CHAPTER ELEVEN

It was difficult, near impossible, but Ive managed to drag myself away from T so that I can sort a few things out at work before we go away.
Ive looked through so many brochures this week that I feel like I could draw you a map of the Island. I told Alice I was more than happy for her to sort this out for us providing Tina gets the best. Were staying in a luxury villa that Alice keeps reminding me is called The Gingerbread Cottage. I didnt know people had such lame names for properties but Tina seems to have fallen in love with it. I have to admit I looked at the pictures and feel in love with it a little myself. Expensive but so worth it.
I pick up my mail from James and apologise to him because I know Ive taken the brunt of my emotions out on him when Tina and I were apart. He looks taken aback and I leave him open mouthed outside of my office. I take some paperwork out of my desk and the door opens. Yes James you really werent imagining that apology I turn around my smile fading in a second. Candace is stood infront of me. I feel like Ive been winded.
I havent seen you in so long She takes a step towards me I was worried Whether or not my hate for Candace is justified its there. I cant help but feel like if she hadnt came back into my office and told me that she wouldnt be able to sleep at night if she didnt kiss me then I might have been able to keep myself away from her. If she hadnt been so damn charming and confident. I shake my head because the memories of the time we spent together make me feel ill. How many times did I look at Candaces face and see Tinas?
Tina found out. She saw us at the provocations opening
Im sorry She touches my arm, but I pull away from her like Ive been burnt.
No Candace Im sorry. Tinas forgiven me, I love her I dont know why I ever thought I didnt She studies me frowning. I dont think it would be wise for us to see each other again
You dont think youll be able to handle it? She almost gloats.
No I dont think Tina will be able to. You have to understand, shes my wife Candace, I was always going to go with her
Yeah I knew that We both stare at the ground. Well I guess I should go. I hope youre happy with her Bette It almost sounds like a warning, but I ignore the hidden suggestion.
I am I watch her leave and breathe a sigh of relief. In a way Im glad she came here. Now it feels like Ive tied up all the loose ends. I can take this break with Tina and not have to worry about anything. I pick up the phone on my desk and dial Tinas number. Hey baby I greet her when she answers.
Oh hey! When are you coming home Bette its been… She stops mid sentence. …Forty five minutes
Im coming back now. I just wanted to hear your voice
Good, and every things ok with work? Theyve left you have the time off
I told them Id quit if they didnt
Really? She gasps in shock.
Mmm hmm, really She giggles down the phone.
Wow thats practically foreplay, come home now Alice is just leaving I hear Alices faint protests in the background.
Really well you should know I apologised to James for being such an alpha *****
Bette stop it She plays along.
Well Im gonna leave now, I should be home in fifteen minutes at the most. Then you and me are going to pack for our holiday. Can you believe in two days well be in Barbados
I know! She exclaims.
Ok Im going now I love you
I love you more
No way I love you more
I love you…
T put the phone down youre turning into Dana! I can hear them struggling with the phone.
Alice! The phone goes dead and I smile. I walk out of my office meeting James as I close the door behind myself.
Well, I guess Ill see you in a month. Take care of things for me
Definitely Bette and Ill just call you if…
No! no you cant ring. This is Tinas holiday I dont want to be doing business over the phone
Bette whats happened to you?
I dont know I smile.
Well whatever it is I like it