Alex thanked Bette and apologized as well. She declined the dinner invitation citing a meeting with the LA office of her publisher. The truth was that the Effexor had not had enough time to lift her mood much and she just wanted to isolate.

Alex was doing a perfectly good job of isolating when there was a knock on the door of her hotel suite. Who the ***** is that? She asked herself as she walked to the door.

Busted!

Bette and Tina were standing in the doorway smiling at Alex. Tina was holding a picnic basket.

We thought that since you couldnt come to dinner, we would bring dinner to you. Tina said as she held up the basket.

Thats really sweet, guys. You shouldnt have.

Well, we wanted to spend some time with you before you have to leave. Bette said.

Alex looked to see if there was an underlying accusation in Bettes tone, but she detected none.

From her basket Tina brought out plates and silverware. She proceeded to serve each of them from the casserole that she had made knowing that particular casserole was one that Alex had complimented during previous visits. Alex poured a glass of wine for herself and for Bette. Tina had her usual Perrier.

During the meal, conversation was kept light, focusing on Mission Eliminate Tonya and on other issues surrounding mutual friends.

For dessert Tina brought out apple pie, which she again knew was something that Alex had always complimented during visits with them in the past. Alex made a pot of coffee though she laced hers with a shot of Baileys. As they went through dessert, the three women knew that there were issues they needed to address. The problem was that no one was quite sure how to do it.

Tina took the lead, knowing that Bette and Alex were too stubborn. We hope that you will come visit when the baby is born.

Thats sweet, T-bird, but I suspect that you will be tired and will have more visitors than you want. Ill wait until Betty-bird Junior is a little bit older.

Wed love to have you. I know the baby wants to meet Aunt Alex.