Bette looked at the phone number in her hand, unsure of what to say. Mandy crossed her arms over her chest and waited for Bette to respond.

I dont know what to say. Bette was caught off guard.

Well, I was hoping youd say thank you.

Thank you, Mandy… really, thank you. You dont know how much this means to me.

I take care of the people I care about. Youre on my list, as long as you be careful with Tina.

Bette reached over and hugged Mandy. I promise to take care of Tina. Shes something special.

You dont have to tell me that. Shes been so happy lately, Bette, and I know its because of you. Whatever youre doing, keep it up.

So… are you saying I should call her?

Im not saying anything. You have the name and number. From there, youre on your own. Mandy smiled. But Im sure youll figure something out.

Something… I just dont know what the right thing is. Bette studied the number, hoping an answer would appear.

You know what to do. I dont think you can make a wrong decision in this situation.

So youre saying I should-

Bette, just do what you have to do. Mandy interrupted Bette, winked and started towards the door.

Thanks again!

Mandy simply waved, not turning around, a smile on her face. Bette watched her go and headed towards her office, holding the paper in her palm tightly. Sitting at her desk, she touched the note with her fingers, head in hand. Her thoughts were interrupted by the phone.

Bette Porter.

Hey there Porter. Whats up?

Alice, how are you?

Im stopping by in a few minutes.

Thanks for the warning. You usually opt for the element of surprise.

Well, I cant do everything as planned. I wouldnt want to become predictable. Bette laughed and hung up the phone.


Alice arrived and sat down across from Bette, putting her feet on the desk.

So whats the latest, Porter? Hows your woman?

Bette shot her a look and didnt say anything.

Hmm… I smell trouble. What happened?

Its nothing. She just went to D.C.

What the ***** in D.C.?

She left me a message saying she needed to get away and finish her thesis. I didnt even know she had so much work to do.

Wait a minute… youre telling me she didnt even tell you she was leaving? She just ran away and left you a message?

Sounds about right.

Wow. So hows it feel to make a woman run? This has gotta be a first for you, huh? Alice chuckled to herself. Then again, youve had a lot of firsts lately.

She didnt leave because of me. She left to get work done. Bette stood up and walked to the window, arms defensively resting across her chest.

Sure… work. But why D.C.?

Her friend Adison goes to law school out there.

Adison? I smell trouble.

Why?

I dont know… just do.

Well, your senses are keen because this Adison girl is no good. I can tell. Bette huffed.

Why?

I saw a picture of her at Tinas with a poem on the back. The poem Tina wrote was about a moment they shared and it wasnt a just friend moment.

So you think Tina ran off to see Adison because she has feelings for her?

Maybe. I dont know. Tina has a lot going on now and maybe she needs to sort through some stuff. I just dont like it.

You dont have to like it but you need to give Tina some space.

Her friend Mandy gave me Adisons phone number.

Really? So call her.

What if Tina really just needs to get some work done? The last thing she needs is me calling her. Im probably a big reason she left.

Thats true… but Mandy gave you the number, right?

Right… so youre saying I should call her?

Alice stood up and started towards the door. Im not telling you what to do, Bette, you need to figure this out on your own. But youll do the right thing.

Why does everybody keep telling me that? Bette let out a frustrated sigh.

Alice left and Bette sat back down at the desk, looking at the phone number again. Picking up the phone she dialed three numbers.

Information, for what city? The operator asked on the line.

Im looking for an address in Washington D.C.

Id be happy to help you with that. Whats the name?

Its Adison, Adison Sinclair and the phone number is 324.587.4438.