“Hi…”

“Hello…”

“I cannot believe I am saying this, but you look amazing…”

“Thank you, so do you T…I mean Tina. Actually, do you mind if I call you T?”

It was Tina’s turn to raise an eyebrow.
“Don’t you think it is a little too soon for pet names and endearments?”

“I would hardly think of three, almost four years, 1 broken knee, one twisted ankle, two flailing marriages and four unhappy people as too soon.” Bette was back to bitter Bette.

Tina narrowed her eyes and Bette was saved from a scalding reply as Eric appeared with a glass of champagne for himself and Tina. Bette watched as Tina downed down the drink and stood on tiptoe to give Eric a lingering kiss for Bette’s benefit.

“Mmmm…wow, if I had known I would get kisses like that, I would have dragged you out of the house much sooner than this.” Eric pinched Tina’s ass, and finally noticed how deeply flushed she was. He had never seen her in this state, not even after a long and hard run in the morning or the few times that they fucked. Was Tina aroused? he wondered with sudden enlightenment, a Cheshire-like grin on his face that Bette wanted to seriously wipe out.

He finally acknowledged Bette. “Oh hi Bette, did you just get here? Bette nodded. “Would you like something to drink?” Glancing at Tina with a smirk, “I don’t see Alice anywhere.”

“A scotch on the rocks please and my wife will be right with you.” Bette did not pretend to hide her displeasure.

As if on cue, Alice entered the hall with Kit in tow, glancing about, impressed by the décor and atmosphere. She was wearing a simple yet elegant black evening gown that showed an ample amount of cleavage, with a set of pearl necklace and earrings. Suffix is to say, she looked stunning. Her eyes traveled the room looking for Bette and as she walked closer, Alice was surprised to see Bette standing with Eric and Tina.

God I hope she is behaving herself tonight. It was hard enough getting her here. Now the hard work begins in keeping her entertained enough not to make any scene or embarrass me publicly.