Bettes gonna have a heart attack when she gets home tonight and realizes that you’re back Alice said as she unceremoniously dumped Tinas suitcase at the front door.

Tina smiled at the thought as she retrieved her keys. It had been a while since shed surprised Bette. She hoped that her early return would go some way towards making up for their lost weekend.

T, you look like *****. Do you really have to go to this thingy tonight? Alice asked.

If I want to keep my job Tina replied as she unlocked the front door.

Man, they get their monies worth out you

Im just happy to be home Tina replied as she dragged her suitcase across the threshold and left it by the lounge. You want a coffee or something? She asked as she stretched her back out.

Ah, no Alice replied, while her eyes focused on something over Tinas right shoulder No, Id better getback to work

Tina turned to see what had captured Alices attention. Her eyes came to rest on a large floral arrangement in a tall crystal vase WowI wonder where Bette got those?

Im guessing theyre not from you, then Alice responded cautiously.

Tina shook her head before moving to the bench on which the vase sat. A small card rested in front of the vase. Without hesitation Tina picked it up and flipped it open.

Alice watched as Tinas features clouded with confusion, then concern.

Who the ***** is Clara? Tina questioned, as adrenalin began to course through her veins, her mind suddenly more alert than it had been in hours.

Theyre really nice flowers Alice commented.

Tina just fixed her with a glare.

And Bettes birthday isnt for another two months Alice removed the card from Tinas grasp and read it out loud For last night. Love, Clara

She wasnt expecting me home until next week Tina said quietly as her mind jumped frantically from one conclusion to the next.

***** Alice whispered. She looked at Tina, then back to the flowers You cant think like that, Tina

Tinas brow furrowed as she desperately searched within herself to give Bette the benefit of the doubt.

Tina watched as Alices eyes met her own once more. She knew instantly from Alices guilt ridden expression that her friend was withholding something.

Al Tina said calmly, while holding Alices gaze Is there something I should know?

Alice hurriedly looked away I, uhI really think you should be asking Bette that, dont you?

Shes not here, Im asking you Tina kept her voice steady If you know something then I think youd better tell me

***** Alice repeated as she looked desperately at the flowers once more. She dropped her head.

Its OK for you to tell me Tina assured.

OK Alice sighed deeply I was doing a story on gold diggers in LA. And Ive been hanging out in these swanky bars all week, checking out the women, seeing what they do, you know?

Tina nodded.

A few nights ago I was in a hotel bar, it was that expensive place on Little Santa Monica, I can never remember what its called

The Peninsula Tina replied quietly.

Right Alice confirmed Anyway, it was about 10:30 or 11 and I see Bettes car pull up. She got out and so did another woman that I didnt recognize. They made their way to the elevators. They got inI saw Bette put her arm around the woman as the doors closed

Alice looked up to gauge her friends reaction but Tinas expression gave nothing away.

I waited for half an hour but she didnt come back down Alice concluded quietly.

I cant deal with this right now Tina shook her head slightly I have to get ready for this function. The car will be here at five, and

T, dont you think you should maybe call Bette? Alice interjected carefully.

Yeah, Ill, um, Ill talk to her but right now I need to get ready

OK Alice said gently So you want me to get going then?

Umyeah, yeah I think so Tina nodded.

Youll be OK? Alice asked.

Yeah, fine Tina replied And thanks for collecting me from the airport

No problem Alice said Youll call if you need anythinganything at all?

Uh-huh Was the strongest reply Tina could muster as she grappled with her thoughts.

Alices departure hardly even registered as Tina turned back to the flowers. How could something so beautiful leave her feeling so desolate?

Standing there she felt empty, hollow, like someone had flicked a switch and she could no longer feel. Past experience told her that eventually the numbness would subside, the pain would arrive and with it the tears.

She closed her eyes and willed away what Alice had said. Still, the image remained of Bette with her arm around a stranger named Clara.

TBC