“Jeez T, we have to put a bell on you.  Stop sneaking up on us like that.”

“Yeah Tina,” says Chris, I nearly soiled myself.

“What are you two doing out here anyway,” asked Tina as she walked over to the window and took a look.  “Bette Porter you get your bum in that kitchen right now.  You and I need to have a little talk.  As for you mister, don’t make me call your wife.”

“Come on Tina we were just having some harmless fun,” said Chris. 

“Chris, no back rubs for you, two years,” in her best ‘Soup *****” tone.

“Alright, I’m sorry,” sulked Chris.

“Bette, I told you to get your bum in that kitchen.”

“Tina, you are not my mother.  What is your problem,” asked Bette, a little annoyed.  As she asked the question she looked at Tina who had a gleam in her eye and a wicked smile on her face.  Bette feigned dissatisfaction knowing full well she would soon receive absolute satisfaction.  She pretended to walk off toward the kitchen in a huff.  Tina followed close behind.  As she reached for the door handle she turned to Chris and said, waiving her hand toward the window with a view, I think you should take some time out here alone to think about what you two have done.”  She smiled, he smile and he turned back to the window as she entered the kitchen.

As Tina entered the kitchen Bette grabbed her arm and pulled her into a passionate embrace.  Their lips met with searing heat.  As they both came up for air, Bette said, “I have been waiting to do this all night Dr. Kennard.”

“Really, Ms. Porter, what took you so long?”

“Well I didn’t bring a date for Chris and I didn’t want him to feel like odd man out.  But since he’s currently occupied with live *****, I thought I would seize the opportunity, as it were.”

“By all means, seize away,” laughed Tina as she placed another hot kiss on her lover’s full lips.  As the two continued their embrace, they were interrupted by Chris’s re-entry.

“Um, Chris, why are you back in here so soon,” asked Bette.

“Romeo’s girlfriend caught him with the chamber maid and started to wail the ***** out of him just as things were getting good.”

“You mean they got more interesting after we left,” asked Tina.

“Yup, that chamber maid was really flexible.  Anyway, you guys want to play Scrabble?”

Tina and Bette still had their arms wrapped around each other.  The looked at each other, then looked at Chris, and both said, “Sure.”

“I’ll get the game board out Chris.  Why don’t you and Tina grab some pretzels and drinks and take them into the TV room.”

“Sounds like a plan,” says Chris and they go about their tasks.

Later that night

“Wow, it’s already 3 AM Bette.  The bars are closed; the drunks should be home by now.  Maybe we should try and grab some shut eye,” says Chris.

“You’re probably right; we still have fifteen hours to go before shift change.”

“Look Bette, you two take the bunkroom and I’ll sleep on the sofa,” offered Chris.

“No Buddy, I appreciate that, but you go ahead and take the bunkroom.  I usually sleep pretty well on the recliner end of the sofa.  Tina can stretch out on the sofa and lay her head on my lap.”

“Are you sure Bette?  I’m more than happy to”

“Chris, go to bed.”

“OK Mom.  Goodnight Tina.”

“Goodnight Chris.”

“Goodnight Bette.”

“Good Night John Boy.”  They all chuckled and went of to settle in for some sleepy bye time.

Tina and Bette snuggled in on the sofa as Bette had described.  Bette fell asleep with Tina’s head on her lap and her arm gently draped over Tina’s shoulder.  Chris burrowed into one of the bunks and covered his head with two pillows.    All was calm until

TBC