Bette selected music and Tina got board games and playing cards for the adults. She told Angie to select children’s games to play with her friends. Bette and Tina took quick showers and changed into light casual wear. Shane was the first arrive with a 12 pack of beer. Bette put some in the fridge and a few in the cooler. Alice walked in soon after and brought the chips, dips and salsa. Kit was in charge of dessert. Emma’s clan and Jackie and her parents arrived at the same time both of whom brought side dishes. Leigh was the last to arrive and she brought a nice bottle of wine.

***

Bette had music playing softly through the outdoor speakers. Tina set up the board games on card tables around the pool. There was an area of the backyard where the girls tossed a ball around for Riley to fetch. Everyone was involved in something; either playing games, talking, drinking or eating. Dani and Cindy had never been to Bette’s house so Tina gave them a tour. They admired the art and sculptures and complimented the décor.

Shane always the lothario was already hitting on Leigh who was the only single woman there. Leigh was polite but definitely not interested. Emma and Liz humored Alice as she told them about her latest top ten list of useless information that she was gathering for an article in LA Magazine. .

Bette grilled the chicken first then took orders for burgers and hot dogs for the kids. She was putting on the steaks when Kit walked over to keep her company.

“Hey baby sis. How’s everything going?”

“Really great Kit.”

”I can tell. I’ve haven’t seen you look this happy in years. Tina is glowing and Angie is beside herself. Things are really working out for you guys.”

“They are Kit. Things are so much better this time around. I mean Angie is the best part of it but Tina and I are really good together. We’re both making the effort to do whatever it takes to make it this time. We are all very happy Kit. Thank you for talking sense into me a few weeks ago. I took your advice about slaying those demons.”