“Good morning” Tina whispered back.

“Things at work okay?”. Bette asked.

“Yes,or as good as the Ocean Breeze account”

“Don’t worry about that one,you handled it with aplomb.”

“Yes madam”

“I missed you last night, I woke up and you were gone”

Tina’s heart beat increased and she gripped the receiver . “you know I had to leave”

“I don’t understand why you had to, but all can be forgiven if you agree to have dinner with me and the gang tonight.”

“The gang_____?”

“Yea, It’s  just a little celebration for my sister and her boyfriend.He’ a musician and he just landed a gig.It’s mostly family and friends and that means Alice,Shane, Kit, -Dana and even Helena will be there.”

“Helena?”

“Yep, all of a sudden she has become Alice’s best friend. Is that a problem?”

“Nope” Tina said in defeat, “the more the merrier.”

“do I need to bring anything?”

“It depends”

“On what?”

“Can you cook as well as you can kiss?”

Tina laughed and the phone almost fell from her hands. “I’ve never had anyone compare the skills.”

Bette smiled into the receiver and said, “well if your culinary talents come anywhere close to your… ah …other accomplishments,then i’m in for a treat. By the way don’t bring any desert, I already know what I’m having.” Bette said seductively and suggestively over the phone. “Dinner is at six, just bring yourself.”And before Tina could respond the line went dead.

Tina stood disoriented and trembling with the telephone in her hand. When she tried to move, her legs felt wobbly__a side effect of the weakness Bette’s voice had induced on her each time she heard it. She could feel the silly grin on her face, feel the joy bubbling inside her chest, feel the happiness welling up in her until it came out as a tuneless humming song while she sort through her mails and messages.

Bette was feeling just as happy, she was smiling all through the day, she found everything amusing, until Shane called her.

“Hey Shane, what’s up” Bette answered the phone, laughter in her voice and greeted her friend.

“Hey Bette, you sound happy” Shane greeted her

“I am, Tina has agreed to come to family night with me”