previously… 

“Oh you know… cute and adorable” said Tina leaning over and giving Bette a quick peck on the cheek before running across the street to her car leaving a stunned Bette standing on the sidewalk.

CHAPTER 9 

Tina practically skipped into her office and up the stairs to her apartment. She then practically floated over to the kitchen and started to hum as she put away some of the groceries she had just bought. She couldn’t help but dance around the kitchen as each new item found its specific spot throughout the room.

“Wow Tina, way to embrace grocery shopping” Alice nodded at Tina’s obviously cheerful behaviour.

“Oh hey Alice, how are things around here?” Tina asked as she tossed a head of lettuce at Alice. “Put that in the fridge, would ya?” Tina asked with a smile before continuing on with her dance and singing routine.

“Okay, what’s up? What drug are you on? Did you make a quick stop at the laughing gas on your way up?” Alice questioned as she put the lettuce into the vegetable drawer.

“Can’t I simply be in a good mood?” Tina said as she tried to shrug nonchalantly.

“You? A good mood? Especially after doing Saturday errands. I don’t think so. What brings on this good mood of yours? I mean, you have barely questioned me about what trouble I got myself into during your absence. This is not normal. ” Alice pointed out.

“I trust you Alice. Wait, what trouble did you get yourself into?” Tina asked eyeing Alice.

“No trouble, I swear, I didn’t even go down into the office or get my foot stuck in anything” Alice stammered.

“Yeah, ok, I so don’t believe you, but whatever. Look there is no reason I am in a cheerful mood. I’m… well… I’m just in a good mood” laughed Tina as she tossed one empty grocery bag into the closet and moved on to empty another one.

“Yeah, yeah, say what you want but I’ll figure it out. You can pretend that you are simply in a good mood, but I know you Tina, and I know there is something or possibly someone behind this chipper disposition.” And as Alice places one hand across her heart and the other hand raised to the sky, she continued “I, the great Alice Peisecki, swear that I will use my remarkable reporter instincts to find the cause of your rather interesting display of happiness. I will leave no stone unturned, no corner unchecked. I will… ”