Tina had finally summed up the courage and had called Bette. In all honesty, she had deliberately called at a time when she thought Bette would be at work. And although she was relieved when she had heard the pre-recorded message, she was slightly disappointed as well.
But right now, that was the furthest thing from Tinas mind. She was nursing a wicked hangover and trying to lull herself into a relaxed sleep; something she had deprived herself now of close to 48 hours. Her Friday drinks had ended midday Sunday and every part of her body was aching; in a good way. Sophia certainly had a way to teach Italian, very effective.
Tina pealed her towel off and climbed naked into her soft white sheets.
Ahhh. She groaned out as she shut her eyes. A minute passed. Then two, and Tina was quickly drifting off when suddenly her phone started to ring, and ring, and ring, and ring.
No no no no no! She moaned. At first she ignored it hoping it would go away, but after the umpteenth ring she rolled over and snatched the receiver from the handle.
What? she huffed into the phone rudely.
Hello? The voice was familiar but in Tinas drunken sleepy stupor it didnt come clear.
Who is this? Tina mumbled as she rolled onto her back rubbing her forehead.
Tina is that you? The voice suddenly hit Tina with a wave of realisation and her eyes sprung open. After a moment;
*****. She heaved out.
Sorry? Bette asked. Tina sat up shocked. The cocaine that she thought had left her system came crashing down on her heart fastening the pace like a lightning bolt.
Ahh ahh.. ahh Tina said
Tina? Bette asked again,
Uh huh? Tina squeaked.
Tina its me Bette. Finally Tina responded with
I know. After a long pause she followed it up with, So whats up? As soon as she said it Tina slapped herself in the head. I mean how are you? She slumped back down on the bed.
Im, well, okay I guess. I got your message. Bette said. She sounded weird.
Shane said I should call. Tina said, and again, regretted it before it left her mouth.
Oh. Was all Bette replied.
I mean, I thought you know its been a while and I just wanted to make sure you were all good and everything. Tina knew she was sounding like a *****.
Tina are you okay? Have I called at a bad time? Bette asked.
Im sorry. Tina said sitting up straight, Ive just had a big weekend and youre probably the last person on earth I thought would be on the end of the line. She said honestly.
Oh. Bette said again. Do you want me to call another time? Tina thought about it for a minute and finally said.
No. No not at all. She rolled onto her side. So whats up? Bette didnt respond for a while. You still there? Tina asked with a yawn.
Six months and all you have to say is Whats up? Tina rolled her eyes.
Bette, you called me remember?
Im calling you back.
Well you didnt have too.
Well why did you call me then? Bette asked in a huff,
To ask whats up. Tina said. Bette sighed heavily into the receiver. Hows work? Tina finally said.
Okay. Bette said, she was obviously annoyed.
Mmmhmm, cool. Tina replied with a yawn as she lay back down.
Why are you so tired? Isnt it lunchtime over there? Bette asked. Tina smiled cheekily,
I havent slept. So, she said quickly, whats happening in L.A.? Seen any movie stars lately? When Tina and Bette had first bought their house in West Hollywood, that was the first thing she would ask Bette when she came in the front door at night: Seen any movie stars today? She could almost feel Bette smile into the receiver.
Nup. You? Typical response.
Nup. Tina replied. They were both smiling.
So whats up with you? Bette asked thinking that two could play this game.
Oh you know, Tina said with a stretch, this and that.
So Bette dragged out, why havent you called? She asked. Tina sighed and didnt say anything. Tina. Bette said frustrated.
Are you really going to come out guns blazing so early? Tina asked.
I just mean Tina cut her off,
I know what you just meant. She said, Well why didnt you call me?
And how would I do that when I didnt even know what country you were in? Tina shrugged,
Well whod you ask? Shane?
Who else was I suppose to ask? No one knew where you were! Bette said angrily,
Jesus Bette; there were other people who know where I am! Like my parents for Christs sake! My sisters, my friends! If you really wanted to find me it wouldnt have been so hard. Bette didnt say anything for a while.
Tina, I have thought about nothing else in six months then tracking you down and finding you Tina cut her off again,
So why havent you? She asked,
Because you asked me not to remember? Bette said defensively.
Oh and you always do what I ask you to. Tina said sarcastically. Bette sighed,
I dont want to fight. She said quietly. Tina sighed.
Neither do I. Its probably why I havent called. Bette smiled,
Oh thats why.
Well its one reason. Tina said,
And the others? Bette asked dangerously,
Theres too many to list off right now. Tina said laughing quietly.
Tina, Bette said seriously, god, I have so much I want to say right now. Tina sat up straight,
Where are you now? She asked seriously. Bette paused,
Uh, in the kitchen. Im sitting on the tiles actually. Why? Tina thought seriously for a minute, Tina? Bette asked again,
Im just thinking. Tina said slowly.
What about? Bette asked. Tinas mind was rushing very quickly. She did not want to do this on the phone. You cant avoid it forever she heard Shanes voice over and over again. Tina? Bette asked again, a little concerned.
Im here. She said. Finally she took a deep breath, Bette, I dont want to do this on the phone. She said.
Please Tina, just hear me out Tina cut her off again,
Do you have a pen and paper handy? She asked. Bette paused,
Yeah? Why? Tina sighed,
I cant believe Im doing this. She muttered, Okay write this down. She heard Bette get up off the floor and grab the CAC pen and pad near the phone they used to write numbers and notes down. Bette couldnt even remember how many notes Tina had stuck to the fridge from these pads
What do you want me to write down? Bette asked warily,
13 Olare` Road, Bolaro South, Naples. Its about half an hour from the airport. Bette didnt say a word for at least two minutes. Finally she said,
Is this what I think it is? Tina yawned,
Look I have to get some sleep Bette. Sorry, I have this thing at six with some friends and I have to get some sleep first. She lay back down.
Tina, Bette said, is this what I think it is?
Bye Bette. Tina said sleepily. And with that she hung up and disconnected the phone. Balls in her court now. She thought as she drifted off to sleep.