Bette lifted her head and squinted at the clock. Sunlight was streaming through the window. It wasn’t that early, but it was likely that her guests were still sleeping. At least she hoped so. Alice knew her way around, but Tina wouldn’t be nearly as comfortable in her house. That last thought got Bette struggling into an upright position, determined to wake up and make sure a friendly face would be there to greet Tina when she arose.

Bette yawned and jumped into the shower, making it as quick as she could. She blew her hair dry and pulled it into a ponytail, unwilling to mess with it too much. She put on a bit of light makeup, a little mascara and some colored lip gloss, then pulled on a sundress and slipped on a pair of sandals. Satisfied with her look, Bette decided that she would make coffee for her friends, maybe whip up a little breakfast for them.

She went to the kitchen, barely noticing that Alice was no longer sprawled on the couch. Bette cheerfully set about her task, her excitement at having Tina in the house banishing any sleepiness she still felt. Bette had tossed and turned last night, thinking of how she and Tina had nearly kissed. She wanted to talk to Tina about it. She should have taken the opportunity last night, but the opportunity hadn’t presented itself, and she really hadn’t wanted to make Tina uncomfortable. Now, if only she could get rid of Alice and get a minute alone to talk to Tina, that would be ideal.

Bette considered inviting Tina to lunch today. Would Tina accept if she did? Bette could play it off as just a friendly thing, even if she privately viewed it as a date.

Bette was humming to herself when Alice, dressed in a robe, shuffled into the kitchen.

“Good morning!”