You Wanna Ask out Who?
Chapter Thirty-One



When Tina woke up, Bette had been up and getting ready.

Bette what time is it?

Seven-thirty.

What are you doing up so early?

I need to go talk with Franklin.

About what.

About me going back to work?

But I thought, she didnt know what she thought. Well, what about Peggy?

I need to talk to her too. I know she let me go to come back, but I still need to work with her. I owe her that much.

Are you sure youre ready to go back? But as Tina asked it she didnt know what she was going back to.

T, I need to go back. Ive enjoyed the short time off, but you know me. Tina rolled over because she couldnt show that she was somewhat scared of Bette going back just yet.

T, as she walked over to face her, I know its soon, but I need them both to agree on something for me.

On what?

Well I had been doing a lot of thinking and I dont want to be the old director I was. I mean I want to be the director, but on my own terms. I need them to meet on the middle with me on having like my own little place, but with ties to them. You know like in the old days.

But you didnt need the ties back then.

True but they had both given her so much that she couldnt turn away just yet.

Tina, I need to this so that way I can take time off when I want, and have my own place so they wont breathe down my neck the whole time. Im trying to do my own thing so that way, I have my own support system that I trust so when I dont have to be there all the time, I know it will be okay.

Having Tina sit up and try to analyze just what Bette finished saying, made Bette comfortable enough to finish.

T, I made that mistake once before and no way in ***** can I ever slip and do that again. You and Libby deserve that and that is what I want to give you, me all of me.

Having Tina just grab her hands and not say anything was kind of frightening.

T, say something.

Shaking her head as if trying to shake the tears away, I, huh uh as she cleared her throat, Im very proud of you.

Thank you babe, was all Bette could say. Getting back up to finish her make up as she left Tina smiling.

Poking her head with her toothbush in her mouth,

T, do you need me to make you anything to eat? Libbys not up yet, but I can whip up something quick.

No babe, Ill wait for her. But you go ahead ok. Ill get up in a minute.

A few minutes later

Okay T, Im off, and leaned in for a kiss. But as she grabbed for her keys, Bette are you good to drive? With this Bette turned around Tina could tell she was a little irritated at the question. Scared that the old Bette might make a guest appearance she tried to give another quick kiss to stall her.

Bette accepted it but said, Sweetie, Im good. I know what the doctors said, but Im fine. Dont worry so much. But thanks for doing so.

And she was out the door with Tina still standing there kind of in shock.


So you decided to join us, T. Wheres Bette and Libby?

Bette had early meetings and Libby is sleeping in.

Meeting for what? I thought she was on unemployment. But Bette and unemployment in the same sentence yeah that was a good one.

No Alice, she just went to talk to Franklin.

But I thought she wasnt going back.

Dana, I thought it too, but now that I think of it, I dont ever remember her saying she wasnt going to go back.

Oh.

Dont they have someone else for that job though?

I think so, but as she went into Bettes idea and their conversation of this morning. Tina made sure not to forget the appearance that the old Bette didnt make.

As the stories were told, the coffee cups now empty, and the donuts half eaten, they all went to their respective places for the day.


As Bette returned home, Libby was in the kitchen on the phone. She hadnt meant to be nosy, but the conversation was the only thing in the air.

No, Im not sure what my minor will be, but Im sure Ill think of something.

A few giggles later.

No this is my last weekend free.

The refrigerator opened.

I dont know.

The refrigerator closed.

Well if its just dinner.

Laughter.

I have to ask my parents.

A plate being placed on the counter.

Youve known her what three maybe four years. Im sure she trusts you.

Bread being opened.

So you glad to be back?

Bread being closed and some more laughter.

Ok Ill tell her. And thanks for asking me out.

Refrigerator being opened and shut.

Yeah ok. Ill call you. Bye.

Libby turned around to find Bette walking in.

Mom.

Who was that?

Libby went back to her sandwich.

Elizabeth. She knew that tone so she turned around and hoped her mother hadnt heard her conversation.

It was James.

James who. She didnt know a James who wanted to take out her daughter.

James, your assistant, James.

James, since when did he want to take Libby out? Surly it was a mistake and she just misundterstood, so she pressed on.

James, what did he want?

Good she didnt hear it.

Umm to tell you he made it back into town and that whenever you were ready for him to come join you in whatever you were doing call him up.

So she wasnt going to tell her mother.

And?

Dammit she did hear! Libby was about to confess when her mothers phone went off.

Aha, saved by the phone.

Dammit Bette thought as she read Tinas number on her id.

Its your mother. Hold that thought, as she pointed her finger to her daughter.

Hey sweetie, and as she started into her conversation, Libby took a bite from her sandwich, looked at her mom with a smile on her face and walked into the living room.

T, everything went ok. I just have to wait for an answer from them both. But she didnt care right now, someone wanted to take her little girl out.

How long before, but she was cut off.

Babe can this wait I was about to get into something with YOUR daughter.

What. All of a sudden she was my daughter Tina thought, this cant be good.

Bette what happened.

I dont know yet T,

Well then why is she my daughter for the moment. As she said it she laughed because it sounded too funny.

Tina this is not funny. Someone wants to take her out.

Who.

James.

James who?

My assistant James. Thats who. When I get my hands on him he is dead T, dead.

Babe calm down. We like James hes a good man.

Yeah a good assistant, you know answering phones, and filing that kind of good. Not good for taking our baby out.

Tina grew a little agitated at how Bette held James in her perspective.

Elizabeth Porter I am so ashamed of you right now.

Wasnt she proud of me just this morning?

You know he has been there, ***** he even flew to New York for you. You need to give him some credit. Bette

But Tina, he wants to take her out.

And what is wrong with that? You trust him dont you?

With art Tina, and my messages but thats about it.

Dont forget with saving your ***** one too many times.

T,

No well talk about it later when I get home.

Fine, well be waiting.

Okay Ill see you then. I love you.

A few silent seconds.

Bette.

Tina,

When I get home Bette, I mean it.

I know, I know,

Ok then now

I love you Tina.

Thats better, as her laughter was drowned out by the dial tone.