“It’s the blonde, isn’t it? Tina is it?” Alice was no fool, especially when it came to her ex-lover/best friend. She saw the attraction between the two women, the connection that could be felt anywhere in the club. “C’mon, tell me!” She reached a hand across the table in an effort to push her, only she didn’t anticipate having Bette smack her hand away with a loud clapping sound.

“OW! Porter! How dare you!” Alice waved her hand in the air. Shane had joined them again right on time to see the hilarity of it all. Alice was examining her now red hand with wide eyes.

“Bette! You stamped me!” She cried. Alice couldn’t believe it. She wore the Porter hand like a tattoo. LOL. Bette and Shane, however, were doubled over in laughter.

“This isn’t funny. It so isn’t funny! Oh my god! I was just trying to be a good friend and this is how you repay me?” Alice flipped her palm and showed it to Bette who only smiled proudly.

“I’m sorry Alice… but I’m sure you deserved it if Bette slapped you hard enough to leave a mark and all.” Shane wiped her tears and looked to Bette who only confirmed her theory by nodding.

Alice narrowed her eyes at the both of them.

“So like I was saying…” there was no stopping Alice. “It’s the blonde, huh, huh?” She wiggled her eyebrows.

Bette pulled her hands from the table onto her lap and then placed a hand over her right pant pocket and smiled.

She couldn’t believe it. It was her lucky day.

“It’s the blonde, Alice.” Bette confessed. She had her head down deep in thought. Often getting what she wanted was never an issue for her. This case was different. Tina was different. It was wrong to want someone who was clearly taken, so she thought. Tina had to have felt it, just as she had. Tina. Tina. Tina, she kept repeating to herself. Finally she lifted her head and looked between the two women who looked at her in awe. With a mischievous grin she spoke, “I need your help.”

Tina Kennard, on the other hand, lay solemnly in bed curled up with a picture of her late mother and father held tightly to her chest.

“I’m so sorry I lost them.” Tears rolled down her puffy face. Sabrina had let her know that no one turned them in at the Planet, nor did she think anyone really would—the earrings were diamonds. Tina agreed, she would be an idiot to think anyone would actually turn them in. It was her mother’s favorite pair of earrings that her father had given her as an anniversary gift one year. Tina’s mom had cherished them so much, as did Tina since the day her mother had given them to her. “I promise to keep them safe, mom.” She smiled faintly, remembering what she had told her mom that day. Soon Tina’s tears subsided and so, too, her strength.

“I miss you both so much.” She whispered. The night became silent and she drifted off to sleep. Little did Tina know, the future held an even bigger promise.