Caroline nodded.  Yeah, life throws you curve balls.

            ***** yes, Bette agreed.

            So, wanna hear about small worlds? Carrie asked.

            Bette nodded, intrigued.

            The person who wanted to buy the rights to my book? Carrie led.  Bette nodded again.  Her name is Helena Peabody.  Do you know her?

            Youre ***** kidding me, Bette said.  I cant believe it.  Does she know who you are?

            Caroline nodded, pressing her lips together.  She told me at lunch that she was with my sister when you and Tina were apart.  I wont pry into why you and Tina werent together while she was pregnant.  Thats not something I have any right to know.  Anyway, that really made me question her motives, needless to say.

            She is a vampire, Bette declared.  I dont know, but it seems from the first I met her, she has been out to get me.

            Now I think youre being paranoid, Carrie interjected.

            I know how it sounds, but I swear I cant get away from this woman.

            Maybe because shes in love with Tina, Carrie shrugged.

            Bette sighed, maybe, but is getting me fired from my job a way to show your love for Tina?

            Wait, how did she get you fired from your job? Carrie asked, confused.

            After she started seeing Tina, she joined the board of directors at my museum and saw to it that I was pushed out, Bette explained.

            After she started seeing Tina, Carrie repeated.  And now she has bought a movie production company knowing full well that you are out of work, because she made sure of that and that youre going to need money.  And Tina was a development executive.  Beyond that, she sought out Tinas long lost sister, who has just published a novel – literally, like thirty seconds ago.  Thats a few too many coincidences for me, mama.

            Now youre seeing it my way, Bette said, rocking the babys chair.  Why are you telling me this?

            Carrie shrugged.  I dont know.  I dont want to ambush Tina with it, you know?  I guess I told you so you could advise me on how to, or even if I should, approach her about it.  Would it just upset her?