A shiver passed through the young tennis player. “It felt good being in your arms.”

“Dana, I don’t want to lose you. Please don’t walk away from me. I’m going to figure something out. And maybe right now, maybe we can just be friends.”

Those words were like a dagger in Dana’s heart. Dana Fairbanks was always everybody’s friend. Never anybody’s Girlfriend.

But there was something special about Lara that Dana couldn’t let go of; even if it meant sacrificing her needs. So they talked for a little while longer with no promises made and no resolution to the awkward situation they’d found themselves in.

Kit listened to the ring at the other end of the line and anxiety rushed through her.

“Why am I so nervous?” she asked herself. She didn’t have long to ponder. The call picked up on the third ring.

Her younger sister’s voice rushed out and embraced her. “Kit! Hi!”, said Bette. 

Kit smiled broadly. “Hey baby girl. How are you? How is everything?”

“Everything is good. I’m doing well. I’ve been thinking about you. I’m so glad you called.”

Kit wanted to say, Really? Thinking about me?? She still wasn’t quite used to this new sister-girl relationship the Porter girls now shared. “Oh, thank you, Bette. Those words just made my day.”

“Is everything all right?” asked Bette.

The older sister rubbed her slightly swollen belly and replied, “Oh everything is good. The baby’s good. I’m good. The last I heard, even Dad was still doing good. No problems here.”

“Dad’s still not speaking to you too?” asked Bette.

“Girl, it’s a surprise when he is speaking to me. You know how Daddy is. I’m just used to it I guess.”

“I’m sorry, Kit. I didn’t mean to put you in the middle of this. You have enough to worry about.”

“No, don’t go there, Baby Sis. You’ve been through a lot lately. You needed someone experienced in dealing with Daddy’s rejection to help you through this. I’m your guide for dealing with Melvin Porter’s ‘Disappointed in My Daughter’ antics.”

Bette chuckled. “I’m so glad you could be of assistance.”

“Anytime. And don’t worry. He’ll come around. He always does. He just has to let his macho burn off. After that, he should be back to his old self.”

“And how long does that usually take?” asked Bette.

“Hmmm…Anywhere from 3 hours to a few years.”

“Nice.”

“Well, how’s Tina? Is everything still okay with you guys?” asked Kit.

Bette smiled as the sound of her lover’s name rolled off of her sister’s tongue. “Things are good. We’re both a little bummed about being separated for the summer, but I still feel like the luckiest person in the world to still be with her. So glad we’re still together.”

Warmth rushed through Kit. She was pleased with the status of her baby sister’s relationship. Happy to know that at least one Porter could keep a relationship going. “I’m so happy for you. I’m so proud of you Bette.”

“Thank you.”

Kit swallowed thickly and said, “And I know that your Mom and Grandmother and everyone Is coming to pick you up on Saturday. But I was wondering, do you have any time to get together with me on Friday? I’d like to drive up and take you guys out to dinner. I want to show Tina that not all Porters are big-headed bigots like Daddy. I want to spend a little time with you guys before you head off into the world.”

Bette’s eyes were wide with eagerness. Tears misted as she spoke. “That would be great, Kit. Tina and I would love it.” 

Kit breathed a short sigh of relief. “Wonderful. I’ll give you a call later on this week and we’ll settle on a time. Is that cool?”

“Very cool. Thanks again.”

“You are more than welcome. See you soon,”, Kit replied.

When their call ended, Bette looked over at the newly framed photo of Kit she had on her desk. She smiled to herself and rushed to call Tina and tell her the good news.

To Be Continued…..