Bette grabbed the wine bottle and poured herself another glass. She stood there in her quiet kitchen wondering if Tina had even read her email. She wanted to call Angie and say ‘goodnight’ but she didn’t know what to say to Tina when she answered. Should she say ‘let me talk to Angie’ and then just hang up after she talked to her daughter.  How childish would that seem?  Ultimately she decided not to call but just stood there willing for her phone to ring soon. ‘Fuck Tina what are you doing to me? I’m losing it’ Bette thought as she walked outside to get some fresh air.  Just then the phone rang and Bette nearly jumped out of her skin. She ran to the phone nearly tripping over a chair on her way.  ‘Please Please Please let this be Tina’  She grabbed the phone and looked at the caller id. ‘Damn It’ Bette thought as she answered.

“Hello” Bette growled.

“Well that’s not the enthusiastic greeting I was expecting” the caller responded.

“Sorry Alice. I was expecting a call from someone else and you know… it’s just been one of those days.” Bette sighed.

“Alright well then I forgive you. I called to find out if you would be interested in going out for a drink tonight? Tasha and I will help you salvage what’s left of the day. What do you think? Come on. I know you don’t have Angie and Jodi has locked herself up in her studio so you have no excuses. We’ll even come by to pick you up.”  Alice said.

“No, thanks Al. Maybe another time… I’m really beat but you were sweet to think of me. Have fun”  Bette replied.

“Are you sure?” Alice questioned.

“Yes, I’m sure. Let’s meet for dinner later this week?”  Bette said hoping Alice would not push anymore. 

“OK, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of stories to tell you after tonight. I’m going to make Tasha get crazy and let down her hair. See you Bette. You better call me” Alice said.

“I will Al. Be safe. Goodnight and please tell Tasha I said hello”  Bette said.

“I will. Bye Bette”  Alice said.

As Bette was about to hang up she heard the beep from her call waiting. She hit the flash button on the phone and her mouth went dry since she did not know who was calling.  

“Hello”  Bette said timidly.

“Hey Bette. It’s me”

“Tina. Hi. I… I was hoping I would hear from you today” Bette answered.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about taking so long to call… listen Bette”  Tina paused and took a deep breath.  “I got your email and I think we should talk in person. Can you come over?”  Tina asked.

TBC