“I like it,” Bette deadpanned.

 

“I knew you would,” Tina said, self-satisfied. “You should trust me more often.”

 

“I do. But you didn’t prepare this food.”

 

“Fair enough.”

 

“It’s actually better than your cooking.”

 

“Oh yeah? That means it’s definitely better than yours,” Tina returned brightly.

 

Bette narrowed her eyes as she ate her fish. “I’ll get you back for that,” she said.

 

“Scary thought,” Tina said breezily.

 

 

A few minutes later, Helena returned from the kitchen to take their plates away.

 

“Well? What did you guys think?”

 

“It was great, Helena,” Bette said honestly. “I really liked it.”

 

“And you, Tina?”  Helena asked, turning to her.

 

“I loved it. Really interesting flavor. What was it?”

 

“Well, I gave Bette Ahi Tuna with spring onion and mint seasoning…”

 

Tina and Bette raised their eyebrows and exchanged a look. Tina’s whole expression seemed to say ‘I told you so’.

 

“And Tina, I gave you fettucine.”

 

“Cool. There was meat in it, though?”

 

“Oh, yes. It’s a special ingredient. You know how we Brits are. We like to use as much of the animal as we can in our dishes.”

 

“Oh,” Tina said, wrinkling her brow. “What was it?”

 

“Chicken hearts,” Helena said simply, taking away their plates.

 

“Chicken hearts?” Tina looked positively green.

 

“Yep. I’ll be right back with your next dishes.”  Helena walked away.

 

Tina lifted her napkin to her mouth and closed her eyes, shuddering.

 

“What’s the matter, T? I thought you wanted the adventure of eating some mystery meat,” Bette said, unable to resist taking a little dig.

 

“Shut up, Bette.”

 

Bette covered her own mouth and laughed heartily. “I tried to warn you,” she said, mirth subsiding.

 

Tina dabbed at her eyes, which were watering with nausea. “You were right. Next time, I’ll listen to you. Sometimes a little self-preservation is called for.”

 

“When we get home, I’ll take care of you,” Bette promised.

 

“Like I took care of you in India?”

 

“Something like that. Maybe a little less medicinal a treatment, hm?”

 

Tina perked up a little. “Okay…”

 

“And you weren’t all wrong, T. I do need to be more adventurous… and a little less,” Bette paused for dramatic effect. “Chicken-hearted.”

 

Bette ducked away as Tina tossed her napkin at her.

 

(The End.)