Chapter Two

Tinas could feel her phone vibrating in her bag as she leaned against the bar talking with Emilio, a friend from work. Emilio was hopelessly in love with the charismatic American that had begun working at the University with him five months ago. Tina had landed in Italy with little more than a bag of clothes and the phone number of an old friend who she had worked with when she had first moved to L.A. years before. Ryan Thompson had proved to be a good number to keep. He was working at the University of Naples as a professor in Professional Writing and was in need of a Lecturer. And lucky for Tina, the University specialised in bridging courses. Where students would spend a year learning from a English speaking teacher to prove they could handle a year on exchange in the States or UK. Tina hadnt taught since her years at North Carolina when she had tutored in her final year to pay her bills. But she was good at it and her classes had become some of the most popular on the campus.
Tina excused herself from Emilio as she headed for the quieter balcony when she saw the call was from the States. She always grew slightly paranoid when the US code appeared on her cell.
Hello? She said as wandered into the warm night.
Hey there stranger. Thanks for returning my call. Tina smiled at the husky voice on the end of the line.
I know, Im a total *****! I could come up with a lame excuse for my behaviour, but in all honesty I just forgot. Shane laughed.
Well Im sure you have plenty Italian booty keeping you occupied. Tina smiled as she eyed off a familiar Italian booty who just entered the bar. Black hair, dark eyes, great figure; just her type.
Isnt that the truth. Tina muttered. So whats up? I fail to believe you dont have better things to do on a Friday night than call me. Shane smiled,
Not really. L.A., same old, same old. Just wanted to check in, see if youve grown bored of you temporary home yet. Tina smiled and waved at the brunette who smiled and waved back.
Not yet But why dont you come visit me? Ill pay for the flight. You and I could get into a lot of trouble together over here. Shane smiled again,
I bet we could. But I get into enough trouble back here as it is. Tina turned her back on the brunette and leaned against the balcony, looking out at the sea.
Trouble: you? No way. She laughed into the phone, I dont believe it.
Now thats what I said. Tina smiled, knowing the rapport between she and Shane could go on for hours.
So come on McCutchen, whats the story? Surely you cant be missing me badly enough to warrant two phone calls in 24 hours. Shane sighed and slumped back into the couch she had thrown herself on.
Well thats not entirely true, but I do have a motive behind this call. Shane went silent for so long that Tina thought they had been cut off.
Hello? You still there? She asked,
Yeah, Im still here. Shane answered.
So what is it? You dont want my liver do you? Because six months of European living hasnt really left it in great shape. Im not exactly a picture of sobriety these days. Shane laughed at Tinas joke.
Cant hear the ice cube clinking in the glass T. Tina smiled,
Theyve melted. Seriously though, whats the drama? Spit it out. Shane sighed and rolled over on the couch trying to get more comfortable.
Look, you know I dont want to get involved in the ***** between you and her Tina knew straight away that Shane was talking about Bette and slumped against the balcony regretting leaving her drink inside. but T, I think you should call her. Its been six months and shes not letting up. And well Shane went quite again,
Well what? Tina asked,
Its kind of messing up my relationship with everyone else. The girls all know I know where you are and that I wont give Bette your number. At first they were cool and understood, but now, well, you know what theyre like. Tina thought back to Alices reaction after Tina went crying to her house after the dreadful night. Without meaning to, Alice had acted as pretty much as though: yes, Bette had messed up, but you two will work it out. Tina regretted going to Alice. In retrospect, even Dana would have been a better option. At least she wouldnt have known what to say, rather than Alices angry but slightly defensive Oh you know Bette!. Tina had not quite gotten over Alices dismissal of Bettes betrayal.
Well I dont really give a ***** what they want. God, cant they just understand I dont want to talk to her! Shane sighed empathically,
They do T, but they just want you to tell her that. I mean, you know how much I hate Bette after everything, but even I can see that this is killing her. Tina sighed guilty and ran her hand through her long wavy locks.
Is she okay? I mean, shes alright though yeah?
Who Bette? Shane asked, Tina rolled her eyes,
No, Nancy Regan! Yes Bette! Shane shrugged her shoulders.
Well shes physically okay yeah, but, I dont know, last time I saw her she seemed kind of I dont know T, Im not a psychologist. Tina sighed again heavily. After a beat she threw her hands up and said,
Well what would I say anyway? Hey its Tina, so just wanted to say hi and stuff. By the way, can you send my Armani pumps to Naples? Shane grinned.
Its a start. Tina rolled her eyes,
God Shane! I was all up for a big night out and now youve put this on me! Way to ruin my fun.
Im sure youll pull through. So are you going to call her? Another beat passed and Shane asked again, Are you?
I dont know. Ill think about it. Shane sighed and sat up straight.
Well, its out of my hands now. You wouldnt send Kit a text and let her know I asked would you? Tina smiled,
Ah no, sorry. Be sure to give big sis a hug from me will you though. Ask her if she liked the earrings I sent. Shane nodded and yawned,
I will, but shes been wearing them every time Ive seen her so Id say that means yes. She misses you you know. You could at least call her. Tina nodded,
Yeah I know. God, you sound like my mother. Tina turned around and faced the bar again waving at Emilio. Well you toxic bombshell, I better head back to the bar and find my friends before they leave without me.
I doubt that would happen very much. Shane scratched her head and slumped even deeper into the couch. Hey T, before you go though Tina could sense the heaviness in Shanes voice and groaned internally. Her efforts to keep this conversation light were failing fast.
Mmm? She asked,
Seriously though, you arent planning on coming home anytime soon are you? Tina thought seriously for a moment.
I dont really have any plans at the moment I guess. Shane nodded again, understanding where Tina was coming from.
Okay, I understand. She said trying to hide the disappointment from her voice. Tina heard it anyway,
I mean what I said about the ticket to Naples though. Its ready and waiting Shane. She paused for a moment, letting the homesickness wash over her. Id love to see you. Shane fought back the tears. She missed Tina more than she every thought she would. It almost surprised her how close they had gotten since Tina had moved to Italy. Almost, but not quite.
Ill keep it in mind. Shane coughed and sat up straight, Well you get back to cleansing your liver girl. Ill call you later this week. Tina nodded,
Sounds good. You take care now, keep fighting those girls off! Shane smiled.
Ill keep trying. A split second before Tina hung up Shane hollered out, And T? Call Bette okay. You cant avoid it forever. Tina hit the end button on her phone, hoping Shane would think she had already hung up. But she knew it was too late. She couldnt avoid it forever.