Hey!! Thats just wrong. Be nice to me. If I really need to, I dont say anything. I didnt know you meant during the pregnancy, besides, Bette sort of asked us not to really tell her about your life too much. She said it was too painful. She only wanted to hear about it if she needed to or if you ever needed anything. She said she was content to know you were well and happy and to leave it at that. I mean, I didnt even tell her you changed careers.

The weight of this was coming through to Tina now. She knew Bette well enough to know that she was not going to be happy. And that she was going to try to see Tina. Alice, what do you think if I try to contact her, before she comes to find me. That way itll be on my terms. Where Im comfortable. What do you think?

I think its worth a shot. I cant believe my phone hasnt rung yet. Alice said as she walked over to her cell phone, *****, its been off. Oh man, I have three messages.

Alice called her voicemail and listened to the messages, Shane, theyre on their way over here. Work. And here it is, Bette, Alice said ending the call, I should call her back before she shows up on my doorstep, that wouldnt be too good.

OK. Ill go get Cara up. She needs to get up from her nap now. Tina said, rising to go get her daughter. Al, wait.

What?

This is going to sound crazy. Invite them over for coffee after dinner.

What?

Well, how much more comfortable can I be than with all of you here with me.

Are you sure, T? You have a few more days here. You dont have to do this today.

Tina thought about it for a minute, Yeah, call her. I dont want this hanging over my head all weekend ruining it for me, dreading what might happen. Let me get it over with and enjoy myself.

If youre sure, then ok.

Thanks, Al. Tina said before disappearing upstairs.

Alice picked up the phone and called Bette, sighing with relief when it hit the fourth ring, thinking voicemail, but then Bette answered.

Hi Bette.yeah I know.Im sorry.but I didnt know.no, I didnt.She and Shane surprised me this afternoon.I know.Im sorry.yeah, a little girl, shes beautiful.but you said not to tell you about her life.Im sorry.yes a child is a big thing.how is Robinthat couldnt have been easy for herIm sorryIm sorrylisten Porter, I know youre shocked and angry, but Ive said Im sorry more times on this call than in my entire relationshipthat was low Bette, it has nothing to do with whats going on with Dana. You really have a ***** mouth on you when youre angrywill you let me speak here for a secondthank youIm calling for something in particularTina asked me to invite you and Robin over for coffee after dinnerI know I was surprised tooyes, she said invite them overyupShane and Dana will be here tooyour callwhatever your comfortable withhow is 8 oclockIm really sorry you found out like thisok see you at eight. Bye.

She hung up and looked over at Tina who was standing in the doorway with Cara, Shell be here at 8:00. And she is in a pleasant mood. I hope you know what youre doing.

Tina just shrugged, Well see.

(tbc)