“TINA !” Bette raised her voice “Tina this conversation is not one that I want to have. No pre-nup “

“I could take half of what you have “

“And when you become head of the studio I could take the Ferrari and half the Malibu holiday retreat “

Tina laughed “ You are fucking impossible you know that “

“Its part of my charm “ Bette replied taking a deep breath. She took hold of Tina’s hand

“I just want to be married to you – I worship you – there is no one who knows me like you – there is no one who understands me and loves me regardless. When you marry me Tina you had better know that it is for life. You and I are going to spend the rest of our lives together – we are going to have kids and be happy “
“Okay – if not a pre-nup for the two of us what about some sort of agreement about our family “

“That only makes sense when we have a baby “

Tina had expected the reaction she had received from Bette. Tina had been stung by Alice’s comment and she didn’t want to hear it again from anyone either at the party tomorrow night or in the future.

Bette kissed Tina’s hand “You and I forever remember “

Tina nodded and returned the kiss

“Show me what this puzzle is – as soon as we get that done we can go home “

*-*

“What are we doing tonight ?” Bette asked as she put away her plan and reached for her briefcase

“Anything you want “

“Well it depends what the birthday girl wants to do “

“Its not my birthday until Saturday “

“So – I still think you should decide what you want to do “

Tina smiled “I could cook for us as you are taking me out tomorrow night “

“I am “ Bette smiled

“Anything you want me to wear tomorrow night ?”

Tina had been wondering what to wear. She knew how important the night was to Bette but she didn’t want to wear something so grand that it gave away that she knew what the evening would be

Bette took Tina’s hand “Anything “ they started to descend the stairs heading out of the gallery

“No – seriously – I like to dress for you – what shall I wear ?”

“You look fantastic in anything “

“Well as its Finn’s club I better dress up smart – I don’t want to show him up. I should ask him if he’s on duty – what shall I wear for my annoying as crazy lover ?”

“How about your silver gray dress – the one you bought a few weeks ago “

Tina nodded “That’s a good call – that’s why women make better partners”

“Speaking of partners – how was shit-face ?”

“Not that bad – I think I know why “

“Why ?”

They left the gallery and Bette carefully locked the doors and set the intruder alarm.

“Well “

Bette closed and locked the intruder panel and looked at Tina
“Out with it “

“He’s got a sexual harassment accusation pending “

Bette grinned “Really ?”
“Yeah – he has been coming onto one of the interns and she’s made a complaint “

Bette looked at Tina “I bet you are upset “

“Heartbroken “

“Do you get to investigate it ?”

“No – that would be wrong of me – when it gets passed to me I will be handing it on so I am impartial – I might have to interview him “
“Looking forward to that ?” Bette asked

“Hell yes “ Tina grinned taking hold of Bette’s hand “Its my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one “

“Where’s your car ?”

“Bottom of the street “

They walked a few metres

“Pst “

Tina looked at Bette and they both looked around. A hunched figure was standing in a doorway.

“Oye !

! “

“Why does that tramp know you ?”

Bette took a look at the hooded jacket and the dark glasses before walking across to the semi -hidden figure. She took the jacket and tugged the hood off

“Because that’s not a tramp – hello Alice – why are you in hiding ?”