Alice cocked her head to the side and gave Tina a piercing look, What the ***** are you humming? The corners of Tinas mouth turned slightly upwards, Nothing. Alice rolled her eyes and slumped backwards into her chair, Nothingwell, thats really funny cause your lips are all pursed like this, she drew her lips into a thin line, and this noise that sounds amazingly just like humming keeps coming out of your mouth! Shane carefully folded the newspaper she was half-reading and looked at Alice with the air of a wise, elderly person, Do you need another shot? Alice held up her index and middle finger to convey her specific request all the while contorting her face into an ever-deepening scowl. Tina watched as Shane strutted away and then gingerly placed her elbows on the table, squaring her shoulders toward Alice, She hasnt called? she asked softly. Alices expression softened a little and she shook her head. Tina folded her arms on the table and looked at her sympathetically, Youre too good for her, Alyou do not deserve to be treated this way. Alice let out a deep breath, folded her arms on the table, and looked intently at Tina, You haveabsolutelyNO idea how good the ***** is.

Tina stifled a chuckle using the back of her hand, and, upon removing it, pressed her lips together to keep from smiling too much, No amountorqualityof ***** is worth being treated like *****. Alice just gave Tina a helpless look, throwing her hands into the air in surrender. Shane came back with Alices morning brew, delicately placing it on the table in front of her. I asked them to put a little shot of caramel to sweeten your day, she commented with a heart-melting grin. Alice grabbed the tiny porcelain cup and gulped the coffee, hissing and grimacing as if she had just thrown back 50 proof vodka. Ive gotta get to work, she finally muttered miserably. Shane and Tina watched as she plodded out the Planet following the morning crowd. So, wheres Bette this fine morning? Shane asked resuming her skimming of the days paper. Tina swallowed her mouthful of coffee and began gathering her things as she spoke, Oh, she had to be at work early, some shipment of some painting was coming in at the crack of dawn. Shane wrinkled her nose with disgust at the thought of getting up that early, That suckshey, do you have a pen I can borrow, this crossword looks interesting

Tina plunged her hand into her bag and felt around, finally retrieving a beautiful gold-toned ball-point, I better get this back, Shane, she warned sternly. She extended her arm, but quickly jerked it back, raising her eyebrows to elicit her desired response from Shane. Shane nodded her head with a pleasant smile, her palm still open, You have nothing to fear. Tina slapped the pen into Shanes hand, and just then, felt a hand on her shoulder. As she turned her head, she caught a look of absolute disdain on Shanes face, one she had never seen before. Realizing who the owner of the hand was she let out an subtly irritated sigh. Good morningyoure Alices friends, right? You havent seen her around lately have you? Shane tossed her newspaper into the chair next to her and crossed her arms, ActuallyWE have. Gabby chuckled uncomfortably and looked hopefully at Tina. You just missed her and I think shes gonna be prettyBUSYthis evening, Tina added with a crooked brow, hoping desperately that Gabby would read into her statement. Gabby said a hurried thank you through a smile that was more of a smirk and rushed off.

That chick rubs me in all the wrong ways, Shane mumbled, loathing dripping from her words. Tina gulped the last sip of her coffee and wiped the corners of her mouth, I think we should have poker night tonightare you free? Shane nodded once and Tina gave her a little wink as she turned to walk away. Shes not even THAT good-looking, Shane continued muttering to herself.

***

No, Dana, dont worry its okayyes, I promise I will lose a hand in your honorokay, bye.

Tina set the phone down in its cradle and reached for another tomato to add to her fresh salsa. Mid-motion she snapped her fingers and picked the phone up again, pressing number one on the speed-dial.

Hey, baby, Im really sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to know what time youd be home today.

Hopefully by sevenwhy?

Do you mind if we bump poker night up to tonight?

Well, whats my reward for putting up with a house full of guests on an unscheduled evening?

Tina bit her lip to suppress an impish smile, I didnt think Id find you in such a good mood. Bette uttered a quick hang on, and even though she covered the mouthpiece, Tina could hear her shouting angry orders at the gallery peons. I spoke too soon, Tina teased once Bette returned. Bette released a deep, throaty chuckle, and Tinas eyebrows rose in surprise. The background noise seemed to die away and Bettes voice was a few octaves lower as she spoke, Soabout my reward?

Well, that all depends

On what, exactlyShit! T, Ive gotta gothese guys are a law suit waiting to happen!

Tina chuckled until the line went dead: Bette was about to channel all of her libido energy into chewing those movers a new one. Her cell phone shrilled out, and Tina jogged to the living room where it was buried beneath her bags and jacket, Hello? I havent been able to get a hold of herall day! came Shanes hurried voice. Ooooh, thats bad, Tina added quickly with a wrinkled brow. Her phone goes straight to voice-mail, Shane continued, I drove by her apartment, but her car wasnt there, and shes usually home by now. Tinas concern gave way to amazement: she had never heard Shane this worried before. Well Tina sighed heavily, this calls for an interventionwe have a spare key, were just gonna go in there and deal with this once and for all.

WE have spare key?

It was Bettes, I decided never to ask

Wise choiceokay, what time?

I can head over now, just need to finish the salsa

SweetIll meet you outside.

Tina heaved another, extremely heavy sigh. She hurriedly pushed the buttons that would lead her to Bettes number. She winced listening to the line ring, and was utterly relieved when the voice mail picked up. Hey, its mechange of plans were gonna meet at Alices insteadif youre too tired then just go straight homebut we could really use your help with this Gabby situationand we STILL need to discuss your rewardcall me, bye!

****

hello all! i pretty much know what i’m gonna do for the rest of wednesday, but i want some ideas/requests for the next couple of days to spark my weary imagination!