The weeks that followed Tinas return to the house were filled with nothing but happiness. Bette and Tina spent every possible moment together talking, laughing and sometimes just sitting and holding each other. Tina felt like this was a relationship she wanted to be a part of, and Bette had been making good on her promise to try and be more open with Tina. Their lives had returned to normal with one added bonus. Instead of Bette feeling like she was responsible for the both of them, they were now equals, and thus sharing in the responsibilities. Some things didnt change however, like Tina being the main cook and taking on more of the wife duties, leaving Bette to assume the husband ones. This was not a bad thing however, because at the end of the day both women agreed things were just easier this way.

Even though Tina had been home for several weeks, the one thing they hadnt done yet was make love. Tina was not ready to and Bette understood that this was going to be something she would just have to be patient about. Bette knew better than to try and force her into something so as hard as it was, she just held Tina as they lay in bed at night and showered her with soft kisses before falling asleep. Tina knew that Bette was probably getting a little frustrated at this fact, but she was thankful that Bette was being so understanding about the situation. It was one of the little changes in Bette that Tina saw and it was one more thing that cemented the strength of their relationship in her head.

Bette had also developed a softer side that Tina saw more and more as the days went by. It was the little things, like having flowers waiting for Tina when she got home, or bringing her lunch at the center when Bette had time to get out of the office. Bette was also trying to learn more about things that interested Tina, and she even agreed to go running with Tina a few times. Tina never knew Bette could be so attentive to her, and as the days passed she fell more and more in love with Bette all over again. Tina felt more secure in their relationship than ever before, and Bette was doing all she could to keep it that way.

Tina was not the only one receiving special treatment however. There were days when Bette would come home from work late, and in a ***** mood and Tina would be waiting for her to give her a massage or rub her feet, anything to make her feel better. What Tina didnt know is that all it took for Bette to snap out of her mood nowadays was the sight of Tinas face or the sound of her voice. Tina paid close attention to Bette when Bette was rambling on about how stressed she was at work and how sometime she felt like she should just quit altogether. Tina would let Bette rant and rave until she couldnt talk anymore then she would comfort her and tell her that things will work out and that Bette has everything under control. They had literally become the perfect couple, and their friends were glad to see it.

It was exactly one month since Tina moved back in when Bette dropped a bombshell on the relationship. She had been at work that day when she received a visit from Franklin. He told her that the CAC wanted to set up a major farewell party since Provocations was moving on to MOCHA next week. He also told her that they were going to rearrange the setup of the exhibits and that there would need to be an entire rebuild of some of the displays. This all needed to be completed in a week of course.

Bette sat in her chair thinking about what that meant. It meant that she would need to find a crew who could work fast and still live up to her standards. It meant that this crew had to understand the art and how it was to be displayed. It meant she had to call Candace. Bette debated about whether or not to call Candace herself or have James do it, but she felt having James call would be too impersonal. Sighing, she reached for her Rolodex and dialed Candaces number.

Candace Jewel.

Hey Candace, its Bette.

Candace didnt answer right away and Bette figured she was probably surprised to hear from her, given their last conversation. Despite what may once have taken place between them, she needed to put it behind her. This was strictly professional.

Hey Bette, what can I do for you?

Im calling because I need a favor. Franklin just informed me that we are throwing a huge farewell party for Provocations and he wants to rearrange everything.

Oh. Okay, sure. When do you need this done by?

One week. Im sorry its such short notice, and if you cant do it I understand completely.

No, I can do it. Its just that

When Candace let her voice trail off Bette immediately got nervous. She feared Candace not wanting to work with her because of what had happened between them and right now she felt Candace was the best person for the job. She hoped that Candace would be able to put it behind her so she started trying to convince her to work this job.

Look Candace, I know how we left things and thats not going to change but if you could do this it would really help me out.

Bette, slow down. I will do it. I was just going to say that since its such short notice you know we will be in there working every day almost all day for a week straight right?

Bette played with the phone cord as she listened to Candaces warning. The last time they were in this situation things turned out badly and she while she wasnt about to let that happen, she didnt know how Tina would react to this. Bette swallowed her fears and decided to go ahead with it for the sake of the party.

I understand, and I promise to keep my hands to myself. Well, I have to run and thanks again for doing this.

Bette hung up and stared at the phone for the longest time. This was just the sort of thing that would have Tina jumping to conclusions again and she didnt want to jeopardize the relationship they were rebuilding. Bette decided that she should just tell Tina as soon as possible so that it wouldnt look like she was trying to hide anything. She picked up the phone and called Tinas number down at the center.

This is Tina.

Hey baby.

Hey babe, whats up?

Nothing. Hows your day going?

Terrible, we have a court date in three days and we are far from being prepared. Oscar is trying to find more dirt on the city councils decision to rule in favor of the proposed proposition and put it on the ballot. I swear, if one more thing goes wrong today Im going to strangle someone.

Well dont work too hard baby. How about I cook us dinner tonight?

Um babe, that sounds good, but when did you become the iron chef?

Ha ha very funny. I have some hidden talents you know.

Yes baby you do, but cooking is not one of them. It took me three days to get the burn marks off the ceiling last time you had this great idea.

Things change T, youll see.

Okay sounds good, well listen, I have to go, Oscar just got back with some more stuff. Ill see you tonight.

Okay, see you tonight. Love you.

Love you too babe. Bye.

Bette hung up and sighed to herself. Tonights dinner may very well be a breaking point in their relationship, but they had been working so hard at not keeping secrets from each other that Bette felt like if she didnt tell Tina she was working with Candace for another week, that Tina would just assume the worst and leave her again. And this could not happen. Bette picked up the phone and made one last call hoping that she would be able to romance Tina a little tonight before breaking the news to her.

Hello?

Alice? Its Bette. Listen, I need a favor