“This is so not a feminist thing to say, but there are a group of women that have you meat-tagged like nobody’s business.” Alyson said as she took the seat next to Bette.

“Meat-tagged?” Bette questioned not being familiar with the vernacular.

“Meat-tagged. That means that they’ve marked you as a ‘hot item’.” Leigh teased.

Alyson laughed at Bette’s expression as she continued “Girls are lining up around the block to get on your dance card.”

“Great my neighbors will love that.” Bette was embarrassed by the attention. Being a stunningly beautiful woman she always attracted attention from both men and women but she really wasn’t that interested in meeting anyone especially now with a baby due in less than two months. Funny how life can throw you a curve ball. Just a few weeks ago she was lamenting about not having anyone special to share her life with. Now all she could think about was not taking any precious time away from her baby to forge a new relationship.

Bette took it all in stride as women keep coming up to her dropping business cards and introducing themselves and some whispered very explicit invitations for spending time with the beauty. Everyone at the table had a good laugh at Bette’s expense. “You’ve been meat-tagged.” Valerie rubbed it in.

“Well that would seem to be my new identity.” Bette surrendered as yet another strange woman sits down beside her. She really wished that Tina would get there so the seat would be occupied.

“My girlfriend over there” the stranger opens the conversation pointing to her friend who is waving frantically “wants to know if you’re ready to start dating. She wants to be your rebound girlfriend.”

“Hey that’s not a bad offer.” Dana joins in on the fun.

“What makes her think I’m on the rebound?” Bette wants to know who started the rumor.

“Maybe she’s misinformed” the stranger admits “but it’s even better that you’re not.”

“Hey find out if the offer has an expiry date. Maybe we can work something out.” Alice decides this is too much fun to pass up.

“Alice I can’t believe you’re pimping her out” Valerie chides as they all share a laugh when the woman runs off to ask her friend about the expiry date. In the meantime Tina walks in and sees the string of women coming to the table to talk to Bette.

Just as dozen of women before her Tina walks up to the table and sits next to Bette. Without acknowledging anyone with a greeting or addressing anyone in particular she asks ”what did all those women want?”.

“Filet Mignon!!” Alice retorts with her famous Cheshire grin. Fortunately the lights were dimmed or everyone would have seen in Tina’s expression that she wasn’t amused. She actually seemed rather upset. Before Tina could ask what Alice meant by her sly remark the spotlight on stage illuminated Susan Alegrato sitting in the middle with her cello positioned between her knees and her bow ready. Everyone quieted and gave their full attention to the classical cellist.