"Oh, I like all sorts of things" Shane couldn’t resist the opportunity to flirt a little.

Carmen laughed again and tossed her hair.

**************************************************************************************************

It was early evening by the time that Bette and Tina left the office, and Bette had to admit she was impressed by Tina’s work ethic. She was one fo the few people who could possibly give her a run for her money.

"So, anything strike you as suspicious?" Tina asked once they were in the car.

"Not initially. But I’m keeping an openmind, as I hope you will too?" Bette looked at Tina, but got no reaction.

"Of course. Umm Bette…are we being followed?" Tina glanced nervously in the rear view mirror.

Bette looked and groaned "Yes, but don’t worry about those two"

"Some of yours?"

"Unfortunately"

Bette pulled out her cell and dialed Dana’s number.

"Bette, we’re right behind you, what are you calling for?" Dana asked.

"That’s exactly why I’m calling. Just because Tina knows she’s being protected doesn’t mean that everyone else needs to. A bit more subtle in future perhaps guys?"

"Sorry Bette, Alice just reckoned…"

"I might have guessed. Just…well, remember that it’s Alice when you listen to her ideas"

Dana laughed "Sure thing"

"Right. I hope to not see you for a while"

"Ok, sorry again"

"Bye"

"Bye"

Bette rolled her eyes as she hung up the phone "I swear to God…"

"Hey, if we all got to work with perfect people, life would be a little boring, don’t you think?" Tina reasoned.

"I don’t know about that" Bette held eye contact with Tina a little longer than was appropriate, and Tina looked away hurriedly.

"Right" Tina pulled up outside her house "I guess it’s time for you to meet Eric" she said, indicating the car that was parked infront of hers.

"Wonderful" Bette smiled falsely, mentally kicking herself for her earlier indiscretion.

They entered the house, and were greeted by a tall, dark haired man dressed in a suit.

"Hey babe" he gave Tina a peck on the cheek "Who’s this?"

"Honey, I’d like you to meet my friend Bette. She’s just gone through a bit of a messy break up, and is going to be staying with me for a while"

"Ok. Did you not think to tell me about this before?" he smiled weakly.

"I’m sorry. The break up was kind of unplanned" Bette said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Trying to act downbeat was proving all to easy when in the presence of Tina’s boyfriend.

"Also, Bette doesn’t want anyone to know she’s here. Just in case her ex….her ex tries to find her" Tina’s hesitancy didnt go unnoticed by Bette.

"Of course, I understand" Eric nodded his head "sorry, Tina seems to have forgotten to introduce me. I’m her boyfriend, Eric" he held out his hand to Bette, which she took begrudgingly. "I do hope we won’t be competing too much for Tina’s time"

Bette smiled at him "So do I"