Barbecue

Everyone arrived at Tina’s house almost at the same time. Bette was already there helping Mikah move stuff out of the shed.

Tasha and Alice arrived first, followed five minutes later by Shane, then Kit and Marina, then James, his wife Karen, and Trey, and finally Helena and her new girlfriend Jenny.

"Damn did you guys plan this, I haven’t even taken anyone out back yet," Tina laughed.

"Well let’s all go together then," Tasha said.

"Well everyone, this is the Jenny I’ve been telling you about," Helena announced.

"Hi, welcome to the gang," Tina said.

"Soooo you left your man?" Alice said.

"Alice," Tasha chided slapping her arm.

Jenny chuckled, "it’s alright, you already know the circumstances of my relationship with Helena so yeah, I did leave him."

"Oh you should have seen Dylan’s face, fucking priceless," Helena grinned.

Tina laughed, "alright, come on Bette and Mikah are outside."

"Who would have thought you would end out with Bette when I’ve known the both of you for so long," Helena said.

"I’m surprised you haven’t met before," Kit said.

"Maybe it wasn’t meant to be until now," Shane said, "now come on I’m dying to meet her."

Tina guided everyone outside where Mikah excitedly greeted them. "Aunt Tasha!" Mikah cheered hugging her, "hey baby!" She hugged Trey tightly.

"Break it up, break it up," James said.

"Behave you two," Karen said.

"You’re here to work," Tina said giving Mikah a look.

"Oh come on ma’ all you guys are always affectionate," Mikah said.

"Yeah but we’re not 16 squirt," Tasha said pulling Mikah away.

"Okay everybody, this is my girlfriend Bette Porter," Tina said.

"Nice to meet you, I’ve heard only great things," Tasha said, "I’m Tasha."

"And I’ve heard a lot about you, you’re the best friend and godparent right?" Bette said.

Tasha was pushed aside when Alice excitedly stepped in, "and I’m her better half Alice."

"Better half?" Tasha said, "you wish!"

"Nice to meet you Alice," Bette said.

"It’s nice to meet the woman who has enchanted my friend so much," Alice said.

"Alice behave," Shane said, "nice to meet you Bette I’m Shane."

Marina gave Bette a hug then turned to Tina, "I don’t think we’ve officially met, I’m Marina."