Shelly of course reaped the benefits of these life changing
thoughts in Bette’s head. They soon had an arrival of their own on the way and
Bette couldn’t be happier.

But today this wedding had pulled the long ago lovers
together and as they stood making small talk and exchanging proud parent
stories about Angie both felt a loss for the life they never lived.

Sensing the conversation taking a melancholy turn Bette tried
to steer the conversation back to safer ground by mentioning their old friend
Alice.

Tina had hoped to see Alice here today and was disappointed
to learn the editor of the NY Times could not make it to the wedding of the
century.

Bette began sharing with Tina about her time in NY spent with
Alice. She assured Tina that their crazy friend had not changed and was still
just as caring as ever. Her life with Tasha was still strong and they were
trying to start a family of their own by adoption.

As Tina smiled and listened to Bette’s ramblings she knew
what she had been trying to do and was thankful for it.

Suddenly she felt a warm hand touch her shoulder pulling her
attention away. Looking up she met the soft eyes of her husband David. Tina I’m
sorry but I was just informed that my meeting was changed so I am going to have
to leave this party early. You can stay if you like…it is better than sitting
in the hotel room alone for the next couple of hours.

Softly kissing her on the lips but not waiting for her reply
he turned in Bette’s direction. Hello Bette.

Hello David it good to see you again.

Well sorry to say I must rush off. I hope you enjoy the rest
of your evening.

I understand…I remember well when I was always rushing off to
some meeting or another. Thank God those days are behind me now. Tina, David I
hope to see you again soon. With that Bette walked away to find Shelly.

Some time later Bette noticed Tina sitting alone at a table
and decided to join her.  The sudden on
set of a migraine for Shelly had put her to bed back at their hotel an hour ago
so Bette wondered over in Tina’s direction with a drink in hand.