Found – part 8

Hey, Baby Girl! How are you? And hows our favorite pregnant lady? With her customary enthusiasm, Kit greeted Bette and Tina when they entered The Planet. Bette merely smiled and hugged Kit, but Tina answered with a groan. Im getting so big! Be sure to save me two chairs at the table, Bette. By the time I waddle over there, I will have grown another few inches”in every direction but up.

Honey, dont you even start, Kit shot right back at the admittedly broadening blonde. You get more beautiful every time I see you.

Bette grinned in agreement before remarking, Kit, are you flirting with my wife?

Before Kit could respond, Shane walked up behind Tina and put her arms around her. Kit may not be, but I sure am. T, you look gorgeous.

Tina briefly leaned into Shanes embrace, accepting the compliment for what it was, a sincere observation born of love. Shane was almost as excited as Tina and Bette for the baby to come, and had slowly begun allowing herself to show a softer side of herself to her best friends. They were her family, and with her niece on the way, she wanted to make sure that she had a solid place in that family.

Smiling in amusement at Shanes comments, Bette asked, Are Alice and Dana here, too?

Yeah, theyre over there, answered Shane, pointing with her chin to where the couple sat. Dana is trying to convince Alice that there really isnt anything else to Marinas reappearance in West Hollywood. You know Alice, though. Shes convinced that Marina is hiding some deep dark secret, and is determined to ferret it out.

Kit shook her head in dismay. I wish shed give it a rest. Ive had some good long talks with Marina, and what we see is all thats going on. She really does just want to live a drama-free life for a while. Shes had a rough year, but I think that being here with everyone is helping her heal. I know I appreciate having her around. So you tell Alice not to stir up any trouble, or Ill be after her *****.

Just then, Dana spotted the newcomers and waved them over. My Gosh, Tina, youre huge!

Nice, Dana. Alice tried to keep from staring at Tinas belly, but found that her eyes kept straying. Okay, well, T, you really are getting big. Wow.

Tina just rolled her eyes. Thanks, guys. Im glad I have Shane around. And, before Bette could protest, Bette, of course. Bette rewarded that save with a quick kiss on the cheek, before pulling Tinas chair out for her.

Never able to stay on one topic long, or watch mush, Alice turned her attention to Bette. Did you see my plug for your new gallery in the magazine?

Yes, I did, Alice. Thank you for shamelessly using your position for my personal gain.

No problem. Just remember me in your will.

Shane reclaimed her chair at the table. So, how is it going with the new gallery, anyway? Is everything going as you planned?

Casually holding Tinas hand in her lap, Bette gave a relaxed smile. Yeah, actually they are. Jamess little plot to get Franklin to buy me out of my contract worked like a charm. I think Franklin was scared Id file a lawsuit against him and the board for all their hijinks, so the settlement was extremely generous. Not that Id ever let him know that.

Tina chimed in. You should see the gallery space Bette found. Its perfect for what she has in mind, and just a few blocks away from here.

It really is. And it actually has an apartment in back, which I can offer as part of the assistant curators benefit package. Since the gallery isnt in a high security building, having somebody on the premises will make me feel better, too.

Ooh, ooh, tell them about who youve found for the job. Tina almost bounced with excitement”if she could have bounced, that is. Perkiness was difficult at seven months.

I cant wait for you all to meet her. At hearing the feminine pronoun, everybodys eyebrows went up in interest. Bette laughed at their reaction. Yes, my new assistant is female. And no, I dont know if shes a ***** or not. She rolled her eyes at the girls disappointment. But you will all love her. Her name is Ana Toledano, and she not only has impeccable credentials, but has a great personality.

Feigning only casual interest, Shane asked, When will she start?

Not fooled for a second, Bette reassured her too-cool friend. She arrives in L.A. on Wednesday.

Well, give me a call if she needs help moving in, Shane offered with a shrug.

Ill do that, Shane. Thanks. James will be meeting Ana at the airport, as one of his first duties as my business manager. Ill let him know that you are available to help if they need it.

Kit walked up with a tray of drinks and snacks. That James sure keeps you put together, doesnt he? You are lucky he decided to jump ship with you.

Bette nodded her agreement. Dont I know it. None of this would be going as smoothly as it is without his help. Just dont tell him that! Hes already too proud of his new title. But knowing I can rely on him makes all the difference, and allows me to spend more time at home, where I belong. Well have Ana settled in just a few weeks, which means I will be able to devote as much time as I need to Tina and the baby when the time comes.

As if on cue, Tinas stomach suddenly punched out as the baby kicked. I think our daughter likes the sound of that, babe, laughed Tina, once shed recovered from the shock. So do I, she added, giving Bettes hand a squeeze. So do I.