Summary of the previous chapter: Alex continues to talk with the gang and explains why she uses odd nicknames for people. Later, she asks Bette to talk about Candace.

When the time finally arrived for Milk, Alex left to meet up with her friends leaving Bette to change and wait to arrive an hour after the rest of the group.

Alex went downstairs to catch a ride with Shane. She was perfectly content not having to drive. While in the truck, Alex confided in Shane that Bette would be arriving after the rest when hopefully Tina would be a bit more receptive to her arrival.

The friends sat at a table with their drinks watching as the place began to fill. Shane and Alex compared a few potential women for trying to get to know better. Alice and Dana tried to exchange discrete looks. With her usual style, Alex tried to intervene.

You know, Alice, I promised a dance to the lovely Miss Fairbanks. You also know that I cant dance to save my life until Ive had a lot more booze. I dont think it is fair to make her wait all night. Would you be so kind as to do the honor of fulfilling my responsibility?

She turned to Dana, would you mind if I asked Alice to take my place? It is much better for you as you know what a lousy dancer I am. Dana did not remember ever having been promised this dance, but she was happy for an excuse to dance with Alice.

Alice and Dana went off to the dance floor leaving Alex and Shane who were soon joined by Tina and Helena. Introductions were made and Alex behaved herself, by not referring to Helena by any of the rude nicknames she had used in her conversations with Bette.

Tina and Helena went off to dance and soon a slow song started to play. Alex went up to the couple saying, Two such beautiful women should not be allowed to monopolize each other all evening. Therefore, may I intervene?

To Tinas surprise, Alex wished to dance with Helena. She put her hands on Helenas side, above her hips, leaving enough space between them to make it quite obvious that there was no romance in this dance.

Well, Helena, I am curious to know about the woman who has attracted our Tina.

Arent you a friend of Bettes?

I think that I am a friend of them both. I just happened to meet Bette first. Given the age difference between Bette and Tina, I would have to say that Bette and I were friends when Tina was still just an urge in her daddys loins.

Interesting metaphor.

Oh, Im full of interesting metaphors. What about you?

I dont tend to speak that often in metaphor, I prefer direct.

Okay, then. Directly I am curious about the woman who has attracted the interests of T-bird.

Why do you call her T-bird.

It is a long story, but in a nutshell it came to me while listening to Free Bird by Lynrd Skynrd.

Im not familiar with them.

No surprise, they were a while ago.

The song ended and much to Alexs dismay she had gotten nothing from Helena. Alex realized that Tinas new lover was going to be a more formidable challenge than she had expected. Alex left the dance floor and went to the DJ both to talk to Kit. She returned to the table where Tina and Helena were having a drink.

It was not long before another slow song began to play and Alex informed Tina that it was her turn to dance with Tina. Knowing that Kit was going to be playing a slow song, Alex was prepared to jump in before Helena could open her mouth. Alex led Tina to the dance floor and their body language as they began to dance was much more comfortable than it had been during Alexs dance with Helena.

I hope you didnt mind that I danced with your date.

I appreciate that you are making an effort, Alex. I know that your loyalty lies with Bette.

My loyalty lies with making sure that people in love dont waste precious time. I want you to be happy and I want Betty to be happy. If youre happier apart then, I can accept that. But, I need to believe that you are happier apart and right now I dont.

Alex, I am happier apart.

And Im Edmund Burke.

Who?

Nothing, just a philosopher with whom I disagree. Anyway, T-bird, Im trying here. The lady aint giving an inch.

She just isnt sure what your agenda is.

Well, maybe Lady ***** Bells should lighten up a little bit and she might find out.

Ill talk to her. Tina said.

The song ended with Tina and Alex heading back to the table to join Helena. Alice and Dana were still dancing together and Shane had departed in search of an encounter.

So, Tina says that you are a writer. Im sorry, but I cant say Ive ever read any of your books. Helena started the conversation.

Well, there are more than 300 million people in the United States alone and my last book sold about 250,000 copies. Id say that statistically, the odds are against your having read my books. Alex was not going to give Helena an inch over what was obviously meant, to everyone but Tina, to be an insult.

You should read her books. Tina said to Helena. Alex is an incredible writer. Bette and I went to Tuscany once and visited a castle that Alex used in one of her books. It was exactly as she described. As we walked around, I could imagine Alexs characters there.

I remember that. Alex interjected. I was in Rome at the time and I came up to visit with you guys for a couple of days.

It was quite interesting, between you giving us the history tour and Bette giving us the art tour.

Sounds rather rude. Helena said to Tina. Bette does what she wants; your friend does what she wants; what about what Tina wants?

Oh, I enjoyed it. Alex is so interesting and Bette can be so captivating when she talks about art. It isnt often that you get to see two people who love what they do, doing what they do best. Tina, with her happy memories, temporarily forgot that she hated Bette and that she was with Helena.

It was then that Bettes wait time had ended. She entered the bar, looked around, and approached Alex. Bette took a deep breath and steeled her shoulders knowing that approaching Alex would mean having to acknowledge Tina and Helena.

Bette greeted everyone at the table and Alex immediately asked Bette to sit down and join them.

T-bird and I were just talking about that trip you made to Tuscany.

That was a great trip. We were really happy that you joined us.

I enjoyed it, too, one of my favorite memories.

Helena flagged down a waitress and ordered another drink. Bette ordered her first and Alex ordered another, not quite sure whether she was up to three or four.

Not waiting for the waitress, Helena glared at Bette and Alex as she dragged Tina off to dance. Tina looked almost sad to have to leave Alex and Bette sharing a good memory.

So, what do you think of her? Bette asked Alex.

Shes a *****. I hate her. Silver spoon brat.

You cant hate her for having money.

No, but I can hate her for her superiority complex and for the fact that she thinks having inherited money makes her equal to people who have actually achieved something in life. The Dynamic Dykes of North Philly must rescue T-bird from that *****. Besides, she gives my people a bad name.

What people?

Im only Hungarian on my fathers side. My mothers parents were both from Great Britain. That ***** makes people with my grandparents cute accent sound evil because it comes from her mouth; it is an insult to my heritage. The ***** has got to go down.