The next few days were a total blur for Bette. She had been so busy with work and trying to organize the party that Friday came around faster than she would have thought. She didnt know how she managed to pull it off, but by three oclock Friday afternoon, everything was in place for the party that night. She had been working thirteen and fourteen-hour days and she was completely exhausted. Bette felt bad for not being able to spend any time with Tina, but she knew Tina understood this was only a temporary thing. Every night when Bette came home she fell into bed and when she awoke the next morning she never felt rested and usually woke up crabby.

Bette had managed to avoid Candace all week and she was still uncomfortable about what happened between them on Tuesday night. Bette didnt know how Candace felt about the situation, and she wasnt sure she wanted to find out. Bette knew that Candace had feelings for her, and she could not allow herself the possibility of finding out if they were mutual. She had Tina back in her life and that was exactly how she wanted to keep things, no matter how badly her body ached for Candaces touch.

She didnt know what was going on with her sudden attraction to Candace again, but Bette knew they could never be intimate again. The last time that happened her world almost fell apart, and she wasnt willing to risk everything a second time around. Bette tried to convince herself that it was just an excuse for her to find a quick fix to her stressful situation, but deep down she knew it might be something more. Every time she looked at Tina she felt guilty, and she hoped Tina wasnt picking up on her behavior. If she was, she wasnt saying anything about it, and Bette decided it would be better if she never told Tina about what happened on Tuesday night. After all, it wasnt like she actually did anything with Candace, and Bette knew she would never let Candace get that close to her again.

On Friday night Bette was getting ready for the party and was waiting for Tina to come home so they could go together. Tina ran in the door a few minutes after seven saying she just needed ten minutes to shower and change. Bette smiled at her, knowing they had all the time in the world, and told her to take her time. Fifteen minutes later Bette was dressed in a sleek Prada suit with matching heels, and Tina emerged from the bedroom looking absolutely stunning.

Wow. You look amazing.

Tina blushed as she looked down at her dress. Tina was wearing a long black Dolche & Gabana dress that hung on her body perfectly. Her hair was pulled up and out of her face, and she was wearing a little bit of makeup. Tina looked like a million bucks, and the way Bette was looking at her, she felt like it too. Bette took her hand as they walked to the car and drove to the CAC.

Like the last party, the CAC was alive with people and news cameras. Provocations had acquired a good reputation and there were hundreds of people there looking at the various displays. Bette and Tina walked hand in hand into the gallery and were immediately greeted by guests and art coinsurers alike. People were coming from all directions trying to get Bettes attention and she felt a little overwhelmed at the attention. Tina gave her hand a squeeze as she gave Bette a reassuring look. Bette looked back at her with love and knew in her heart that Tina would be the only woman for her. Tina spotted Alice and Dana and she motioned to Bette that she was going to go talk to them. As she was walking away she turned over her shoulder to look at Bette and smiled when she saw that Bette was watching her walk away.

Tina greeted Alice and Dana and noticed a certain uncomfortable feeling between those two. She shook her head as she gave Alice a, what is going on? look and smiled. Alice didnt say anything and instead looked at Dana who appeared to be nervous just being that close to Alice. Tina laughed at the two and the three of them proceeded to walk around and check out the exhibits again.

Meanwhile, Bette had been busy talking with various people. The chairman of this committee, or a spokesperson for that group. It was nearly an hour before she had time to slip away and have a moment to herself. She looked around for Tina, but when she didnt find her she figured she was with Alice and Dana so Bette walked back towards her office, hoping to have a few minutes alone. As she was walking back, she ran into Candace who was with a different woman than she brought to the opening party. From the way Candace was talking to her and resting her hand on the small of her back, Bette could tell Candace was seeing this woman. Either that or just ***** her, thought Bette as she fought off any feelings of jealousy that might arise.

Hi Bette.

Hi Candace.

They stood there, both looking uncomfortable and Bette wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. Candace introduced her friend and Bette was polite but that was about it. Bette quickly avoided any further conversation with Candace and the other woman as she said she needed to get something out of her office and turned, leaving Candace staring after her.

Tina had seen Bette talk to Candace, and she could tell that Bette was uncomfortable. She watched as Bette was introduced to the woman Candace had with her, and she could see that Bette was uninterested in making small talk with them. Tina wondered why Bette looked so uncomfortable at the sight of Candace with another woman, but quickly shook any thoughts of anger or insecurity out of her head. She knew that Bette still had issues with Candace, but she hoped that they were issues of guilt instead of issues of doubt.

Bette walked into her office and slammed the door shut. She knew she felt angry and it was mostly in part to seeing Candace with someone else. Why? Shes not my girlfriend, Bette said to herself as she tried to calm herself down. She paced back and forth in her office trying to figure out a way to make it an early night when there was a knock on her door. Candace opened the door and judging from the look Bette had on her face, she knew Bette was angry with her.

What do you want Candace?

I just came back here to see if everything was okay.

Im fine. I just needed a minute.

Bette, are you sure?

YES.

Bette hadnt meant to yell at Candace but she was so confused she couldnt control what she was saying. Bette felt like she was slipping backwards and that the past two months hadnt happened. She sat down on the couch in her office and just stared at Candace.

Why are you here?

What do you mean?

Here. Tonight. Why are you here?

The show of course. Look if you want Ill leave.

I think that would be a good idea.

Candace didnt know what to say so she turned on her heel and almost bumped into Tina who had followed Candace back to Bettes office. She heard the entire conversation and she didnt know who she was more upset with right now. She gave Candace a cold look as Candace walked by her and she gave Bette an even colder one when she entered her office.

Bette looked up in surprise at her and she immediately knew she had a lot of explaining to do. Bette couldnt figure out how they ended up back at square one, but she was sick of it. She needed to get Candace out of her life forever and she needed Tina to trust her to do this. She was about to start explaining when Tina held up her hand to interrupt.

I need to say something before you start telling me why she was back here talking to you like that. Just listen to what I have to say then you can answer okay?

Bette nodded yes knowing that Tina was tremendously upset with her right now. When she spoke, Tinas voice was level and calm, and this made Bette very nervous.

Look Bette I told you from the beginning, you need to think long and hard about what you want. Im not jumping to conclusions and accusing you of anything, but anyone could see there was tension between you and Candace tonight. I dont know why that is and truthfully, I dont want to know. But I need you to be sure of what you want and who you want. I am not going to stand by and let you hurt me again. These past few months have been great and I truly forgave you and learned to trust you again, but if was all for nothing then just tell me now. You cant have it both ways Bette. Im not going to waste any more time crying over you and this relationship. Its either her or me. What is it going to be?

Bette looked down as she felt another wave of guilt wash over her. Even though she had been completely faithful to Tina, she knew her heart had not. No matter how she tried to look at it there was no good explanation as to why Candace was back here talking to her, and she knew better than to try and give Tina a half ***** excuse. Bette looked back up at Tina and she kept her voice steady and calm as she answered her.

Tina, I did think long and hard about what I wanted and the only answer I could come up with was you. Look, I know this looked bad, but believe me, nothing happened. I know what I would be giving up if I let anything happen with Candace and its not worth it. You are and will always be the only person in my heart.

Tina looked at Bette and knew she was being sincere. She quickly pushed any lingering doubts to the back of her head and sat down beside Bette. She took one of Bettes hands in hers and looked her in the eye.

Im not saying I dont trust you because I do, and Im not saying I dont love you because I do. But I want you to be sure this is what you want.

Yes baby, you are all I will ever want and need. Im sorry that things got messed up again but its just been a really stressful week. Between the new exhibit and planning tonight I was going insane. I just tried to do too much at once, and then with Candace around all the time it was a reminder of what I almost lost.

Tina smiled at Bette knowing she was being completely honest. Bette smiled back at her with love in her eyes, as she was glad that Tina understood. Although she hadnt cheated on her again, this was just the sort of situation that would put Tina on edge again about not trusting her. They sat there looking at each other for a few seconds before Alice appeared at the doorway.

Jesus, what did you two sneak back here to have *****?

Tina and Bette laughed at Alices remark and Tina gave Bette a knowing look. With a playful tone she pretended to adjust her dress as she stood up.

Come on babe, well finish this when we get home.

Bette smiled and grabbed her hand as they followed Alice back out to the party. Alice mumbled something about raging hormones and Bette just looked at her like she was crazy. Tina stuck by Bettes side for the rest of the night and Bette made her feel like the most special person on earth. She was constantly being introduced to various people and Bette never left her out of their art conversations or made her feel silly for asking random questions. As they were leaving the party Tina saw Candace and her friend standing outside. She wanted to go over there and talk to Candace to find out what happened with her and Bette, but she didnt feel the need to justify anything. As they walked past them Bette didnt even turn to look at Candace and Tina knew that Bette was being extra careful around her. They got to the car and before they got in, Tina reached for Bette and pulled her into a long, slow kiss. When Tina finally pulled away Bette was having trouble breathing and she gave Tina a questionable look.

What was that for?

Because I love you.

Bette smiled as she opened the door for Tina then ran around to the drivers side to get in. As they drove home they didnt say much to each other, but it wasnt necessary. Bette knew she had avoided a disastrous evening, and Tina knew she was happy to have Bette in her life. When they got home they both quickly changed and fell into bed almost asleep before they hit the pillows. The next morning they both awoke with thoughts of love and devotion on their mind and Tina announced that they were going to spend all weekend in bed since she hadnt gotten to see Bette all week. Bette complied willingly and soon their laughter could be heard all throughout the place they called home.