Alice tapped her fingers on the steering wheel waiting for Tina to cough up the details of the mysterious old friend, and Tina laughed out loud not being able to hold it in anymore. Shed tortured Alice enough and she wanted to spill the beans anyway.

Okay, okay! Tina laughed.

Bout ***** time! Alice screamed. You know I couldnt take much more of your insolence, they both laughed.

That was Eric! Tina said casually. Alice stared at her wide-eyed. The Eric? Alice quizzed.

Yes, the Eric, Tina replied, mocking Alices tone. He surprised the ***** out of me just showing up at my desk, no call, no nothing at all, Tina gasped.

Damn! Howd he find you? Alice weaved and bobbed through the traffic. When was the last time you heard from him?

Tina thought for a moment. She couldnt pinpoint it exactly. You know, I dont know. All I know is that its been a looong time, she emphasized. But he said hed tell me over dinner! Tina blurted out and Alice almost sideswiped a Lexus.

Dinner? Youre having dinner with him? When? Where? How did all this happen? Alice questioned Tina like she was the FBI

Tina took a deep, exacerbated breath. She knew Alice would be curious, but not to this degree.

Al, I just told you, its been forever since Ive spoken to him and he just showed up at my desk out of the clear blue. If I knew the answers, dont you think Id just tell you? Tina said flatly.
Alice sighed. Im sorry; I guess I just got caught up. What are you gonna do?

I said Id have dinner with him. Its not like I have other plans, Alice gave her a crazy look. What? Its just dinner Al, its not like a date, Tina found her patience getting short.

I know, but hes an ex Tee, Alice tried to make sense of her statement. What if he…?

What if he what Al? Tina cut Alice off. He asked if my wife would mind, so apparently he thinks Bette and I are still together. So, for the record, I think dinner is safe, Tina defended.

Okay, Alice conceded. So, how did it feel seeing him?

Odd!

At the CAC
Im Be, Bette Porter, Bette nervously replied. Is something wrong with Tina Kennard or Kit Porter? She continued.

James tapped Bettes shoulder and pointed at the intercom. Rayne was still on the line.

Excuse me officer, James interrupted, allowing Bette to compose herself. We were in the middle of a meeting and the person is still on conference. May we end the call before you speak with Ms. Porter? James spoke on Bettes behalf.

Of course. Pardon our intrusion, the officer replied.

Rayne, I apologize for the interruption. Im sure its nothing serious, or at least I hope its not. Bette and I will get back with you soon okay, James spoke for Bette again, who had now pushed the officers out of the conference room.

Yes, of course. If you cant get back with me today, I understand, Rayne replied.

Thanks. Well be in touch, James said and ended the call before joining Bette in the hallway. Bette was already speaking with the officers and had her hand over her mouth causing James to become immediately concerned. Is everything all right Bette? James put his arm around Bettes shoulder.

Bette nodded, but said nothing.

It appears that Ms. Porters car was broken into and someone called us, officer #1 informed James.

Thats horrible! Who the ***** would do that? James said rhetorically.

Theres been a rash of car crimes in and near this area, officer #2 spoke up.

Then why are we just now being notified? Bette demanded. Isnt this something you warn the public about? She continued with fire in her voice.

Yes maam, but we initially thought it was a prank because the break-ins had been sporadic, and now theyre more frequent. We apologize for your car and will provide an incident report ASAP for your insurance company, officer #1 informed a very pissed off Bette.

Fine! Bette retorted and walked away, leaving the officers speechless.

James handled the rest of the information the officers wanted and took their cards for Bette to contact them if necessary. He gave her about five minutes alone before he entered her office.

They towed the car to the pound on Spruce. I can give you a ride home if youd like, James consoled.

What a fucked up end to what was a pretty decent day, Bette fumed. I cant ***** believe this, she continued, as she paced the floor. James simply listened. You know, when I spaced out earlier, I contemplated leaving for the day, now I wish I had. At least my car wouldnt have been broken into, Bette pulled her hair out of the ponytail and ran her hands through it.

I feel for you, but you know we needed to handle that call, James tried to console and be professional at the same time. Raynes a major playing Bette and weve put her off for too long. At least the car can be fixed or replaced, scoring this deal with Rayne would have been a major loss for us, James remained objective.

Bette huffed and sat in her chair. I know, I know, she began to calm down. Youre right. All going well, we can take a leave of absence and go to New York. Then we can get some cash, recognition, and God knows what out of this too. Rayne is a big time player and Im glad we remained in touch, a grin creased Bettes mouth.

Whats that look for? James inquired. Dont even think it Bette Porter, youve got enough to worry about, James added.

Bette chuckled, I know and youre right. I guess the devil in a blue suit got loose in me for a minute. But you have to admit, she is beautiful, Bette looked up at James who was now smiling too.

Yeah, she sure is. Whats her story anyway? James asked knowing Bette knew what he meant.

Havent a clue to tell the truth. Shes pretty hard to read, but I cant allow myself to drift if you know what I mean, Bette sighed hard.

Speaking of, hows Tina?
Funny you should ask, Bette perked up. Shes at the house getting more of her things. Seems that shes going to stay with Alice a little longer, Bette made a face.

Are you cool with that?

Not really, but I dont have much of a choice. She sounds well and seems to be less angry, which for me is a good thing. I think shes trying to find herself and I dont want to rush her, Bette admitted.

Makes sense. Maybe your car getting broken into was a sign that you shouldnt be home while shes there. Wanna go to Windriders or DL95s for drinks? James asked.

Bette thought for a moment. She really didnt want to go home and see Tina moving her things and she could use a break from the days events.

Yeah, sure. Lets go.

Back to Tina
Tina and Alice gathered Tinas things and went back to the apartment. They talked about Bette and Eric, and Tinas consulting position with Chestnut, Maxwell, and Elba. Alice was very excited for Tina, but was more interested in learning more about Eric. She trailed Tina around the apartment constantly talking and asking questions. She even listened to Tina call Eric to confirm their dinner plans.

Its Tina. Yes, Im still fine. Yes, were still on. You know I got a little side tracked between an errand I had to run and my very nosey friend that I havent even thought of a place to eat. I know, Im sorry, Tina spoke with Eric while trying to shoo Alice away from eavesdropping. Yeah sure, that would be fine. 7:30. Doesnt give me much time, but yeah, I think I can be there by then. You will? Wow! You dont have to do that. Are you sure? Okay. See you then. Tina hung up and turned to Alice. I have to be ready by 7:00, which doesnt give me much time. Can you help me get ready?

Oh ***** yeah! Alice giggled. You know Im not condoning what youre doing, but its nice to see you smile and do something for yourself, Alice hugged Tina before dragging her into the bedroom.

Tina stepped out of the bedroom dressed in a fitted sapphire blue, with her hair pulled back, and a look that would make the angels proud. She glowed with a mixture of sexiness and innocence and Alice looked at her like a proud mother.

You clean up well Kennard! Alice grinned. Not too shabby at all. Just dont convert back to the dark side, Alice teased and Tina smacked Alices arm before pulling her into a warm embrace.

Thanks so much Alice, Tina gushed. Youve been the rock Ive needed and more than a great friend. I doubt Ill be going back to the dark side as you call it, but Ill keep it in mind, if the wine gets to me okay, Tina teased and grinned. Tina looked at the time. Hes sending a car for me, so I better get downstairs. Dont wait up? Tina giggled and slid out the door.