“Child Services is coming by for a visit, too, I was told,” Shane told her friend. Bette was always her rock, her one constant no matter how crazy life was.

Her disgruntled groan brought a snort from the brunette. “Always on the ready, they are.”

“Are you trying to take over my Yoda title?” Shane teased.

Bette rolled her eyes. “You can have that all to yourself, thank you very much.”

They stayed silent; the conversation turned serious again. “I have no fucking idea how to handle this, Bette.”

“Me neither, but I find that being honest and open is always a start,” she smiled apologetically. “Sit down and talk to him. Listen to what he has to say.”

The slim shoulders in her arms slumped a little. “What if I fuck up and he disappears?”

She relaxed her grip and turned Shane to face her. “There are so many what ifs that you will literally go crazy just thinking about it. I know it’s clichéd, but just do your best.”

“Thanks, Bette.”

“I’m glad you trusted me enough to seek my advice. Shane, I can see that you’re doing a great job with Shay, and nothing anybody says can change my mind.”

A pair of wild, uncertain eyes stared at Bette. “I’m so fucking scared of losing him.”

Bette’s body tensed. “I have that same fear with Angelica. Why do you think I talk to her every day?”

She nodded in mute agreement. The two friends sat side by side in silence, until Shane began to clear her pockets. She slipped into the pool with minimal splash, jumping into her laps with rigor. The pool owner, meanwhile, stayed in her seat. Bette tracked the woman’s every movement, joining in the action soon after.

When the sun dipped lower to the horizon, Shane took her leave, and Bette was left alone at the pool. She lounged at the poolside, enjoying the day’s remaining sunshine. The city was just gearing up for another lively night, as indicated by the myriad of muffled sounds filtering into her house.

Meanwhile, another woman was making her way to the back yard. When she had received no response at the door, Barbara decided to check out back. She was careful to make sure no one followed her. It only would fan the flames.