“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That’s what Liz said too. Leave James to me. Trust me, he will not be going to Vancouver next week.”

“What are you going to do, Al?” Shane asked nervously.

“Oh, calm your tits. I’m not going to do anything to hurt him.” Alice scoffed.

Alice told them her plan as they ate pizza and kept an eye on Bette.

“I’m going to do it at Sunday dinner.”

“Surprisingly, I’m in awe of you right now,” Shane said.

“Yeah…me too.”

“I don’t know why this is so surprising to either of you. I’m a fucking genius,” Alice smiled.

They were laughing when Bette emerged from the pool.

“Hey Al. Hey Dana. When did you get here?” Bette said out of breath.

“About an hour ago,” Dana said.

“We were about to fucking jump in to get you,” Alice laughed.

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m done now. Isn’t it?”

“Feel better?” Shane asked.

“Loads. I haven’t been in the pool since I’ve been back. I needed it.”

“Whaaaat? Why not? I’ve never known you to go more than a couple of days without swimming.”

“Been busy with work, the garden and eating every three hours,” Bette smirked at Shane.

Shank winked at Bette.

Alice and Dana looked at them dumbfoundedly.

“What were y’all laughing at when I got out of the pool? What’s so funny?” Bette asked.

Shane, Dana and Alice exchanged looks.

“Nothing,” they said in unison.

“I don’t believe any of you. You bunch of liars,” Bette squinched her nose at the group. “But thanks for being here and letting me think through some things.”

“What were you thinking through?” Dana asked.

They all stared at Dana.

“What? What’d I say? Is there something on my face?”

They broke out into laughter and Bette grabbed the paper bag Shane brought. Bette smiled as she pulled out the roasted veggie Panini, a side of pasta salad and several pickles. Bette moved the pickles out of reach as she noticed all three of them about to pounce.

They spent the rest of the evening laughing and talking and listening to Alice spill all of the latest MILK gossip. It was just what Bette’s soul needed and she made a decision.

Bette sent Tina a text after everyone left. Her fingers were shaking as she typed.