Tina’s throat went dry, and she struggled to swallow.  Ummm… I’m Tina, Tina Kennard.  She automatically shook Kelly’s hand. 

Kelly was explaining, “…and my sister lives here now.  Actually, my step-sister.  My stepdad’s daughter, that is.  But we’re close, and we really are like sisters… so although I live in LA, I try to visit her here, to hang out with her for a few days, before I continue on to Europe.” 

Tina was nodding her head, smiling from time to time, giving nothing away about thoughts racing through her mind.  She kept reminding herself that Bette had already told her that the brunette had felt nothing when Kelly had kissed Bette when they’d bumped into each other in Paris, and that Kelly knew it. 

“So, do you live here, too?,”  Kelly asked, noticing the other blonde was distracted. 

“Umm… yeah, just bought the duplex.” 

“Wow… really?  Boy, that place had been sitting empty for a long, long, time.” Tina nodded. 

“Did it cost much?  If you don’t mind my asking,” Kelly prodded. 

Tina gave her a wry smile and shrugged her shoulders. 

“Get what you pay for in this city, right?” she said, remaining noncommittal.  Tina’s mobile rang, and as she picked up the call, walking towards the private elevator, she smiled quickly at Kelly, saying “Sorry, but I have to get this. Hope you enjoy your stay.” 

It was Matt on the phone, explaining that they had found a trove of notes and commentary made by the engineer and the head of construction when the building had been constructed, along with the original plans.  He was arranging to have them sent to Tina’s office.  “Thanks so much Matt!  Would you mind sending them to the place I’m renting right now, instead?” 

“Sure, Tina.  I’ll have them sent over right now.  Is there someone there who’ll be there to receive them?” 

“Yes, the sitter will be there, and my partner’s sister will be there, too.” 

“Oh, okay,” Matt said, haltingly, after a few beats. 

Tina bit her lip.  She realized that she hadn’t had a chance to talk about her and Bette on a more personal basis with Luke since the meeting wherein they’d closed on the sale.   She and Bette had agreed before the negotiations not to bring Bette up unless it became necessary during the negotiations, for some reason, such as if Tina would need to explain how the financing came together.  There was no need to do so during negotiations, and ever since they closed on the duplex, and the papers had been settled, both of them hadn’t thought further about it.