Bette let her arms, which had been crossed, drop to her sides. “What, Alice?” She tried not to sound as wearied as she was by the barrage and her friend’s caprice. Alice was through with Tasha this afternoon, and all it took was one kiss to change her mind.

“There’s only one Tasha. And I don’t want to let her go.”

Bette brought her hands together with an affirmative clap. “Good! Now you know where you stand and it all worked itself out. Now if you don’t mind, I’m off to– ”

“So you don’t think I’m making the wrong decision? I mean sometimes love isn’t enough. And this afternoon, you said– ”

“Alice? Alice.” Bette took her friend by her shoulders. “I’m late. I’m supposed to be going over to Tina’s for dinner.”

“But– ”

“Listen to me, Al. Are you sure that Tasha is the one for you? Deep down, what’s your gut say?”

“Gut says yes.” Alice didn’t seem convinced.

“And your head? What’s your head say?”

“My head says yes, then no, then yes… then no?”

Bette willed patience to come. Alice was maddening at times. “And what about your heart?” Bette asked softly, dropping her hands from Alice’s shoulders.

“My heart says yes.”

“Well, then. Your instinct and your heart have overruled your rational thought. Which is how love is supposed to be.” She wrapped an arm around her friend’s waist and propelled her toward the door. “Now go home to Tasha and stop thinking about it.”

“Thanks, Porter. You’ve been so understanding about everything.”

“I try,” Bette said. “I confess there’s a bit of self-interest involved here. If Clea really is just like you, I’m not so sure I want her in my orbit. One of you is enough,” Bette teased.

“You know you love me,” Alice said breezily. She hugged Bette and skipped out the door. “See you soon. Have fun with TK and kiss Angie for me.”

“I will.” Bette waved and Alice climbed into her car. She watched her drive off and then snapped off the light in the foyer, turned her porch light on and locked the front door behind her.

***

Bette thought about Alice all the way to Tina’s.