At the Planet around lunch, things appeared to be normal. It was crowed but not too crowed. Sitting on the couch facing the door from a far distant are Alice and Dana. Sitting adjacent to them is Shane with the table in the middle. There is an empty chair left with a white purse resting on and Shanes left leg resting on it.

Lindsay walks in carrying her portfolio and briefcase. She looked around and spotted the open bar with only two people sitting there and five empty chairs left. Since she is in no hurry she head to the empty chair at the end of the bar.

Kit sees the young woman, she handed Tina standing there her coffee and walk over.

Can I get you anything.

Lindsay smile, Yes, a glass of tea with two drops of raspberry.

Kit looking at the woman as if she is insane, she reached for an empty cup in one hand and a coffee pod in another. Coffee it is.

Lindsay reach out to receive the coffee, Thank you.

Kit was about to walk away when Lindsay slowly put down the coffee, Excuse me but Im looking for a person name Kit. I dont know her last name but..

Kit glance back, Thats me. Do I know you?

Lindsay looked surprised, No, but Debbie Grassi said that you could help me find a place to stay for a few days in LA. She said you know all of the good places to stay around this town.

Kit, Debbie? How is she doing these days?

Shes doing great, running for office in Pittsburg.

Kit raised an eye browse, She into politic now? I never would of imagined.

She knows what she want. Taking a sip of the coffee

Kit is now face to face with Lindsay.

Tina is still standing where Kit had handed her coffee earlier. Excuse me Kit, but Im missing some change.

Kit turn around, Oh I am so sorry, where is my head this morning. Walking back to the cash register.

Who is she? Tina inquired.

A friend of a friend from Pittsburg. Kit replied handing Tinas her change.

Tina turn and walking back to the gang.

Alice, Did Kit not giving you your exact change again?

Tina put her purse on the coffee table, removed Shanes leg with her right arm and settle in he chair. She turned her head around to see if Kit is still talking to Lindsay at the bar.

Shane noticed the look and look at the same woman too.

Dana sees them both looking at her, Fresh meat huh guys?

Tina immediately turn around, Please, Im just curious. Beside Bette is the only person for me.

Shane still looking at Lindsay. God I wanna ***** her right there.

Alice interrupt, I think Carmen will beat the ***** out of you and her at the same time.

Carmen?

Alice, Yeah, Carmen. Now Shane has lost her attention to Lindsay and turned around facing Alice, Yeah, Carmen. You know. The one youve been out with for the past six months or so? The Carmen that managed to tamed the predator of the jungle?

Dana, Who is she?

At the bar, Kit is writing down an address on a sheet of napkin paper.

Here! said Kit giving it to Lindsay.

Lindsay reach out, Thank you.

At the door, in walk Bette. Lindsays back is facing the door so she doesnt know it.

Kit sees Bette and called out, Hey, baby girl.

Lindsay suddenly felt a chill on her back and decided to turn her head around just a bit to see whose it is. She couldnt believe it, its Bette.

Bette is surprise too by Lindsay she continued to walk over to Kit with Lindsay a few inches away. Ill have the usual. said Bette looking around for Tina.

Lindsay felt ignored by Bette gesture and decided to put her coffee down, Reach into her purse for some money when Kit stopped her. No it is alright, its on the house.

Lindsay reach for a five dollar bill and put it under the cup anyway. She begins to pull herself together and pick up her portfolio and briefcase.

Bettes eyes followed Lindsay every move at this point not knowing what to say.

Would you like to join us? said Bette as if she was out of word.

Kit feeling left out. Do you know her Bette?

Yes, she has just left the CAC just before we were about to finished the interview. Bette replied.

Lindsay felt surprised because she thought the interview was over. Im sorry?

Bette gesture her left hand for hope Lindsay would join her and the rest of the gang for lunch. Please. Said Bette.

Lindsay take one look at the door and one look at Bette and murmured out, Im sorry but I must be going.

Kit standing there even more confused giving Bette her potato salad and a bottle of water, Listen you two. Why dont the both of you find a sit before I kick you both out of my place for not telling me what is going on here.

Bette let out a laugh but becoming more serious, Lindsay? Ms. Peterson? I would like to continue our interview if you still like to take that job we are offering.

Bette lead to an empty table, put down her food and drink. She eyed Lindsay then walk over to Tina. She reached for Tinas hair from behind and began to message it a little.

Tina closes her eyes knowing who it is and smile while not moving her body much.

Hey T. said Bette reaching down for a kiss.

Tina opened her eyes seeing the most wonderful sight she could ever see. She move her left hand to Bettes right cheek. Moving Bettes mouth closer to her. Then their mouth reaches each other for the kiss.

Youre late. Tina smiled.

Alice knowing Bette too much, So what else is new.

Bette turn her head to give Alice an evil look.

Tina sees it and kisses Bette on her right cheek.

Im sorry T, but I have to finished and interview with that woman sitting there for a few minutes. I promised. Said Bette feeling sorry.

Who the ***** is this woman. Kit knows her and now Bette. What is up with the Potter women today. Thought Tina.

Hurry back. Tina said softly release her grip of Bette,

Bette begin walking back to Lindsay who have now sitting there waiting and observing while not noticing Shane grazing at her.

Alice being funny said softly to Tina, Be careful Tina, doesnt she look like someone YOU ARE?

Dana reach for Alice shoulder, What are you talking about, just that that woman happened to be blond and attractive doesnt she pause, .mean anything.

Tina looked back to Alice and then to Bette still walking.

Bette at the table settling in. Sorry about that.

Lindsay forgiving, Its fine, I guess this is LA no doubt.

Bette smiled, Yes.

Tina noticed the smile and becoming a little agitated by it. Who is this woman who can make Bette, my Bette smiled like that She thought.

Folding her hands, Listen, Im sorry about judging you like I did. For what its worth Sam Auerbach is an *****. Which is why he never had his stuff showing in my gallery. He would ***** everyone he sees and working with. Believe me it had happened to a friend of mine.

Lindsay took that revelation in, Oh, I hope she is alright.

Shes fine.

Lindsay begins to reach for the portfolio. Suddenly Bette interrupts.

Its fine, I dont need to see your portfolio. Plus there is no place on this small table for it. Why dont you tell me more about yourself that your resume does not. Tell me about your son Gus. You know I have a child too. Said Bette taking a bite of the salad.

Lindsay smiled and couldnt believe that this is turning well.

Tina notice that smile and begin now eating her cupcake not saying much of anything while Alice, Dana and Shane talks among themselves.

After what it felt like a year had gone by. Tina decided to get up and walk to the restroom. She took a long path around the room to face Bette when she is on the way there. Bette looking up and notice her.

Im sorry but I have to go to the restroom for a second. Please remain here. Said Bette knowing something is wrong.

Sure. Lindsay replied.

Tina is waiting in the restroom with no one in it. Bette slide the door and walking in. She sees Tina facing the mirror, staring at it.

Bette, Hey there. Come here often?

Tina ignored her.
Bette calmly walk to Tina, with both arms reaching for her waist.

T, whats wrong?

Tina turned her head to the right facing Bette. I dont know, you tell me.

HmmmI was having lunch? she replied.

No.. Tina paused removing Bettes arm from her waist, Youre having lunch without me. Laughing and

Bette defending herself, It is an interview T, nothing more. Are you jealous?

No, I am most certainly not. As she turned the cold water on to wash her hands.

Bette take both of Tinas hands, still wet and kisses it. You have got to start believing in me. Like I am believing that you have nothing more to do with Helen Peabody.

Tina felt remorse, I do but it is just.

Just what?

That I am not as strong as you are. She replied looking into Bettes eyes.

If we do it together, we can both be stronger. Now lets go out there and face it together. Bette moving closer to Tina.

Outside, Shane decided to make her move. When she sees Carmen coming in with Jenny.

Shane, Damn it.

Dana raises her right arm to signal for them.

Jenny saw it and commented to Carmen, There they are.

Out walk Tina and Bette taking each a separate path. Tina back to her chair and Bette back to the table where Lindsay is waiting with Kit pouring her another cup of coffee.

You are not a good interviewer are you baby girl. Kit grinning.

Sorry but I had to take care of something. Bette replied.

Im sure you did. said Kit as she is walking away. Bette eyeing her then back to Lindsay and smile.

Bette settle down. And begin talking as if nothing had happened. Listen, when can you begin?

Lindsay felt surprised by the question, When would you need me?

Bette taking a bite of the salad, As soon as possible. We have to find a new director to the CAC that soon. My former boss is leaving in a few days and Ill be taking over his job and you would be taking over mine.

Lindsay has no idea that was the plan and jumped for the idea, Yes, sure, that would be fantastic. I can now call for my son to join me in LA.

Oh, I thought he is with you. Said Bette opening the bottle water.

Lindsay smiled, No, he is with his father for the moment. Hes looking after him. I hope.

Bette felt puzzled, You hope?

Lindsay taking a sip of the coffee while looking at Bette, No, thats no what I meant. Hes a great father.

But? Bette following up

Lindsay hesitated for a second, Hes a great father.

Just not as a husband?

No, hes not a husband to me.

Bette catching on, I understand.

Over at the gang, Carmen is sitting on Shanes lap while Jenny squeezes herself into the right side of the couch leaving Alice and Dana closer together.

Tina joked, Alice and Dana, sitting on the tree. K I S S I N G.

They all laughed. Bette turned around seeing whats so funny over there.

Would you like to meet a few of my friend? Bette suggested. You know, since youre settling in LA and hopefully be doing this job for a long time.

Lindsay put down her coffee, Yes, sure.

Bette getting up follow by Lindsay. Reaching the table where everyone is. Bette stood next to Tina.

Bette putting her hand behind Lindsay back a few inches away, Everyone, I like you to meet Lindsay Peterson from Pittsburg. Shell be taking my position once I am promoted from the CAC.

Everyone said, Hello. And shook her hands. Shane couldnt get up as Carmen still sitting on her. Carmen noticing how attractive Lindsay she took a hold of Shanes hands and not letting go when Shane tried to.

Lindsay facing Bette, I have to be going. Offering to take Bettes hand to shake it but Bette refused. Lindsay then withdrew the offer noticing Tina, Thank you so much Bette. And Ill see you tomorrow?

Bette quickly replied, Yes, tomorrow.

Lindsay head back to the table they were at, gather her things and head outside. Not seeing the same taxicab she arrived at the Planet with, she stood there and called out for another cab that just happened to be driving by. She gets in and head off.

Alice grinning, So, its Bette. By first name basis now huh?

Bette look at Alice as if she had enough, she calmly said, Thanks a lot Alice.

Tina pulls Bette down sliding her bottom onto Tinas lap. Ill pick up the baby from the sitter. You go back to work for the next few hours and hurry home. Ill make dinner for all of us.

Bette just smiled and kisses Tina.

Dana, Oh theyre gonna do it right here.

Everyone laughs.

TO BE CONTINUED………..