In the meantime Dana gave us a very detailed description of her new training regimen.  When we arrived she hugged us close.  That meant as much as anything she would have said with words.

Bette and Alice fell into easy conversation about an upcoming show at her gallery.  As usual, Al was eager to be privy to the details, hoping to write up an announcement for her magazine or be invited to mingle with the crowd that surrounded these events. 

As she’d done before, she reminded us again of how she found the location for the gallery.  That’s ok.  She can have claim to that.  It was me who would be living with the owner.

“Thanks to my talented live in love, the signage is absolutely perfect,” Bette beamed.  I guess it was her turn to regale others with my best attributes as I’d done about her especially recently.  As a matter of consequence it was natural for me to make suggestions on the matter.  Why not when my work experience allowed me the ability to do so? 

Her arm at my waist she continued, “The printer has it now and the marketing materials should be ready shortly.” 

When she finally arrived Shane was as concise as ever.  “Moving in together.”  She nodded then said simply, “That’s so cool you guys.”  Behind the relaxed comment was a mature understanding.

We endured well meaning glances and teasing looks.  It was clear they were happy for us.  It was infectious I suppose – the anticipation that bubbled in Bette and me.

As we walked in Bette pulled me to her “I mean it.  Thank you for helping me.”  Finishing softly, “By the way, I love you.”

Smiling, “Don’t forget who said it first,” I murmured in reply.

“And they say I’m overly competitive.” Bette whispered back with a laugh.

That brought us to the point where we were waiting for our food to come.  Alice, Bette and I were seated at the circular table in the corner by a bay window.

“No,” Bette spoke into her cell phone succinctly.  “I’m expecting delivery on Monday as promised.”  She was in the middle of negotiating arrangements with a studio.

Alice whispered, “Why would you want to live with that?” Twitching her head toward Bette.