”Yeah, I know, I know! See you in a bit, bye!” Tina cheered and hung up.

Bette put her phone away, rushing through the yellow light. She flashed a glance in the passenger seat direction, where Shane sat, gloomily looking out the window.

”Hey” Bette called softly. ”You okay?”

Shane looked at her and smiled scarcely. ”Yeah, I’m fine”

Bette seemed a little unconvinced. ”Look, I’m… I’m sorry, I didn’t have to react that way. It’s just…”

”Nah, it’s okay, really” Shane interrupted, waving her hand. ”Pull up somewhere nearby, I’ll make it out from here on foot”

Bette nodded, putting the car to a stop. She licked her lips as she watched Shane pushing herself off the seat. ”Hey, hold on” The brunette got out of the car too, rounding it quickly. ”I have no idea, when I’ll finish up with the dinner, but um..do you think we might get together at mine’s tonight? You, me and Hels”

Shane shrugged. ”Why not, call us when you’re up to it”

”And one more thing” Bette hurried to say, keeping Shane from further withdrawing. The brunette sighed, extremely despondent about feeling so insecure and timid. She thew her arms in the air. ”Just tell me, what do I say if they ask me about my profession?”

”Honestly, I have no clue. It should be a lie for sure, like… Uh, tell them you are a cop or…” Breaking off her point, and by the look on Bette’s face, Shane realized what she’d just said. She let out a short chuckle. ”That’s just wrong, I agree. Well, how about you work for a confidential agency… Which is true in some way. You just tell them that and they’ll automatically understand that you can’t spread any more information and will get out of your hair”

”Sounds decent, I guess” Said Bette, rubbing her forehead thoughtfully. She recollected, reminding herself that she is going to be late if not to hurry up. ”Thanks, buddy, I appreciate. Gonna go, call you later”

”Good luck” Shane called sotto voce to her friend’s back and turned to leave.

Bette made it to her apartment at warp speed, aiming for a quick shower and picking up something more presentable for a wear. What would Tina’s parents like to see her in? What would Tina like to see her in? Her agitated mind kept reeling between numerous shirts and sweaters she had in her closet. Already standing in a pair of slim black hip-hugger pants with belt, Bette finally opted for a white cashmere turtleneck sweater, coming to the conclusion that white would make her look more pristine in the eyes of her girlfriend’s uncompromising parents.