Kit smiled, “Thank you. The name rings a bell.”

Bette spoke up. “Tina was telling me yesterday she had put in an application.”

Kit’s facial expression showed she knew it now. “That’s right.” She turned to Tina. “If you are interested in being the bus girl, that’s available.”

Tina smiled. “Thank you. Any job works for me.”

An hour passed, and all three girls were conversing when they heard a commotion by the entrance. They looked up to see a hyper little blonde making her way to their table. “Hey Porter, What’s crackin’?

Bette groaned. Kit chuckled quietly leaning over to Tina. “That’s one of Bette’s friends; they get into little spats here and there. It’s how their friendship works.”

Tina looked back at the two watching their interaction.

“Hey Al.” Alice pulled up a chair between Tina and Bette quickly brining her attention to Tina. “Oh, are you Bette’s next victim?” She turns back to Bette. “Real cute, Bette.”

Bette rolled her eyes getting clearly agitated. “Alice, mind your own fucking business.”

Alice leaned back in her chair. “Touché. Someone hasn’t been laid lately.”

Tina was in the process of taking a drink when she heard Alice’s comments. She had then begun to choke on her water. Bette immediately looked at Tina concerned. “Tee, you okay?”

There was that damn nickname again. Damnit Porter, get your shit together fast. You already probably scared her with your nice confession from earlier.

Tina looked between the three of them. “Yeah, I’m fine just swallowed down the wrong pipe.”

Alice smirked. “I’ve heard Bette say that a time or two.”

Tina was confused looking at Bette. Bette turned to Alice upset. “Do you just say whatever comes to mind? Give it a rest.” She turned to Tina. “I’m sorry Tina, Alice here doesn’t have a filter.”

Tina smiled at Alice. “That’s alright. I’m Tina Kennard.”

Alice grinned. “Alice Pieszecki. I’m Bette’s ex, now friend.”

Bette rolled her eyes and just sighed. “She’s a hoot, huh?”

Alice brought her hand to her heart mockingly wiping an invisible tear away. “Awww Porter. You are so sweet!”

Tina couldn’t help but find the banter between the two amusing. Alice glanced at Tina. “So TK, what’s your story? Where ya from?”

Tina wondered what was up with all these nicknames, not that she didn’t like them. It actually made her feel like she was a part of something sacred and special. “I’m from North Carolina. I came here to be a boxer.”

Alice frowned. “That’s very vague.”

Bette slapped Alice on the arm. Alice grabbed her arm. “Ow! I’m just trying to get to know her.”        

Tina looked at Bette then to Alice. “It’s okay. I’m sorry I just don’t normally tell people my life story very much. I don’t find it that interesting.”

Alice pouted. “Please.”

Tina sighed then begun to tell the same story she told Peggy leaving out how her brother had passed. By the time she finished she had Kit and Alice in tears and Bette in awe at how strong Tina really was. Kit spoke up, “I’m so sorry girl, to have to go through all that alone. But you’re in good hands now with my sister.”

Bette looked at Tina who in return looked back at Bette. They just stared at each other.  Alice and Kit took the hint excusing their selves. They went and sat up at the counter.

Bette broke the silence. “She is right, you know. You’re in good hands now. I’m not going to let you go through any of this alone.”

Tina smiled warmly. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.” Bette reached across the table grabbing both of Tina’s hands running her thumb across the top of Tina’s hand. They sat like that for what seemed like seconds but were about 10 minutes. Tina was the only one to look away first, afraid of the feeling that had returned in her stomach. But it was not just her stomach this time, it also was her heart. She was scared to admit it but she knew she was developing feelings for one Ms. Bette Porter.