“Well for your information on this occasion the mighty Dean has got it wrong.  I’m actually calling to invite you to breakfast tomorrow with the gang at The Planet at nine.  It’s important but I’m asking you not to ask me what it’s about now – you’ll find out tomorrow and I really don’t want to get into it on the phone.”

Bette sensed all was not right with her friend and was a little unsure as to how to proceed.  She sensed she should respect Alice’s wishes but wanted to make sure Alice knew they could talk if she wanted to.

“Strange request but yeah I’ll be there.  You sound stressed though, I’m not going to ask you what’s going on but just know you can talk to me if you need to ok?”

“Thanks Bette, I’m fine.  I’ll see you in the morning ok?”

“Sure. Oh, Alice?”

“Yeah”

“Seen as the whole gang is coming is it ok if I bring Jodie, she’s in town for the weekend?”  Bette awaited a response but was greeted with silence.  She waited…nothing. “Alice, you there?”

“Um yeah I’m here” came the reply as Alice sat on the edge of the bed digging the heel of her hand into her eye willing herself to say the right thing without having to explain everything down the phone.  “To be honest Bette I’d rather you didn’t” This time it was Alice who was met with silence. Shit she thought to herself here we go. “Bette?”

“I’m here.  Eh I thought you guys liked Jodie? What’s the problem?”

“Listen Bette, like I said I really don’t want to get into this down the phone.  I do like Jodie, I’m happy for you that you’re making a go of your relationship with her.  This isn’t about her.  You’ll understand tomorrow I promise.  It’s just not appropriate for her to be there ok?”

This conversation was getting more cryptic by the minute as far as Bette was concerned but she knew this tone of voice from Alice and knew to take it seriously so she did something that the old Bette Porter would never have done and gave in.

“Fair enough, I trust your judgement.  I’ll see you in the morning”

Alice was surprised with the ease with which her old friend came around and resisted the temptation to tease her about it.  Tonight was not the night.  “Ok great, see you then”