“I’m going to the bathroom.”  Tina announced.  “If you could finish up discussing this subject while I’m gone, I’d appreciate it.”

The table knew that when you reached the end of Tina’s patience, you had to have been pushing it and each person looked to the others in shame.

Bette finally ended the silence.  “Look guys, Tina wants to have another child – on her own just to clarify.” She looked pointedly at her sister.  “And we really don’t need to be talking about it until she is actually pregnant and needing our support.”

“You ok with this?”  Shane asked

“Its not my business.  Tina’s my best friend and I’m just gonna be there for her.”  She sensed that the group had more to say on this but luckily held their tongues.

As Tina approached the table she was intercepted by Papi.  “Can I have this dance pretty lady?”

Tina looked at Papi who stood with her arms wide, grinning widely and waiting for an answer.

“Why not?”

Papi enclosed Tina and began to sway to the music. “Why not, indeed?” Papi agreed.

Bette all but growled at the scene.  Now she knew where Papi had taken off to in such a hurry.

Kit saw the scowl on Bette’s face as she stared at the two dancers.

“Little sis,” she spoke quietly into Bette’s ear. “You and I made our decisions about those two.  They are free to do whatever they want… with whomever.”

Bette didn’t acknowledge Kit’s speech, she was too engrossed in the scene before her.

“Back in a bit” Bette announced and she stood up and headed for the dance floor.  She tapped Papi on the shoulder.

“Mind if I cut in?” She asked and not waiting for an answer, moved Tina into her arms.

“The songs almost over” Tina informed Bette.

“There’ll be another.” And as promised, a slow song started up.

Bette looked into Tina’s eyes.

“T, I’m sorry for hurting you with what I said.  I didn’t mean to… it’s just that whole thing has put me on edge.  Jodi is having issues and…”

Tina interrupted her, surprised by what Bette had said.  “Jodi? Why is Jodi having issues about me having a baby?” she demanded.

“Shit, Tina.  I don’t know”

“You do know.  Tell me.” Tina countered.

“She thinks that I’m too involved.  And then we had a bit of a tiff about her not liking or wanting kids.”

Out of habit, Tina leaned her forehead on Bette’s shoulder.

“Bette, I don’t want what I do to hurt your relationship with Jodi in any way.  That is not my intention.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “God I just want to build my own life like everyone else seems to do.” She was exasperated at the way the evening was turning out. ”Bette, now that Marcus has given permission I don’t need to have you involved at all.”

Bette stopped moving to the music and held Tina by the shoulders so she could ensure she had her attention.

“Tina, you’re my best friend and I think that I’m yours.” She waited for Tina’s nod of agreement.  “I want to be there for you.  I want to do this with you.  Please don’t shut me out” she entreated.

“Bette, there’s only so far I can let you in.  What you said is right – you do have a new partner and this has little to do with you.  I can’t do what I have to do if I use you as a crutch.  At the end of the day, I’m on my own.”