Bette and Tina had moved into their new home a month later and were euphorically happy. They had been fortunate enough to negotiate a quick settlement and arranged to have two weeks holidays from work from settlement day, to unpack and organize everything. And also for as much love making as they could possibly fit in. Another new home, every room needed to be christened, after all it was now tradition. Bette had reminded Tina.

Bette left James her assistant to look after things at the gallery while she was away but she still checked in on a daily basis. Even though the gallery was quiet; not another opening for a month, Bette couldnt help herself.

———————————————-

Monday morning came around and their 2 weeks holidays were over. Bette and Tina had both returned to work, feeling more tired than when they actually started their holidays.

It was 10am in the morning and Bette was sitting at her desk catching up on all the work that was pilled up while she was on leave, when James buzzed her

Bette: (annoyed) WHAT? I told you no phone calls James. Ive got work up to my ***** here.

James interrupted: Bette. I think you may want to take this oneIts a Captain Barnes from the L.A. Fire Department. He said it was in relation To Tina.

The phone went silent. Bettes heart dropped.

James: Are you there Bette? Do you want to take the call or Ill get him to.

Bette returned to reality, quickly interrupting James, (panicking) No James, Thank you put him straight through.

Bette held her breath and answered the call

Bette: (trying to sound calm) Hello, this is Bette Porter.

Captain Barnes: Hello, Ms Porter. This is Captain Craig Barnes, L.A. Fire Brigade. Are you the same Bette Porter, Chief Tina Kennard has listed as her emergency contact.

Bettes heart was racing, Oh my godwhats happened to Tina Bette thought.

Bette: (as calmly as she could muster) Yes..Yes I am. Is everything ok? Is Tina ok? Bette couldnt get out the words quick enough, she wanted to know the purpose of the call, and what had happened to her Tee.

Captain Barnes: Oh sorry Ms Porter, Tinas fine. I didnt mean to alarm you I am calling you, in fact, about a much happier matter.

Bette let out a deep breath; her relief was evident.

Bette: (a little confused) Well thank god. How can I help you then Captain? And please call me Bette

Captain Barnes: Bette, I believe you are the only one who can help me.

Captain Barnes: Do you recall, a few months back, Tina saved a young pregnant woman Melissa, and her baby, in an office blaze?

Bette was thinking, Of course I do, that was the worst few days of my life.

Bette: Yes Captain, I sure do.

Captain Barnes: Well the Commissioner is honoring Tina with a bravery award.

Bette felt an overwhelming sense of pride for Tina, Thats great Captain, Tina will be elated. But again, how can I help you?

Captain Barnes: We are having a ceremony this Saturday night. The ceremony is taking place at one of the reception rooms at the Hilton Hotel. Tina is completely unaware of the award and I want it to be a surprise. Tina deserves this very much Bette and I want it to be special for her.

Tears of joy welled in Bettes eyes, I couldnt agree more Captain!!! So what can I do?

Captain Barnes: Well Bette.. can you arrange for her family and friends to attend. I want to make a really big deal of this. Tina is finally going to be recognized for all the hard work and dedication she puts in around hereand just one other thing; I need you to get Tina to the ceremony. without her knowledge. on Saturday night. Will you be able to do that?

Bette: Sure, I can definitely do that. If you give me the details I will be happy to make sure that everyone, that is a part of Tinas life, will be thereand she will too!!!

Captain Barnes: Great, thank you BetteThe ceremony starts at 7pm. Tinas family and friends need to arrive by 6:30. You already know where. So Ill leave it with you.

Bette: Not a problem Captain, I will take care of all that.

Captain Barnes: (sincerely) And Bette. on a personal noteThanks for making Tina happy. I can see the change in her, she is……….. really happy! Tina is almost like a daughter to me.. and she deserves it more than anyone.

Bette: (grinning) Thank you Captain. We are both very lucky.

Captain Barnes: Ok Bette we will see you and Tina next Saturday at 7pm. Dont be early!! If you encounter any problems please ring me here at the station

Bette: Ok, we will see you then. Goodbye CaptainThank you.

Captain Barnes: See you Bette.

Bette got off the phone and was grinning from ear to ear. She thought to herself, this is so greatTina is going to be stoked! How am I supposed to contain my excitement till next Saturday?..Do it for Tee, Porter

Although Bettes desk was overflowing with work, Bette just couldnt seem to get her mind on the job at hand. It was only Monday morning and Bette was so delighted for Tina that she couldnt wipe the silly grin off her face. She was going to have to pull it together before she went home..or Tina will definitely know something is going on, Bette thought

Bette wrote down all the people she need to inform, God, Ill have to call Tinas mum too, that will be interesting. she though.

Bette was busting at the seams, she had to share her excitement with someone so she could really knuckle down and get some work done. She picked up the phone and decided to call Alice. Alice could help informing the gang, as long as that big reporter mouth of hers stays SHUT. Bette thought.

Alice picked up on the second ring, noticing the caller I.D.

Alice: Well hello Porter. What can I do for you, this fine morning?

Bette: Youre certainly in a good mood today.

Alice: Well what can I say, lifes goodand so is my woman. Bette could feel Alices happiness emitting through the phone.

Bette couldnt help it she had to stir the pot, Well Al, sounds like someone got a bit of loving last night.

Alice: (joyfully) My lips are sealed. I dont want to jinx it. But lets just say, she leaves Gabby for dead in the lovin department. Ill tell you all about it when I see you.

Bette rolled her eyes, Alright Al, God I dont want to know them kind of details. at this time of the morning anyway, the purpose for my call is I have a favor to ask?

Alice: (jokingly) Oh ok Porter Im hurt, you never call me just to chat, its always when theres something I can do for you, hey? Nahhh, only kidding, shoot

Bette: (seriously) Al, first I need your absolute assurance that you will not tell Tina about what I am about to disclose to you?

Alice: (shocked, her imagination getting the better of her) Oh god Bette, I thought you loved Tina. How could you do this to her?

Bette: (confused) What the ***** are you talking about Alice?

Alice: Tina, how could you scre.

Bette just realized what Alice was thinking, interrupted, a bit hurt, Al, I would never do that. You know that!! *****, where did that come from? Tina is my one and only. I told you already!!

Alice: (semi seriously) Well you two are practically joined at the hip, what else would you be telling me that you dont want Tina to know.

Bette: Jesus Al, not everything is about *****. (Bettes face lit up in anticipation, and Alices past thoughts, became just a memory) Just so happens Tinas getting a bravery award, her Captain down at the fire station called me. Bette was beaming with pride.

Alice: (sincerely) Oh, sorry Bette, you know me foot in mouth and allbut whats this about not telling Tina?

Bette: The Captain wants Tina to be surprised, so.I need you to let Kit and the gang know. They have to attend Al or tell them, theyll have me to deal with!!! Its Saturday night Hilton Hotel at 6:30 sharp. Then I just need to contact Tinas mumarrrrIm not really looking forward to that conversation. Bette raised her eyebrows.

Alice was now excited, Ok Bette, good luck with that. Telling the girls, thats not a problem, Ill take care of it; trust me.. How exciting, this is like another little mission. Ill inform the troops and be in touch(Alice said jokingly, then became serious). and Bette, next week maybe we can get together to talk, ayecatch up on the gossshoot the breeze. whatever..

Bette: (smiling) That sounds good Al.

Alice: Ok great Porter, Ill talk to you soon. Pulling out her note book writing down the details of Tinas surprise.

Bette: (hastily) Al. wait. remember, not a word to Tina, let the girls know too, NOT A WORDI will hold you personally responsible, ok Al. I mean it!!!!!!

Alice: (matter of factly) Contrary to popular opinion I can keep a secret.

Bette: (laughing) Well we wont have a problem then, bye Al.

No sooner had Bette hung up the phone than James buzzed Bette again.

Bette assumed it was Alice again, I already told you Al, we cannot tell anyone elseno-one.

Tina: Hey Babe, cant tell anyone what? You and Alice got some little dark secret? Tina teased.

***** think Porter, think Bette thought.

Bette: Hi babyAlice was just. um shes got this new woman, you see, and um she doesnt want anyone else to know just yetso you cant tell her I told you Tee. Ill tell you what I know when I get home, ok.

Great thinking Porter and you technically didnt even lie! Bette thought to herself.

Tina: Oh ok.

Tina had no reason to doubt Bettes word so she didnt think anything of it.

Tina: Babe, I called to see what we are doing on Saturday?

Bettes heart rate quickened. UmI dont think weve got any plans Teewhat did you have in mind?

Great. How the ***** are you going to get out of this one Porter? Bette thought to herself.