“Yeah and I suppose you don’t notice this extra bulge just below my belly button either.” Tina responses back sarcastically enjoying the glimpse of something in Bette’s eyes.

It feels good to joke back and forth with Bette.  While they both are still tiptoeing around certain subjects they are building a report, one that had all but disappeared. 

Bette takes this moment to stand up, holding her hand out to Tina.  Tina with a curious grin takes Bette’s hand and allows her to lead her up and away from the table.  Once they have cleared the table Bette moves her hand up and begins to force Tina into a gentle twirl around.

“I need to make a proper examination if you want my honest opinion.” Bette informs Tina.

Tina willing goes along with the move, enjoying that Bette is contributing more then just superficial antidotes.  Tina knows the clock is ticking so to speak but having this time out with Bette has been nurturing to her as well as Bette.

“Well your verdict?” Tina asks when the twirl comes to an end.  Light hearted and free from the pressing issues of the moment, the two just look into each others eyes and the answer is obvious.   Bette only needs to smile and let it reach her eyes and Tina knows she looks lovely to Bette.

“Perfect.” Bette whispers.

****

Alice couldn’t believe where they were.  Candace approached Alice at her table at the Planet and insisted she was either in or out.  If she was in they were going to be off but if Alice was out then don’t bother to talk to her again.  Well of course she was in, not even knowing what the urgency was all about.  But one thing for sure, Alice could tell by the way Candace was behaving that she had a plan good or bad. 

With the formalities out of the way, Candace waited only the amount of time required for Alice to pack up her things and then they were off,  Candace driving.  For the first 15 minutes Candace didn’t say a word just kept gripping and ungripping her steering wheel, her knuckles turning white every time she squeezed with all her might.   Candace’s  mood evident from her dark expression providing a hooded mask that made it hard to read anything but her dark mood.   If Alice wasn’t half terrified of this Candace already she might have said something but for once Alice kept her mouth shut.  But she wondered where they were going.  Currently they were stuck in LA traffic.  It didn’t do much to help Candace’s disposition so Alice for once went with the flow.