“Mmmmm” was all I managed.

“We were talking about Grace, again. Sorry Tina.” Alice said. I just looked at her, not really understanding why she would bring that woman’s name in this house.

“That’s who was freaking out, right Bette?” She looks at me, begging me for my own sake to just nod.

“Don’t worry about Gracie, babe. I’ll take of it.” She says to me softly while continuing to stroke my hair.

“That’s great TK. But um, you think you could get Porter to rejoin us in the land of the living by you putting some clothes on?”

“What are you talking about, Alice?”

“What am I talking about, huh? How about TK’s been in here all of thirty seconds and you look like you want to bash her over the head and drag her back to her room.” Tina laughs, I don’t. But I am focused on the conversation now. You know, now that it’s been pointed out that I haven’t been.

“She doesn’t have to bash in the head Al.” Tina answers for me while taking a seat on my lap. And I’m out of the conversation again. The two of them just carry on with everyday conversation, while Tina feeds me grapes every now and then. She never takes her other hand away from around my neck. Like I said I could get used to this.

“Bette, baby let go I have to get dressed, it’s cold.” I hear the last of Tina’s words and take my arms from around her waist. Wordlessly I let her go and she saunters back to my bedroom, never looking back.

“Oh she’s good.” I hear Alice add. When I know that she’s gone, and I sigh and turn back to Alice.

“So talk to her then?”

“Yeah. Cause something like you don’t want to ***** up. She’s sweet and I’m positive she loves you enough to tell you everything.” She paused and really looked at me thoughtfully before she continued her thought.

“And you have to fix this thing with your brother I mean now.” What is she nuts. He’s the one that’s been immature.

“No way.”

“You really have to get some of the snappy comeback to return to you sweetie.” She simply states. True, I’m not the quickest person today. But that doesn’t change how I feel about Eric’s behavior.