena looked good, despite not wearing any make up. Her eyes had a sparkle of vitality Bette had never seen there before. On the other hand, her “fashion” choices were another matter entirely. The tank top she had on looked like it was made of burlap.

“I feel great,” Helena said. “And that’s the most important thing, isn’t it?”

“Of course.”

“You look good too,” Helena said, eyeing Bette. “Your bag… is that Hermes?”

“Yes. I see you haven’t forgotten your labels.”

“Old habits die hard,” Helena said. “Anyway, let me tell you what I’ve discovered. Maybe you and Tina would like to try out the plan I’m on now…”

Bette nodded politely and sipped at her drink as Helena cheerfully bored her with the details of her organic, raw, diet, her insistence on cruelty-free cosmetics, and her new-found interest in animal rights. When she finally let Bette get a word in edgewise, Bette took the opportunity to ask about Alice.

“Is she doing okay? She hasn’t returned my calls today, and Kit told me she doesn’t come here anymore. If there was a relationship I thought would last forever, it was Alice and The Planet…”

“Alice isn’t getting out much these days,” Helena said.

“Really? That doesn’t sound like her. I know she was upset by the breakup with Tasha, but she’s always been the most social person I’ve ever known.”

“Well… I don’t know if I should tell you this, but I suppose you will find out anyway.”

“Tell me what? Is something wrong?”