Tina looked down and her hands and quickly pulled them from Daphnes. She snapped her head around to make sure Alex and Alice hadnt seen what just happened. They were still laughing. She was safe. She turned back to Melanie, guilt written all over her face.

Tina: Yes. Thats the way you should say the line. Thank you Daphne.

Tina didnt dare turn and look back at her.

Daphne sat still in her sit, smiling smugly.

The rehearsal continued for another half hour with Daphne making subtle moves like touching Tinas leg or leaning over her to make a note in the script. Finally Tina couldnt stand it anymore. She couldnt sit next to this girl who looked so much like Bette and pretend she wasnt getting turned on. She stood up quickly and made her way toward the stage.

Tina: Ok, well it looks like we are right on track.. Good job Mel.

Melanie blushed a little.

Melanie: Thanks.

Tina: why dont we all take a half hour break?

Alice and Alex made their way toward Tina while Daphne and Melanie headed out the front door for some air.

Alice: You ok?

Tina: Oh yeah, fine. Just tired from last week and Ashley and everything.

Alex: How is life with the wife and kid?

Tina gave Alex a crooked smile.

Tina: Cute.

Alex: I know.

Alice: Seriously though, is everything cool at home?

Tina: Its great. Stressful, but great. Ashley is a handful.

Alex: I bet. Have you and Bette had anytime to yourselves since youve gotten back?

Tina: No. I was hoping we could on Friday because I figured Ashley would go out. But now, Bette is having that House warming party.

Alice: Because I am such a good friend and because you love me so muchAlex and I will take Ashley around New York to show her the sights on Saturday. Give you two some time.

Alex: Woah! I didnt volunteer! I never said I was a good friend!

Tina: Please Alex! For me?

Alex resisted for a moment before crumbling to Tinas trembling lip.

Alex: Ugh, fine. But you owe me!

Tina kissed Alex on his cheek.

Tina: Name your price.

Alex: Please girl, you couldt afford me!

Tina: Thank you both so much. Im sure I speak for Bette when I say we are BOTH grateful!

Alice: Speaking of which, where is Bette?

Tina glanced down at her watch. She was sure she told Bette 12 but it was half past. Bette Porter was not one for tardiness.

On cue the door swung open Bette began her walk down toward her friends.

Bette: Sorry Im late. The train was running late.

Lie.

Tina: No problem babe.

Tina moved closer to Bette and placed a deep kiss on her girlfriends lips.

Tina: As long as youre ok.

Bette: Of course Im ok.

Lie again.

Bette: How are rehearsals coming along?

Tina: Theyre ok. We have to work with Mel a little

Alice: A little?

Alex: A lot!

Tina: But other then that, were in good shape.

Bette: Thats great.

Something was off. Something was wrong and Tina could see it in Bettes eyes.

Tina: Are you sure youre ok?

Bette: Yeah of course. I just fell back asleep after you left and didnt mean to. When I woke up I had to run to the train, but it was late. Its just been one of those mornings. It left me frazzled.

One more lie couldnt hurt at this point.

Melanie came racing back in the door with Daphne right behind her.

Melanie: I think I got it! Can we run the lines again?

Tina: But we are still on break Mel.

Melanie: I know, its just that I dont want to lose it again!

Tina: Are you up to it Bette?

Bette was grateful for the disruption.

Bette: Of course. Where did you guys leave off.

A minute later Bette and Melanie were on the stage while Tina watched from the ground. Daphne stood firmly behind her.

Bette: How many time do I have to tell you? This is my career?

Melanie: I dont mind that you put your career first. Really I dont. But could you at least put me second?

Tina smiled, she finally got it! Bette continued the scene.

Bette: I am doing my very best and that is just going to have to be enough.

Melanie: Just promise me that it wont always be this way. Promise me that one day our relationship will be put on your list of priorities.