Bette responds,  “Tina, I love you more. I’ll call you later today, and then we’ll decide what we’re going to do tonight.  Have a wonderful day, and I’ll be thinking about you too.  Bye Babe.”

***

C.A.C – Noon

“Alice, Shane thank you so much for coming over for lunch; I didn’t know if you guys wanted sandwiches or a salad so I ordered both, and there’s also fruit.”  Bette explained pointing to the table.

Alice spoke.  “We’ll eat anything.  Bette now tell us what’s going on?  I thought we discussed everything last night after Tina left?”  Bette explains.  “Guys I know.  It’s just that this morning after I spoke to Tina, I have conflicted feelings again.  I really want to be with her. Yet I’m scared, and everything is happening so fast.  Can I really be in love with someone within thirty seconds of meeting her?” Bette continues.  “When I called Tina this morning for her wake up call, we had a fun and loving conversation.  It’s weird, because we’re calling each other Babe and Honey like we’ve been dating for a while. Guys I really mean everything I say to her.  My feelings for Tina feel right, but then we really don’t know each other. Is this just lust on my part disguised as love?  I don’t want to hurt Tina if that’s all it is. I don’t know what to do?  We’re supposed to see each other tonight, but now I’m apprehensive.  I wish I knew what Tina really thinks of our situation? I wonder if she has any doubts or fears or thinks it’s weird?”

“Well ‘Yoda’ McCutcheon, what words of wisdom can you impart to Ms. Porter here?” Alice defers to Shane.  Contemplating for a moment Shane says, “Bette go out to dinner tonight, and have a serious conversation about what your both feeling.”  Alice adds, “No hanky panky either.”  Bette gives Alice the evil eye.  Shane continues, “Pull back and start over.  Don’t call each Babe or Honey or whatever endearment you use.  Just keep it simple and see where it leads the two of you.”  Alice again interjects.  “Control your hormones Bette.  I mean it in a good way… Bette put the daggers back in your eyes! I’m only trying to help.  Another suggestion I have for you is meet at the restaurant.  That way you won’t be tempted to mess around when you drive her home.”  Alice was pleased with herself.