“This torture is going on until April? “she snaps

“”This torture goes on until you make it stop “I snap back. “You did something so utterly dumb and you are acting like you are the victim in all this. What happened with Alice and you and Jodie is over as far as Bette and I are concerned – this is for smoking a joint outside Shane’s house on election night. Imagine if you had done that a few days earlier – during a really close election campaign. It’s not as if you are just Bette’s personal aide – you are her sister in law and like it or not – your behaviour reflects on Bette and it reflects on me. My family have caused enough embarrassment to Bette and I hate that.”

For once she looks crestfallen – she can be so stubborn. She is so like me it’s frightening sometimes.

“I’m sorry – I never thought of it like that before “

“No because you only think about yourself and your girlfriend. I am not coming down as the big bad wolf here but you have a job that thousands of girl’s your age would kill for. Do you know how it’s going to look on your resume in ten years? Personal Aide to the President of the United States of America – you could name your job and your salary. You have a golden egg here and you’re fucking it up because you feel like it and because you are cross that you got caught being stupid “

I stand up and shake my head “You are not stupid but you are acting like you are. Bette deserves more loyalty than you’ve shown her and that really disappoints me “

I walk out – well that went well Tina. I go back to my office and go and find Carmen.

“Helena’s been on the phone – I didn’t know where you had disappeared to “

“Went to see my sister “

“And how is she?”

“Still at war with everyone – especially me after the dressing down I just gave her “

“I don’t blame you but didn’t you blame everyone when you’d stuffed up at her age “

“Yes “ I pick up a sheet of paper “Wedding plans ? “

“14 weeks away – can you believe it?”

“Plenty of time “I grin “Has Shane had any say in any of this? “

“Claims to be too busy – Thanksgiving will be fun next week – my mom and three of my Aunts and three of my sisters and two of my sister in laws are all going to be there. “

I laugh “I have enough problems with one sister “

“Its terrific all that you and Bette are doing “

“We are thrilled to help in any way that we can – how big do you think you are going to be in 14 weeks?”

“Too big to hide it – we’re telling my family at Thanksgiving “

“Oh that should be fun – they aren’t going to be funny about you not being married – not when they have accepted you being gay are they?”

“I don’t think so – I hope not – they adore Shane “

“That’s all that matters – -that you two love each other and that your baby will be spoilt”

“Shane is excited you know – she keeps so much inside her but she is thrilled “

“I’m looking forward to seeing Shane as the very proud mom “

“Shane says that about Bette “

“Not too sure who will be the easiest to twist round their little finger. Hey – great idea – why don’t I throw you a hen party and baby shower – that would be a blast”

“You are both doing enough “

“Nonsense – it’s the least I can do for my chief of staff “

“Speaking of which – who is going to replace me for my three months off?”

“Who would you pick? “
“There’s only one possible candidate – Helena Peabody – you trust her and she’s sobered up and even Bette can’t think that she’s interested in you “