“Well,” he sighed, with a smile, looking over at Bette, ”It kind of helps things, because now, I’m the only one empowered to deal with her, because everyone else has been shredded by her!  But this arrangement helps me get things organized much quicker.  Like, getting you guys together here in DC!”

They both smiled at that, and each simultaneously grabbed one of his hands.  He blushed at the warmth in their grasp, and the softness of their hands.

“C’mon, Mike. You’re the only one I prefer to deal with anyway… you’re smarter and better, than any of them.  And I trust you.  I know you’re going to keep your word,” Bette said, releasing the hand she held, then affectionately she tapping him lightly on the arm.

“Well…I’m doing my best anyway,” he said, humbly.

They switched to other topics, and agreed about meeting the next day in the Crystal City office, to see what to do next after Bette’s meeting later in the evening with Diane, Niall, and George.

Soon after, they stood up to leave.  Bette and Tina headed back to their room (Mike advised, “it’s just too damned hot outside, ladies.”), while Mike headed home.

He watched them walk away, arms encircled on the other, with Tina’s head resting lightly on Bette’s shoulder.

Whew! One day he’d have some ”splaining” to do to his wife, spending time like this with the two beautiful women.  Well… she’s the third beautiful woman in my life, he told himself.  And I bet we’re going to have fun this afternoon, just like Bette and Tina are about to!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Later that evening…

George, Niall, and Diane were sitting in a one of the closed-off dining rooms of a private dining cub that looked over the park in front of the White House.  They had agreed to meet together a little earlier before Bette joined them.  They were each wondering about what was going on with Bette, and were concerned about her.  Since it was clear none of them knew any more than what had already been communicated to them, they decided to wait for the brunette to explain.

Soon enough, the door to the room opened, and they saw Bette crossing the hall towards the room, smiling warmly at them as she approached.