“Susan?  Just how many people are you involved with in this open relationship of yours?”  Bette was glad that she had drawn the line of friendship with Joanna the idea of being with someone who had so many other partners was a bit shocking.

            Seeing the look on Bette’s face Joanna laughed.  “I’m not that good that I can juggle so many lovers.  Susan is my daughter, she is seven.”

            “Oh, I didn’t know that you are a Mom.”  Bette studied the features of the picture of the little girl that Joanna handed her for inspection.  “She has your eyes.”  Bette commented.  “Is she you and Chris’ daughter?” 

            “No, her father Jack and I were together before I met Chris.  She splits her time between Jack and me.  It’s tough but important that she have us both in her life.  I just feel like I miss so much.”

            “I know what you mean.”  Bette commiserated on the state of the family and how more and more children her own included were parts of reconstituted families.  It always made her think of orange juice when that phrase was used.  Scheduling play dates and searching for the best daycare and pre-schools before your child was even born seemed out of whack with the simplicity of childhood. 

            The music was thumping and the dance floor began to swell.  Soon they joined the others who crowded the floor.  They danced, laughed and rested.  Bette was surprised at what a good time she was having.  Every now and then she would catch Joanna’s eye and see evidence that the blonde was interested only in friendship.  Bette did not want complications with a colleague and hoped that she had not made a mistake in accepting Joanna offer to go out. 

            Bette admitted that Joanna was attractive and when she was ready she might like to explore something other than friendship in time.

            Tina caught sight of her shortly after entering the club.  Angelica was with Kit and Angus’ for the evening having been invited to a party that Angus was working that was out in Pacific Cliffs.  They would spend the evening there rather than drive the three hours that evening.   She watched as Bette and Joanna danced and talked.  As she looked around the club she saw many women looking on with envy at Joanna’s dance partner.  She watched as Joanna tried to maintain the casual façade her maintained before Bette.  Tina caught glimpses of the blonde’s struggle when she was not facing Bette.  Tina almost felt sorry for the blonde.  Almost.  When the song “Ebony Eyes” came on Tina made her move.  She tapped Joanna boldly on the shoulder asking for permission to cut in.  She smiled as the crowd seemed to hold its breath at her audacity.  Joanna recognizing Tina reluctantly allowed her to cut in.