“Hey…may I help you?” Eric asked politely.

Bette’s heart stopped beating and she forgot why she was there…

“Um….I was looking for Tina…” Bette said, feeling very uncomfortable about the situation she was in. Bette felt like the third wheel.

“Oh…she’s in the shower…will you come in?” Eric asked her. He opened the door more, giving space for Bette to walk in…

“I’m Eric…nice to meet you…” Eric extends his hand. Bette took her. “Bette…Bette Porter…nice to meet you too…”

“Oh…you’re Bette…I didn’t recognize you at first…” Eric smiled walking in the kitchen.

“Do we know each other?” Bette asked surprised.

“No personally…but Tina talks allot about you….Bette this, Bette that….and I saw the pictures on the walls…how long you two are friends…?”

“More than 5 years…we met during one of my art diners…” Bette answered.

“You’re art dealer?” Eric asked very intrigued…”I’m collector myself…maybe you can give me some advice…”

“I’m the director of the CAC…” Bette said full of pride….”We….” Bette said but suddenly Tina walked in…

“Oh…what are you doing here?” Tina asked. Her heart was beating fast and she felt like the ground under her feet was breaking down. That wasn’t the way she thought about presenting Eric to her friends….half necked in her kitchen….beside Bette wasn’t just one of her friends.

“I just wanted to see you…um….we were discussing the bachelor party and you weren’t there and I just thought that we….um we could take some decision about the themes of the night….” Bette was blabbing which didn’t pass unspotted by Tina…

“She’s nervous…that’s good…veeery good…” Tina smirked

“Well I’m here…coffee?” Tina said taking the coffee jug.

“Sure…why not…!”

They drank some of the liquid in full silence. Bette was playing with her mug, making circles around the handle.

“So Eric….what do you do for leaving?” Bette suddenly asked….”I mean you said that you’re collector but I know many like you and this isn’t profession….”

“Here we go….full protective mode…” Tina thought

“Um…I’m lawyer…” Eric answered. He felt like she’s been interrogated.

“Really…? That’s good…so how long you two been secretly dating?” Bette blurred out.

“Bette…!” Tina scuffed…”I don’t think this concerns you…” she hissed glaring at her.

“Why not…?” Bette asked getting annoyed…”I’m your best friends; we don’t keep secrets of one another…”