“Anyway. I have these papers that my lawyer drew up, here.”

“No way, Im not taking them.” Alice pushing away from the package like it was a bomb. Tina turns to me and tries to hand them over.

“I dont think I should have them either Tina.”

“Why not?”

“Because after Bette found out I was talking to you, she told Kit. Then I got a lecture form both of them in the same day. I really dont think I should let them know that Im still involved.”

“But youre her family.” She says to me. ” and youre her best friend.” speaking to Alice. “How am I supposed to do this unless you guys help me get these to her?” Good point, but I dont think Tina heard everything that I just told her. I turned to Alice, who looked like she wanted to run for the door. I guess its up to me stamp out this fire. I just have no idea how to.

“Why dont you have someone serve her the papers?” Dani chimes in. Everyone turned to her, completely surprised that we hadnt thought of that. It was so simple, yet fucking brilliant. And just like her, might I add.

“Oh brilliant.” Alice says coming back into the once quiet table. “So what good are you, now Jr.? You got the new out of the loop fish coming up with better ideas than you. Whats up with that?”

“Dont call me Jr. Alice.”

“Thats a really good idea Dani.” Tina says ignoring us both. “What do you think Angie, should we serve mama the papers?” She asked her drooling companion now sitting in a high chair. Angelica cooed something as a response and I took that as a good sign.

“So were all agreed then?” I asked.

“Yep.” Dani answered for the Alice and Tina.

“Hey, Dani, dont speak for me.” Alice blurted out.

“Ok, then what do you want to do?” I asked for Dani, clearly irritated at Alice superb ability to be rude in front of new company.

“Oh course Im in,” she says casually. ” I just never pass up an opportunity to piss off a Porter.”

“Even Kit?” Tina asks while raising an eyebrow as to question Als sanity to say anything out of line to Kit.

“No, not Kit. You see,” she turned to Dani. “I like my life.”

******************************************************************************

“Alice,” I turn to her once were inside the car.

“Yeah” she says little distracted.

“Im all for fun and games all the while making the hets uncomfortable, but did you have to start scratching yourself in the restaurant. I mean people were eating.”

“Oh you noticed that, huh?” I nod. “Because I thought that little Danis hands creeping up and down your leg all afternoon wouldve kept you a little preoccupied.”

“Thats besides the point.” By now Alice has me figured out and the fact that shes making “kissy faces” at me is not helping me to say anything clever.

“I hate you.”

“No you dont. It is physically impossible to hate me. Ask my mother.”

“Hey Al, what happened back there?”

“When?” She asked pulling off her ninja top to reveal another, lighter shirt.

“When you called Tina “mama T”? What was that?”

“Its a thing. Ask Bette when all of this is over.”

“So youre not gonna tell me?” I ask pulling my own ninja gear off in favor of the spring clothes underneath.

“Nope. That is one of the few things I know is not my business.”

“But it has to do with Bette and Tinas relationship?” I ask closing the trunk and getting into the car.

“Yep.” Was all she said climbing into the passenger seat.

“Then how is that question different than getting directly involved with getting them together?”

She sat back, clearly trying to rack her brain for an answer. When none came she answered, “Just drive.”

“What do you thinks gonna happen.” I ask starting the car to that long ride back home.

“Dont know. With Bette and Tina, you never can tell.”