So, is she still working insane hours? asked Alice.

Tina chuckled at the question.

What? Whats so funny about that?

Tina continued to laugh and said, Just the irony of it all.

What do you mean? asked Alice, turning her head to glance at Tina as they made their way to West Hollywood.

Well, before the break-up, it was all I could do to get her home at a decent hour. I mean, you remember, right? Practically begging her to come home?

Yeah, I remember. Thats why I asked the question, T.

Well, one of the first things that she tells me as an example of how much she has changed is what her work hours are. She proudly told me that she leaves the apartment around 8:15 in the morning and is home between 6 and 6:30 pretty much every night.

Well, thats a good thing, right?

No, its a great thing! Dont get me wrong. Its just that it seems to be another thing that it took our undoing to bring about, know what I mean?

Yeah, I guess that I do. But, at least her priorities have changed, huh?

Yeah, they have and there is nothing unclear about that.

She paused, looking briefly out the window.

I have to admit though, at first I thought that she was stretching the truth a bit by saying that she adhered to that schedule every day smiling at her lack of total belief.

But sure enough, that is exactly when she came and went every day last week, unprompted by me.

A Prompt-Free Porter. Has a nice ring to it giggled Alice.

Did you just say a Prompt-Free Porter? laughed Tina. Where do you come up with this stuff?

Dunno. Too much time on my hands probably.

Any other big revelations, changes, metamorphoses? Actually, is there a plural to the word metamorphosis? Does one go through multiple metamorphosis?

How many times are you going to say metamorphosis? demanded Tina.

As many as necessary. Never forget, T that I am a very accomplished writer, and as such, have a need to ensure proper grammar and word usage, just like a surgeon using a fine-honed scalpel.

Are you actually comparing yourself to a surgeon now? she asked incredulously, trying to hold back a giggle.

And why wouldnt I?

Oh, no reason, Al, no reason she chuckled.

Glad that you see my ways.

As if I had a choice muttered Tina out of the side of her mouth.

I heard that! cried Alice.

Wait, you never answered my question?

What question, Al? I cant even remember what we were talking about she said, rolling her eyes at the conversation.

Bette, your woman, remember her?

You exhaust me, you know that?

One of my finer qualities I must admit she laughed.

So, Bette, my woman. What were you asking?

Changes. What other transformations has she gone through? Is she different in bed?

AL!!!! Do you really expect me to answer that?

Well, yeah. Hellooo, again, need to know

No she responded with exasperation. She has not changed in bed. She did not need to change in that department. I dont think utter perfection can be improved upon, do you? she said, smiling at Alice.

Dear God! Again with the bragging!

Well, you did ask laughed Tina.

I guess I did she said, laughing also.

SoTK, where to first? she asked as they finally neared West Hollywood.

Well, where are the girls?

I told them that we would call when we got close so that we could all meet up. I figured that you would want to go to either my place or your apartment first though, you know, to at least drop your bag?

Uh, actually, Al, I will need to go to the apartment at some point, but it doesnt have to be today.

Cool! So youre gonna stay with me?

No she answered, Im actually going to stay at the house she softly said.

What? The house? You mean Bettes house?

Uh, actually, the last time that I looked, both of our names were listed on the mortgage she responded dryly.

No! Of course. Im sorry, I didnt mean it like that she sputtered. I just wanted to be sure that we were talking about the same house.

Do Bette and I own other houses that I am not aware of? she smiled, knowing exactly what Alice had meant.

You know what I meant, smartass quipped Alice.

Yes she sighed. I know what you meant.

So? Why the house? Isnt that gonna be kinda tough?

Probably, but I need to do it. Its my home, where I belong, and just as I did with Bette, I feel like I need to reclaim it as well she said, again, turning to look out the window at the familiar surroundings passing by.

Yeah, I get it. Makes sense. I just thought that it was something that you would do with Bette, not by yourself.

Yeah, I know, but there are simply some things that I need to do on my own. And this would be one of them.

Ok. So do you want to go there now?

You know what? Lets find out where Dana and Shane are and play it by ear. I told Bette that I was going to call her and she said, looking at her watch, I should be doing that right about now.

Well then, lets just pop into The Planet and Ill call them while you call Prompt-Free Porter she laughed.

Tina just shook her head, chuckling at Alice.

Will you please tell her that I am calling her that? she asked, still laughing.

No, I most certainly will not. I would actually like to bring her back for a visit at some point in the near future, and your calling her Prompt-Free Porter will not quicken that process!

Whatever! Tell her I said hello.

That I will tell her she laughed.

They got out of the car and walked into The Planet. Tina thought back to the last time that she had been there, looking over at the outside area where she had read that letter of Bettes.

Her life had changed at that point in time, irrevocably altered in a manner that neither she nor Bette had had any control over.

She looked around and saw a few familiar faces, but couldnt help but think how this place no longer felt like home.

Home was Bette, not West Hollywood, not The Planet or any of the other places that they had frequented. Home was simply Bette.

Tina sighed as she followed Alice to a table. She felt like all eyes in the room were upon her as she walked behind Alice. Was she just being paranoid, or were women really looking at her curiously?

Hungry? asked Alice as they sat down.

Not really said Tina.

Whats up, TK? asked Alice, noticing Tinas mood change.

I dont know. It just feels like everyone is staring at me. Am I being totally paranoid?

Alice quickly looked around the room and did see some women watching them.

And how do you know it is you that they are checking out? she smiled. Maybe they are just all coming to their senses and realizing what a catch I am!

Tina laughed and reaching for the phone said, I need to call Bette.

Ok, go ahead. Ill just wait here and fend off all of my potential suitors.

Tina stood up, laughing and shaking her head as she made her way back to the front door. Once on the sidewalk, she opened her phone and dialed their apartment.

Bette answered on the third ring.

Hello?

Hey baby purred Tina.

Hey yourself. How are you doing?

Good. Missing you, but good she smiled.

So, I take it that Alice actually arrived on schedule, and at the right airport?

Tina laughed at Bettes question and just said, Yeah, believe it or not, she did.

Good chuckled Bette. Hard to believe but I will take your word for it. So where are you now?

At The Planet, waiting on Shane and Dana to arrive.

Oh, well tell them all I said hello said Bette.

I will, definitely. Alice said to be sure and tell you hello as well.

Hmm

So, what are you doing right now? I see that you heeded my warning and got yourself home in a timely manner? she said, smiling into the phone.

That I did, T, that I did. I didnt want to be on the receiving end of whatever punishment you would have doled out for not doing as instructed.

Well, arent you a smart girl? giggled Tina.

I try smiled Bette.

So? What are you up to? Have you had some dinner?

Yeah, just kinda picking at some stuff. Eating leftovers from the weekend.

Ok. But, Bette, I want you to eat while I am here.

I will, T she said.

I just know how you forget to eat if Im not putting a plate in front of you and so want you to remember to feed yourself.

I know, I know, T reassured Bette.

Alright, just see that you do so.

Lecture over? teased Bette.

For now chuckled Tina.

So, when are you going to the house, T?

I dont know exactly, later this afternoon I guess.

Its already, what 5 oclock out there, huh?

Yeah, it is. I am actually kinda worn out from the travel, not to mention that it is 8pm my time.

Your time, huh? laughed Bette.

What? said Tina, knowing Bette was trying to get a rise out of her.

So, what? Is my native Californian friend now a New Yorker? Is that what I am hearing?

Did you just call me your friend? asked Tina.

Well, yeah.

Friend? she asked incredulously.

Wellarent you my friend, T?

I hope that I am a lot more than just your friend, Bette she sternly responded.

Just then, Tina saw Shane parking her truck across the street. Shane waved and Tina returned the gesture.

Babe, I had better go. Shanes just pulling up.

Ok, well have fun.

Can I call you later?

Sure, I should be up for a couple of more hours.

Promise to not fall asleep before talking to me? she softly said into the phone.

I promise, T she smiled.

I love you, baby.

I love you too, T. Have fun.

Ok, I’ll call you in a couple of hours.

Ok. Bye, T.

Bye she whispered as she closed her phone.

T! said Shane as she lifted her up and gave her a huge hug.

Hey there laughed Tina.

Putting Tina back down, she looked at her and said, You look amazing.

Thanks smiled Tina, a light shade of red coloring her cheeks from the compliment.

Seriously, T. I have not seen you look this good in I dont know how long.

Thanks, thanks a lot she said, dipping her head a bit in embarrassment.

I always thought that Bette had a good impact on you she said, smiling gently at Tina.

Well, youre certainly right about that she smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

Was that just her on the phone?

Yeah, it was.

And, how is she doing?

Good, really good she answered as they turned to walk into The Planet.

Well, that makes me happy to hear that. Please be sure to let her know that she is missed.

I will smiled Tina, her face lighting up at being able to talk to her friends about Bette again.

Hey said Shane to Alice as they reached their table.

Hey. Whats going on? asked Alice.

Oh, nada. Same ol same ol she responded as she flopped onto the chair.

Took you long enough she said, looking at Tina.

What? she asked.

Bette! What in the ***** can the two of you have to talk so long about when you just talked like an hour before?

Al said Shane in a tone suggesting a need to back off.

Why do you care how long I talk to her? laughed Tina.

Cause shes jealous came Shanes quick response.

Of Porter? Oh, puhlease..Porter? Been there, done that, remember?

As if you let any of us forget said Tina, rolling her eyes for effect.

Thank you! said Shane.

You two are hopeless. Where is Dana? Maybe she can offer me the support that I am so deserving of.

Both Tina and Shane ignored Alice and Shane picked up where they were before.

So, shes good? Bette?

Yeah she is said Tina, warming up to the subject.

How is the gallery opening going?

Good. Better than good, actually. Bette mentioned that they may even be ahead of schedule. Speaking of, yall should totally think about coming to the opening!

Oohhh, thats a great idea! claimed Alice. You think that Porter would actually allow us to come?

Well, certainly Shane and Dana teased Tina.

So uncalled for said Alice, acting as if she had been offended.

Both Tina and Shane laughed at her response and Tina chimed in, Let me ask her the next time that I talk to her. I am sure that she would love to have all of you there, not to mention, I would as well. If I never knew anyone at the openings here in LA, you can only imagine how few people I will know in New York.

Oh my God, that would be so much fun, huh? said Alice. New York would never be the same!

They all laughed and agreed that it was something that they should try and make happen.

So, shes good, and you obviously are good. Looks like your trip was successful, huh? asked Shane.

Tina beamed like a school girl and just said, Yes, it was.

Al said that you are going to stay in New York with her?

Yeah I am. I am going to give up the apartment here, talk to Oscar, get some things that I forgot, and head back Thursday or Friday.

I am seriously happy for both of you. You two belong together. It was just not right having you apart from each other.

I know, I know she said, shaking her head. It may have taken me some time to realize that, but I finally figured things out. I just consider myself so lucky that I was not too late in trying to get her back she said, her voice trailing off, saddened by the mere thought of that happening.

She would have waited forever for you, T Shane quietly said.

I dont know she said.

Yes you do she firmly said.

Just then, Alices phone rang and she opened it and said, Finally! Where are you?

Tina just sat there, digesting what Shane had just said to her. Would she have really waited forever for me? she wondered.

Hopefully, I will never have to find out she answered herself.

Shes on her way announced Alice to the table.

Dana? asked Shane.

No, J Lo! answered Alice. Yes Dana. Who else?

Im going to the bathroom said Tina, leaving before she got pulled into wherever this conversation was leading.

She looks good Shane said as she watched Tina walking away.

What? she said when she saw the look Alice was giving her.

Jealous?

Shane just chuckled, refusing to jump at the bait.

I am so not jealous!! huffed Alice.