“How long have you two been dating?” she asked, thinking she could catch either him or Bette in a lie.

At that Coleman smiled secretively and chuckled.  “We haven’t really been dating, Tina.  I think you know that.”

“How would I know that?” she asked perturbed that she hadn’t tripped him up.

He sat his coffee cup down and came over to her, stood very close.  He was aware that Miriam Porter might be within ear shot.

“Doll, don’t you see it?” he asked trying to be tender.

Tina eyed him with suspicion.  “See what?”

“That she’s only got eyes for you,” he smiled.

Tina fumbled a few eggs she had picked up to crack into a bowl, and two fell to the kitchen floor and shattered and sprayed at her feet.  “I don’t know what you’re saying,” she whispered hoarsely. 

Just then Bette came into the kitchen and saw the two standing closely together.  “What’s going on?” she asked suspicious of what Coleman was doing.

He turned around and smiled at his friend.  “Nothing, not a thing.  I was just telling Tina here that you like to dance.  Thought maybe the two of you could go up to Nashville to that club I told you about,” he said nodding his head suggestively.

“Coleman, for god’s sakes!” Bette shook her head and nearly hit him.  She knew how angry Tina had been last night and assumed she was still so this morning.  She glanced over at the girl who indeed looked cross. But Tina didn’t say a thing to her.  Instead she bent down to begin cleaning up the mess of eggs.

Coleman realized he had probably done something wrong.  “What?  I’m just thinking about how much fun you two would have,” he said impishly.

“I don’t dance,” Tina stated bluntly as she stood up.  “Now if you don’t mind, I need to help Miriam and then dress myself and then get down here to finish up breakfast.  I take it you’d like something to eat before you head out?” Tina asked Coleman.

“Sure,” he said.

“Tina, I can help my aunt if you like so you can get ready,” Bette offered.  She was determined to be polite and cheerful.  She still had hopes she might win her over if she could outlast the young woman’s resentment.