“Dr. Kline?”

            “Sorry. I am fine. Ummm Ms. Tina, do you know how Alice knows me?”

            “No, why?” Tina starts a mantra in her head, ‘Oh, please don’t let her turn down the job.’

            “She met me through Bette,” Charlotte says it carefully. She watches as Tina’s face goes through a wave of emotions. First there was confusion, then hurt, and finally, false indifference.

            “Well, I don’t see why that should make a difference,” she replied a little harsher then intended.

            “You are absolutely right it doesn’t make a difference. I just thought it would be fair to tell you I know Bette.” Every time that Charlotte had said Bette, Tina had cringed.

            Tina took a shallow breath willing herself to be calm, willing herself to not let the anger at Bette rise. She knew that if she didn’t calm down she was going to make a fool of herself in front of her newest co-worker. She was not going to let Bette or Alice ruin this for her. Dr. Kline was a great doctor who was willing to work for next to nothing. Tina could sacrifice her personal comfort for the Center. Immediately following the anger came confusion. Why had Bette got up to sing to her at the Planet? Why had she requested that song if she had moved on with the doctor? Why would Alice send the stunning doctor and her laughing eyes into her office without warning? Those eyes where not laughing right now. The green eyes shone with concern or was that pity?  Tina placed her hand over her stomach suddenly self-conscience.

            “Dr. Kline,” Tina said trying to summon formality and dignity. “It has been over two months since Bshe was any part of my life. It is none of my concern whom she is dating.”

            “What! No!” Charlotte held up her hands in truce. “I didn’t mean that. Tina,” Charlotte smiled warmly at the obviously frazzled woman, “I am Bette’s guitar coach, maybe even her friend.” Charlotte paused to let Tina absorb that before moving on to more pressing issues. Tina was flooded with relief. Quickly washing over that relief was embarrassment. “I just figured out who you are. So I was trying to work out why Alice hadn’t told me that you are Bette’s Tina.” Charlotte pauses flinching at her mistake. “I am sorry. I meant to say, I don’t know why Alice didn’t tell me you are Bette’s ex. All she gave me was the place, time, and your last name. What does she have up her sleeve?”