It had been a long time since they had an alcohol-free good time, Bette realized as she leaned back on the lounge chair. The whole scenario was a little surreal to her, and only the presence of Tina would confirm the absurdity of it all.

Shaking her head to chase away the melancholy, the brunette headed back to the kitchen to prepare the BBQ fixings. Unbeknownst to her, Angus had nudged Kit to follow the younger Porter.

“Let me help,” Kit said slowly as she stood in the kitchen.

Bette nodded. Her sister’s words were a message to her, and her response was a heartfelt smile. The rest of the group trickled in as the sun went down, dragging their tired bodies away from the pool.

By the time everyone had a chance to wash up and settle down, Angus and Kit were halfway through with preparing dinner. Bette, on the other hand, was enjoying a bath with Angelica.

Chatter came to a halt as the shrill of a cell phone ringing resonated in the living room. Belatedly, Shane realized it was her phone.

“Hello,” Shane answered as she fumbled with her cell phone.

“Hey, it’s me.” Tina cleared her throat. “Are you free?”

Shane glanced around the room. “Uh, I can be. Is everything OK?”

Tina sighed. “Kinda. I just need someone to talk to.”

“Oh.”

Angelica’s high-pitched laughter traveled through the phone connection. “Is that Angie I hear at the background? Are you with Bette?”

Shane left the room, finding a quiet spot in the house. “Yeah, we’re over for a swim. Tina, are you OK?”

The blonde expelled a heavy breath. “I need a friend right now. Can you meet me at my place?”

A soft tap on her shoulder startled Shane. She cursed under her breath when she came face to face with Bette. “Could you hold on for a second?”

Bette stood in front of Shane, her arms crossed. From what she had overheard, she knew the caller was Tina.

“It’s Tina,” Shane bit on her bottom lip. “She doesn’t sound too hot.”

The brunette nodded. “I’ll watch Shay for you. Go be a good friend.”