Tina also didn’t mind Eric’s increased working hours because she had found a great group of friends that kept her company, with or without Eric’s absence. Tina had met Shane, a hair stylist at Shaolin, on her first day at her new job. The two became strong friends and Shane soon introduced Tina to Alice, a journalist at LA Magazine and Dana, an up and coming tennis star, who she referred to as family. They had a long standing tradition of ‘family nights’ where every Wednesday the group would catch up at someone’s house for dinner and drinks. Pretty soon, they made Tina feel like part of the family and within weeks, Tina became a part of family nights and her apartment became one of venues they met at. Even though she saw the gang on most days for coffee and breakfast, Wednesday’s quickly became the highlight of her week.

Monday morning.
Tina arrived at the Planet for breakfast and walked towards the gang who were loudly occupying their usual table, there was an extra buzz today and she wanted to know what was going on.

“Hey guys, what’s up?” she noticed all 3 women pouring their interest into three postcards that lay on the table

“Hey Tina” Shane mumbled distractedly, still reading a postcard while vaguely waving a cup of coffee in Tina’s general direction. Tina took her coffee from Shane before it spilt and sat down opposite her.

“Who are the postcards from?”

Alice perked to attention first.

“Bette! They’re from Bette! She’s coming home tomorrow night!” Alice squealed. Shane mockingly covered her ears as she glared at her friend.

“Fuck. Calm down Al.”

“What? Why? We haven’t seen her in a year and a half Shane, I’m excited, and I know you are too, c’mon, it’s Bette!”

“Yeah I’m excited Alice, but I prefer my eardrums to be functioning and not ruptured in the celebratory process.”

“Fuck off.” Alice sulked into her coffee.

“Ahhh… the famous Bette Porter is returning to WeHo, it’ll be nice to finally meet her.” Tina grinned at the banter between Alice and Shane, common on most mornings.

“You’ll meet her on Wednesday Tina, we’re moving family night back to her place this week, for old time’s sake.” Dana spoke up with excitement, ignoring the glares that Alice and Shane were giving each other.