“Yeah, the graphics were good,” admitted the art historian. “But the ***** game. I hated it.”

Bette had hated it because the goals of the game were very obscure. One could be deep in the game and still not know what the ***** the goals were. You were working your ***** off and you didn’t know what for. How did you win?

Alice had liked the game instantly, but knew that it would drive Bette crazy. Bette was so goal-directed that it would make her beside herself Alice also knew Bette was such a competitor that it would be difficult for her to admit defeat. So she presented Bette with a copy of the game and a very enthusiastic recommendation.

Alice brought her mind back to the present.

“What’s like that ***** thing?

“What?”

“What are you talking about?”

“My life, my life is like that damn game.” Bette said.

It wasn’t difficult for Alice to make the connection between the “*****” game and what was now going on in Bette’s life.

“Have you seen Tina lately?” Alice said casually.

“No!” Bette stopped herself from saying any more because she realized that Alice was provoking her. She ground her teeth in annoyance.

Alice gathered up her notes and made ready to leave. She was disappointed that she couldn’t stay any longer but she had to do an interview with a young tennis player and the early evening was the only time.

“Dana Fairbanks,” Alice responded in answer to Bette’s question.

“Never heard of her,” Bette commented as she thought about something for supper.

“No one ever accused you of being a sports fan,” grinned Alice. “She’s not in the top twenty but may be ready to break into that group.Anyway, she’s cute.”

Bette smiled knowingly at Alice and chuckled.

“But she’s not as cute as your little blond.” Alice said ‘blond’ in a sing-song voice . Bette scowled at Alice who was walking toward the door. Alice turned, raised her eyebrows at Bette and exited.

Tina

Tina threw together a salad at her apartment and had a conversation with herself.

Tina’s mind: “You need to stay away from Bette. Val’s right; she’s no good for you.”

Tina’s heart: “She’s so great–smart, charming, beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like her.”

Tina’s mind: “A ***** relationship is not for you. Some of your family and friends will never approve.”

Tina’s heart: “I’ll have to get used to that kind of prejudice. People who really love me won’t reject me.”

Tina’s mind: “Do you really want to get into bed with her, naked, and have her touch you all over and go inside you?”

Tina’s heart: “Yes….. I don’t know.”

Tina’s mind: “You did the right thing not to call her.”

Tina’s heart: “I don’t know.”

Tina’s mind: “Well, at least you should break up with Eric. He’s not a bad guy and he deserves a chance to move on.”

Tina’s heart: “You’re right.”

On those occasions when Tina’s heart and mind agreed, she usually took their advice. She needed to cut Eric loose and she would do so very soon and as gently as possible. But her heart and mind had not made a clear decision about Bette.

Bette

After Alice left, Bette decided to get a salad and some coffee and took the food back to her table. She began to eat quietly, thinking about Gillian and Tina and Myst when someone came up beside her..

“Excuse me.”

Bette looked up and saw this girlwomangirl.