“The problem with fun “ Bette said dropping the dissolvable headache tablets into a glass of water that James was holding for her “Is that there is always a price to pay “
“But think of the sales of hangover cures – skyrocketing in New York this morning “
“Ouch “
“You should have stayed at home “
“I know but I am a glutton for punishment “
“I hope Tina is less ill than you “
“This might shock you James because you can see me but I was the sober one “
“NO ! “
Bette’s face showed real pain
“Sorry “ he said quieter “You are the one who is suffering the least ?”
“I was not a part of the Tequila gang “
“Ouch – Tequila – that never ends well “
“Tell me about it “
“How many did Tina have ?”
“Not sure – there was Tina and Emma and Peggy all doing Tequila slammers – you know with the salt and the lemon “
“You sat it out ?”
“I hate the taste – there were always Tequila promotion parties at college and I think Helena and I more than learnt our lesson “
“What – Ms Party Girl Peabody didn’t play ?”
“No “
“I would love to have seen Tina, Emma and Peggy slamming Tequila”
“The image will live with me for a long time “
“What about your parents ?”
“Dad was mixing cocktails for mom – he said that he had learnt to do this at college and they were discussing some drink that she used to like and neither of them could remember what was in this thing “
“Did they find it ?”
“It was vodka and Curacao “
“Ohh “
“My mother’s tongue was blue after a couple – you know Peggy’s place – well actually you don’t – well she makes it a thing that she has a bottle of every drink on the planet – this drink was Curacao, lemonade and vodka – it was nice “
“So your mom was well oiled ?”
“She was – and dad was in a good mood because Emma and Peggy had got into an auction over his tie “
“Sorry ?”
Bette laughed and rubbed her forehead “My father lost a bet to my mother and had to wear a tie with little cartoon condom characters on it – Peggy took a shine to it and he was going to let her keep it but Emma decided that she wanted it as a present for someone in the firm – so they started bidding for it”
James grinned “For a bunch of oldies your parents and Peggy and Emma can create some fun “
“I know – so in the end Emma bid $300 for Melvin’s favourite charity for the tie “
“Insane – that sounds just insane “
“It was a great night – but I am paying for it and I suspect everyone else is as well”

Bette was still nursing her hangover at lunch time when the door to her office opened and Helena walked in
“Well – well – talk about night of the living dead “
“Hello darling “
“Hello sweetie “ Bette said “How’s the head ?”
“Surprisingly clear “
“NO “
“Yes – I must be more clean living that you – boy you look rough “
“I feel it “
Helena sat down and looked at Bette
“Do you think last night went well ?”
“I think as long as the body count is zero it went well – did you have fun ?”
“I did – I had an excellent time – not had such a great night in a long time “
“That’s good “
Bette rubbed her forehead again – there was something going on
“I have come to tell you something “
“Yes “
“Last night “
“Yes “
Helena fidgeted with her bracelet for a few minutes and looked back at Bette
“This wasn’t just because I was drunk last night “
“What wasn’t ?”
“In fact I think this has been coming for some time “
“What have you done Helena ?”
Helena looked Bette straight in the eye
“Emma Kennard and I slept together “