Bette nodded “I know . I wish I hadn’t done that”

“She was pushing you too far “

“She was saying crap about you and daring me to tackle her about it”

“If she was still mad at you she wouldn’t be trying to get back for the wedding. Anyway – maybe you did her a favour. You stopped giving her some validation for fucking up her life and yes she was mad with you but she got off her ass and she seems to be loving life on a cruise ship”

“Alice in a confined space could turn The Love Boat into The Poseidon Adventure “ Bette commented “ Anyway – we have got off the point slightly. Shane thinks that Helena regretted her exotic dancer marathon “

“You don’t agree ?”

“I give it credence because its Shane but on the other hand “

“Yes ?” Tina smiled

Bette sighed “I regretted things that I did – that was the first sign to me that I was fed up with being the party girl and I wanted to settle down – or at least – -live a different life that wasn’t so shallow “

“So maybe Helena feels that way now “

Bette shook her head

“What ?” Tina asked

“I didn’t regret things to such an extent that I stopped in the middle of what I was doing “

Tina laughed “Really ?”

Bette nodded “Shane is usually Ms Discrete but she can say things that give a lot away”

Tina shrugged “I will try and talk to Helena – maybe not in the next few days but when we get home – I will invite her for lunch or something “

Bette clicked her fingers and grinned “And next week we are taking Shane to dinner with a new contact of mine – an artist and photographer that I think might be the cure to Shane’s problems “

“I wasn’t aware Shane had many problems “

“Well Ms Carmen de la Pica Morales might just give Shane problems that she didn’t know existed – like how to fall in love and live happy ever after “

　

After an hour of walking around the mall Bette and Tina went outside and were walking along the strip.

“Look – Elvis “ Bette said to Tina laughing

“You have never wanted to get married by Elvis did you ?” Tina laughed

“Not really  – Elvis was my dad’s favourite – along with Sinatra of course “

“If not Elvis then what about a space alien ?”

“No “ Bette was grinning. She looked at Tina

“Do you want to do a commitment ceremony here ?”

“No – of course not “

“Tina ?”

Tina shook her head “No – don’t be silly “

“The Gay Chapel of Las Vegas “ Bette said looking at one of the many leaflets that had been thrust into her hand on the walk down the strip.

“What ?”

Bette handed the leaflet to Tina who looked at it – then looked at Bette

“Tina – do you want to have a ceremony here ?”

Tina sighed and took Bette’s hands “I love you and I am looking forward to telling our family and friends how much I do love you “

“There is a but coming “

“But I would love nothing more than not to wait another 3 weeks. I know its just a ceremony and we probably only get a piece of paper but “ Tina’s voice broke “I nearly lost you and if I could have married you in the hospital I would have. I just want – I just want you “

Bette pulled Tina close and they hugged. After a few minutes Bette eased away and kissed Tina on the lips

“There is something so horrendously tacky about getting married here but – well – what the hell is life without a bit of bad taste – lets do it – how about on Sunday ?”