“What is it with you two and the winks and nods? I feel like I’m watching THE STING,” Alice frowned.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tina said, chewing.

“Don’t play all innocent. That Madonna and child routine is not going to work with me.”

“Al, let the woman eat in peace,” Shane said, sliding her plate closer to Tina.

“Sure. Right. Somebody should have some peace. I’d prefer to get a piece, but that’s nobody’s problem but mine,” Alice said, half out loud.

Bette came back to the table carrying two plates of food and Dana followed her with two glasses of orange juice. Dana looked from one to the other as Bette set down Tina’s breakfast in front of her.

“Tina, you look sogreat. I mean. Not that you’ve looked bad, or anything. But you just look sohealthy or something,” Dana said, handing Bette the drinks.

“Thanks,” Tina smiled, winking at Bette.

“Maybe it’s the whole being pregnant thing. But Bette you look really great, too. I guess the mothers-to-be glow isn’t just a myth,” Dana smiled broadly.

“It’s called afterglow, Dana,” Alice said. “And it has nothing to do with being a mother. It’s the result of wild, raucous *****. Which these two have obviously just had.”

Bette choked and almost spit out a mouthful of orange juice, and Shane tried to hide her smirk behind her hand.

“Breathe, Baby,” Tina said, rubbing Bette’s back as she cleared her throat.

“Isn’t she supposed to be saying that to you?” Alice asked, taking a big bite of her cold English muffin.

“Not til next week,” Bette wheezed. “That’s when the natural childbirth class starts.”

“Is that the one at the yoga center?” Shane asked.

“Yes,” Bette said, a hint of surprise in her voice.

“That’s good. The instructor is certified in hypnosis. She’ll know more about pain management,” Shane said matter-of-factly.

All of the eyes at the table suddenly focused on Shane. “One of my clients must have been talking about it,” she shrugged dismissively. “Speaking of which, I should go.”

“Hold up, I’ll follow you,” Alice said, downing her coffee in one gulp.

“But” Tina said, watching her friends disperse.

“I need to head out, too,” Dana said. “I’m going to get my stuff to go. There’s this problem with the caterer”

“Call me,” Alice said, leaning down to hug Tina.

Within moments, the table had cleared.

“Is it a full moon, or something?” Tina asked.

“Or something. I love them, but they are very strange,” Bette said, completely mystified.

“Did you talk to Dana?”

“Yes. We’re having coffee later this week. I still can’t believe you talked me into this,” Bette said.

“I guess I caught you at a particularly vulnerable moment,” Tina smiled, leaning in for a kiss.

I guess so,” Bette said.