Tasha’s face dropped, “I just don’t want her thinking I’m living off her.”

            “You’re not,” said Tina.  “You’ve fallen in love with a woman who is opinionated…”

            “Got that right,” added Tasha.

            Tina laughed.  “…and headstrong and very much the opposite of who you are.  You two are on even ground, don’t let finances get in the way of that.  Learn to give a little.  Bette learned that, but it took almost five years.  Will Alice be around in five years when you learn that lesson?”

            Tasha pursed her lips, “I never thought of it that way.”

            “Go check on them, I think leaving Alice alone with a three year old is dangerous,” said Tina.

            “She wouldn’t hurt Angelica,” said Tasha.

            “I’m not scared of that, I’m scared of what she’s saying to her, goodness knows what she’s teaching my daughter right now,” laughed Tina.  Tasha laughed that hardy belly laugh of hers and went out to the back of the house to play with Angelica and Alice.

            Tina checked her watch, thinking they were going to be late, “Babe, hurry up!” called Tina, receiving only a muted yell in response.

            The door bell rang and Tina moved to it, thinking it was the limo she’d ordered to take them on their first leg of their journey.  “Wow, you are early,” said Tina as she pulled the door open.

            “Hello,” said the woman standing at the door.  “I’m looking for Officer Tasha Williams?” asked Sarah Lopez.

            “Officer Lopez…,” said Tina with a stunned look.  A hot fluster rode through Tina’s belly at the sight of the officer who’d come to the doorstep almost six years before.

            “Detective now,” said Sarah.  “Tina Kennard, Oscar’s friend.  I see you’ve patched things up with your ex.  I thought the address was vaguely familiar.”

            “Oh, I don’t live here, yet.  Or again …it’s complicated,” said Tina.

            “I’m sure it is.  Is Officer Williams here?” asked Sarah again.

            “She’s out back, let me bring show you the way,” said Tina, waving the gorgeous police officer into the house.  Sarah stepped into the house, a large pile of folders under her arm. 

            “Tasha, I found someone out front for you,” said Tina with a smile. 

            “Oh, hey,” said Tasha, getting up from her spot on the edge of the pool and heading over to Sarah.  “Thanks for bringing these over for me.  I’ll look at them tonight.”

            “No rush, if you have questions, or thoughts, just call me on my cell,” said Sarah.  “I’ll find my way out,” she said to Tina.  “Nice to see you again.”

            “Nice to see you again, Offi, I mean, Detective Lopez,” smiled Tina shyly.

            Sarah walked around the back side of the house and Tina watched her leaving. 

            “You were checking her out,” said Alice from the pool.

            “You are insane,” said Tina.  “Bette!” called out Tina, looking at her watch and this time when the door bell rang, it was the limo and it was time to leave.  Time to get away from the insanity, from the drama, and just be two women who were in love.