“Goodnight.”

The rest of the week went by fairly quickly. Tina had some tough moments, but she was feeling pretty good overall. She worked in her garden every day, but didn’t see Bette again. Friday finally rolled around, and after the tenth call from Eric since he had departed on the business trip – it turned out he couldn’t get anyone to cover for him after all – Tina was getting dressed for the barbeque. She decided on a simple sun dress and flats. She curled her hair and put on a little mascara. She didn’t want to look overdone.

She took a deep breath and checked her watch. It was just after half past 6. She locked the door behind her and put her keys in her purse. She walked slowly across the street. There were two cars in front, one that she recognized from that night so long ago. She could smell the charcoal and hear the laughter from Bette’s backyard.

Unsure whether or not to knock on the front door, she came around the side of the house. She chose the wrong side and everyone’s back was to her. She froze, unsure of how to announce herself, when a woman behind the grill turned suddenly.

“Hi,” Tina said, for lack of anything else to say.

“Do I know you?” the woman asked.

“Um… I was invited. Bette asked me to come.”

“Well don’t lurk over there, come on over here, girl.” The woman held out a hand. “I’m Kit.”

Tina shook her hand, glancing around at the assemblage in Bette’s yard. All women. She recognized the blonde girl she had seen visiting Bette before.

“I’m Tina,” she replied, finding her voice.

“Ah, Tina. Bette mentioned you. She just popped inside for a minute to get some ice. You want a drink of somethin’?” Tina shook her head and shifted uneasily, half wanting to turn around and leave. Kit must have picked up on it; she summoned someone over to watch the meat on the grill and took Tina under her wing.

“Come with me, I’ll introduce you around. Do you know anyone?”

Tina shook her head. Kit looped an arm through hers and led her around the yard, introducing her to people. Tina smiled and nodded automatically at all the friendly greetings, her head bobbing up and down like a marionette doll. The names of the people she met disappeared from her mind a moment after she heard them.