“Same here. I guess our hearts are still too raw and we have to start as friends first and see where it does lead us ?” Shane suddenly grinned. “And you’re in for some surprises with our group I guess.”

April Sullivan was relieved to see Shane smile. For something she couldn’t grasp, she didn’t want to see Shane unhappy.

* * *

The silence in Bette’s car was getting uncomfortable and finally she couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. “Lena, not to sound too eager, but I’m dying to know…”

Helena sniggered. “You held out longer than I thought you would.” Her face sobered. “Bette, what do you think about my abilities as a business woman ? And please try to be honest.”

Bette was caught flat footed by this question, because she never had thought much about that.

“I’d like to make a statement on the last part first.” Bette answered quietly. “I went into this relationship with open eyes, Helena. So I’ll be honest to you in every aspect, good or bad and I hope you’ll do the same. There’ll be times, when honesty has to be stretched a little… for example birthday presents and such, but be sure you have my loyalty and my honesty !” Bette glanced at her lover who presented her with her undivided attention.

“And for your original question. I haven’t thought much about you as a business woman in the last year or so. The one time we met with business at hand, we both know what happened.” Bette held up one hand to forestall Helena’s answer. “One thing I was surely puzzled about. When your mother cut you off financially, it seemed rather unlikely to me, that you haven’t had a…”

And now Bette got it.

They were at the parking lot of the hotel now and she drove up and parked the car. She killed the ignition and turned to her girlfriend who grinned broadly at her.

“So you have… ?”

“Darling, I’m not dumb ! Sure, I haven’t foreseen the scenario as it happened, but someone in my position would have to be fallen on the head as a baby to not prevent povetry. I was born with the silver spoon, but I have earned my status over the years. And yes, my love, I have… a nice little secret stash, emphasise the secret not the little.”