“I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but you are welcome to join us.” Tina motioned towards the chair that Nikki had just been seated in. “Please.”

Alice nodded in agreement.

She wasn’t sure what the ultimate decision would be, but Tina smiled when Nikki retook her seat at the table.

“Thank you,” Nikki said, as she took the menu from Tina. “I’m new here, and don’t really know anyone.”

“Not at all.”

“So.” Alice leaned across the table, towards Nikki. “Helena said you’d been in prison, want to tell us about that?”

# # #

Nikki stared at the woman in disbelief. “What cheek!”

“Sorry,” Alice said, clearly confused at the vehemence of the response.

“I don’t think Alice intended any disrespect,” Tina shot Al a ‘what the hell are you thinking’ glance.

“So much for the warm welcome.” Nikki gave a snort, and looked like she was about to bolt.

“Look,” Tina placed a hand on the woman’s arm, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” somehow any explanation seemed inadequate. “I didn’t know any of this. Please, join us. You don’t have to talk about this.”

“So, I’m a novelty to you, then?” Nikki’s words remained directed at Alice.

“Well, I really don’t know any other convicts.”

“That’s too bad for you, then.” With that, Nikki sat back in her chair. “You’d find most have manners,” she muttered, mostly to herself.

Tina looked back and forth between the two women before her work instincts began to kick in. “Ok, I know this is strange, but if you’d like to talk about your story sometime…”

“And who are you?” Now Nikki’s gaze had turned on Tina. “Mother bleeding Teresa?”

“No, as I said, my name’s Tina. I work in the movies, actually.”

“Oh, so you can do some weepy story about some sad cow who got stitched up? Your bit of charity for the year?”

“Actually, if anyone in the movies tells you they want to talk to you under the guise of charity, I’d say run, quickly, and in the opposite direction.”

“What’s your game, then? Not more Helena Peabody-crusader-types, then?”