“Really” Tina says ,becoming very uncomfortable. Where the hell was Bette.

“I don’t blame you for wanting her. Bette’s a good catch. I’m always telling her to watch out…one day some woman is going to come along and knock her off her feet… and you are the best candidate I’ve seen.” Alice paused to study Bette as she was talking to Kit.

Tina had been rendered speechless. She didn’t think it would do any good to try and shut Alice up. She knew from personal experience that once Alice got started there was no shutting her up. Her only hope was to be rescued by Shane or Helena,who were not in sight. Alice took a sip of her drink and continued. “I’ll admit, I’ve been a little worried about Bette ever since_______

“Shane, Helena,” Kit said, interrupting Alice’s recital just when it had commanded Tina’s full attention. “Kelly”,she also greeted another woman who Tina had never seen before. She had on a dress that clung to her willowy figure . She spoke to everyone in a refined ,modulated voice and tilted her head up when Kit hugged her . “I haven’t seen you since you got back into town. You look as beautiful as ever.”

“Thank you Kit”

After they exchanged pleasantries, everyone went to get drinks, leaving Tina alone with Alice again.

“Well I almost got in trouble with my big trap” Alice said with a gushing sigh of relief. “I was just about to mention her name, and all of a sudden, there she was!”

Tina’s hand shook slightly as she brought the water bottle to her lips. “Kelly?” she asked on a high note..

Alice was apparently too caught up in her own tale to notice Tina’s agitation. “You know of course that -Bette was engaged to her.”

Tina shook her head before she found enough voice to croak. “No”. She cleared her throat and tried again. “No”

Alice’s cheerful face collapsed. “Damn, Bette is going to kill me”

“Kill you for what?” Bette asked as she came up behind Tina and put her arms possessively around her shoulders.

“Excuse me” Alice said and quickly left.

"Miss me?" Bette asked -Tina bending so low that her breath wafted over her lips

"Yes" Tina answered honestly. And breathlessly, And in the same breath she said. "I didn’t know you were engaged to Kelly"

The drink that Bette was about to take was arrested in mid-air.  The only thing she could think of saying was… "how do you know her"  Then comprehension dawned on her. "Jesus, fucking Christ, Alice, do you ever mind your own fucking business?"

TBC