“Hey, Mom, it’s almost my birthday and I think I know what I want to do.” Sterling said.

“What do you want to do?” She asked him.

“You know my best friend, Phoebe, right?” He asked.

“Yes.” Bette answered.

“Well, she wants to go see Justin Bieber but her family says there isn’t money for that kind of stuff so would it be okay if I go to the concert with her for my birthday?” Sterling wanted to know.

Bette glanced at her son. “Are you serious? That’s what you want for your birthday? Justin Bieber?”

Sterling laughed. “Well, I don’t really want it but I know that Pheebs would love it, so I think it’s worth it.”

Bette grinned. “You like her, don’t you?”

“Off course I like her, she’s my best friend.” He told his mother.

“I mean, you like her.” Bette said.

“No.” He said, looking out of the window to hide his red cheeks.

“Yes, because I know that you are blushing young man.” Bette told him.

“Okay, okay, I like her.” He threw his hands in surrender while he admitted it to his mother, which made Bette grin.

“I just think it’s strange that you would let her go see another guy were all the girls are crazy about.”

“She loves it and it’ll make her happy…” Sterling shrugged his shoulders.

“Oh, so sweet.” Bette teased her son.

“Mom!” Sterling said. “I’m already sorry that I told you.”

“Oh, boy, I was just teasing you. You did the same thing to me about Tina.” Bette told her son.

“That’s different, you are my mother.” He told her.

Bette just chuckled and pulled into the driveway. The family got out of the car and Sterling went to watch TV while Jolene wanted to draw and went to her room. Bette sat down at the table, planning on reading a book when her phone beeped.

“Tiiinnnaaa!” Sterling sung teasingly.

“Phoooeeebbbeee!” Bette teased back while opening her text.

From: Tina

Hey,

Do you have time to go to the beach with me tomorrow?

I have the day off and as far as I know, you are still unemployed so maybe we could spend some time together. Can I pick you up at your house at 1PM?

I miss you…

Bette smiled when she read the text message. It was like being a teenager all over again. Thinking about going to the beach with Tina made her feel all giggly. She replied.

To: Tina

Hi,

I would love to go to the beach with you J

1PM is okay.

I can’t wait to see you, I miss you to.

X

She pushed send and sighed. This was the best feeling in the world.