Tina: The lasagna should be just about ready. I’ve made salad and opened some wine. Have a seat. Would you like a glass of wine with dinner?

Bette: Sure. Thanks for letting me put her down, I love doing that.

Tina pours the wine, turns and hands Bette her glass. Smiling she takes a sip .The ladies begin to eat their salads.

Tina: She loves it too. I’m glad you could make it.  So you worked late tonight?

Bette: I usually work late on Mondays when Angelic has been with me for the weekend. I like to leave earlier when she’s with me, so I use this as a catch up day. Besides you never know what’s waiting for you on Monday so this allows me time to handle those fires and still get my job done.

Tina: That makes a lot of sense. I use my extra time to get in a morning run on Mondays. That’s why I was the last to arrive this morning. I think the lasagna is ready.  Tina gets up and pulls the lasagna from the oven. She fixes a plate for each of them and brings them to the table.

Bette: Wow this looks and smells wonderful. Thanks for inviting me.

Tina: Well as I said this morning, I made plenty and I know how you like this lasagna.

Bette: I’ve always liked your cooking but love this lasagna.  Smiles.

Tina: Well don’t be shy, you don’t have to wait for an offer.

Bette: So did you get caught up on all things Zoo.

Tina: Did I ever. Getting that membership was a really smart thing. Now you can take her anytime.

Bette: Actually, it was Kit’s idea. She thought it was a good way for the three of us to spend time or Kit likes to take her on her own. We get a few guest passes so you could join us sometime.

Tina lights up give a huge smile. Oh my god did she just suggest we do a family outing?!!!

Tina: I’d really like that, thanks. It would be nice if you brought your camera along sometime. You’re great at capturing the moment and our daughter is certainly not camera shy.

The two moms chuckle.

Bette: Well I should probably head home and let you get some rest too.

Tina: Don’t worry about me, I love the company. I know you need to get some rest.

Bette: Let me help you clear these.

Tina: Absolutely not, I’ve got it. I have something for you.  Tina goes to the freezer and takes out a few containers. As I said I cooked a few meals for the week and I like to take care of my family. She places the containers in a small shopping bag and hands them to Bette. When I get these back empty we can work on refilling them.  She looks Bette in the eye as she grins.

Bette: Smiles shyly and looks from the bag to Tina. Thank you I am sure I’ll enjoy it all.

Tina: It truly is my pleasure Bette.

They walk silently to the door. Tina turns and faces Bette.

Tina: Thanks so much for coming.  She reaches up and gives Bette a tight hug, inhaling in her scent, but resisting the urge to run her hand through those curls. Bette returns the embrace, but is the first to pull back. She kisses Tina on the cheek then breaks the hug.

Bette: Thanks for having me I really enjoyed myself and appreciate this. She holds up the bag.

Tina: Really, it was my pleasure and as I said there is more where that came from. She reaches up and plants a soft kiss on Bette’s cheek and opens the door.  Please call me when you get in to let me know you made it safely?

Bette: I’ll be fine, but if it will make you feel better, sure.

Tina: Thank you.  Bette leaves and Tina cleans up the kitchen and heads to bed.

30 minutes later Tina’s phone rings

Tina: Bette?

Bette: Yea its me I’m safe and sound at home, OK.

Tina: Good, thanks for calling and I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Sleep tight, good night baby.

Bette: You too, night T.

Tina, stunned and elated, she called me T, she called me T!!!