Candace reached over, kissed Bettes forehead and then leaned back with her elbows propped on the pillow. She watched Bette rhythmically breathing in her sleep. The sun was gently diffused through the bedroom window and it cast a golden glow over Bettes long thin arm that lay tossed out from under the sheets.

Until last night, Candace hadnt heard from Bette all week. When she did call, the need in Bettes voice had been palpable over the phone. Candace flirted and teased Bette about being jealous at the club. But finally, as midnight was approaching, the tension increased and Bette suggested Candace drive over. Candace hadnt really thought about anything more that her desire to touch Bettes body when she rushed over to Bettes house. Bette and Tinas house.

Now in the still-early morning light, Candace looked around at the elegant furnishings. She had only been vaguely aware of her surroundings last night when Bette pulled her from the doorway straight to the bedroom without turning on a single light. Candace looked over at Bette still sleeping, her chest gently rising and falling. Candaces stomach tightened when she realized that force of habit might lead Bette to wake up and think it was Tina lying next to her.

Candace slipped out from the bed, picked her T-shirt and underwear off the floor and tiptoed into the bathroom to wash her face and clean up.

When she returned from the bathroom, Candace found Bette sitting up with the sheet pulled tightly up around her chest. Her head was down. Candace sat next to her.

You ok? Candace asked, kissing Bettes neck.

Its really strange to have you here, Bette said lifting her head and looking into the deep brown of Candaces gentle eyes

I was going to get going anyway, Candace muttered and started to get up.

Wait, Bette reached over to grab Candaces arm. The sheet slid off and Bette instinctively moved to cover her bare ***** with her free arm. She pulled Candace down onto the bed next to her again. I didnt mean it like that, Bette said stroking Candaces face, Im glad youre here. She pressed herself against Candace and kissed her passionately on the mouth.

After a moments embrace, Candace pulled away from the kiss and took Bettes hand in hers. I know that isnt what you meant. But being in this house I felt really strange waking up here.

They were both silent for a moment, lost in their thoughts.

Ive never done this before. Been the other woman I mean. Candace smoothed the rumpled sheet that lay between them.

Bette slid out of bed and grabbed a robe from the back of the door. She slipped it on, folded her arms across her chest. Look, Im the one to blame for hurting Tina. It has nothing to do with you. She remained standing next to the doorway with her arms crossed and stared hard at Candace. All traces of the softness her face had shown in sleep were gone. Maybe you should leave.

OK, Candace said weakly. She scooped up her pants and shoes and quickly put them on while Bettes gaze stayed fixed on her. Once she was dressed, Candace walked slowly over to Bette and put an arm on her shoulder. Bettes eyes looked away. She showed no sign of moving. Candace sighed, walked to the front door and let herself out.
.
***


The phone rang and Candace saw it was Bettes work number.

Im going to take this outside. Candace nearly shouted to Mikela and Mikelas new girlfriend Yasemin. Candace quickly stepped past the crowd gathering by the bar and walked outside.

Hi, Candace answered and leaned against a parked car. The warm evening air was a relief after the smoke filled bar inside.

Candace, Bette hesitated, I called to apologize to you for yesterday.

Its ok, Candace said reassuringly. It was probably just all too soon.

Bette was silent on the other end of the line.

What are you doing at work so late? Candace asked hoping to relieve the tension.

Bette let out a tired sigh, I dont know. I guess Im avoiding dealing with my life. Then Bette added Look, I dont want you to think this is just ***** for me. Im just really confused right now.

Its ok, I know.

I dont understand how it can be ok for you. You know I cant start a relationship with you right now

Bette, Candace interrupted her, Im knew what I was getting into. Im here because I want to be. I enjoy being with you and Im not asking for anything more right now.

Its just I cant stop thinking about you. I dont want to keep on doing what I was doing. I dont want to live my live avoiding my emotions anymore.

Bette

I need to see you. Can I see you tomorrow? Let me take you out to dinner.

Yes, Candace smiled, Id love to.

***

The steam from the shower filled up the bathroom like a thick smoke. Over the sound of running water, Candace heard shouting coming from outside the bathroom. She quickly rinsed herself of soap and turned off the shower.

This is my house too. Why the ***** is she here? It was Tina shouting from the living room.

Please stop shouting, Tina. You havent been here, how was I supposed to know you were going to show up today. Bette sounded calm and steady.

I dont understand why I have to tell you when Im coming to my house. Why are you doing this? Tina was crying now, I love you. For seven years Ive loved you.

Candace started to dry herself off with a towel, but she paused when Tinas voice became softer.

I love you, Bette. How can you just walk away from us? Tina said through tears.

Candace held her breath and strained to listen, but she couldnt hear Bettes reply.

All of a sudden, Tina started shouting again. How could you? What the ***** does she have that I dont? Why, Bette? Why?

Candace scrambled to put on the clean underwear, jeans and T-shirt sitting by the sink. Before Candace had gotten into the shower, Bette had offered to loan Candace something to wear. How had dinner turned into another morning waking up at Bettes house? And who would have thought Tina would show up? I hope to ***** these arent Tinas clothes shes lent me, Candace thought to herself. Meanwhile, she could vaguely make out the sound of Bette trying to comfort Tina out in the living room.

Im sorry, Im sorry. Tina, please, understand it wasnt you. It wasnt Candace. It was me. This was my fault. Bettes voice remained calm and rational.

Her hair dripped onto the tile floor. *****, *****, *****, Candace said under her breath, realizing that there was going to be no good way to get out of the bathroom.

Get her out my house, Bette. Get her the ***** out of my house! Tina screamed.

At that, Candace slowly opened the bathroom door. Tina was standing at the far end of the room with her back to bathroom. Across from Tina, Bette stood holding onto the back of a chair. She looked as if she would collapse without the support. Bette caught Candaces eye and Bettes face was suddenly flooded with sadness.

Im going to leave, Candace mouthed as she slipped into the bedroom to grab her shoes and bag. The house was dead silent and Candace moved quickly from the bedroom to the front door.

Candace Bette let go of the chair and took a step towards her.

Tina whirled around enraged to face Candace. Her face was red and contorted with anger. You ***** *****! Get out!

Tina, Bette turned back around, away from Candace, and grabbed Tinas arm.

Let go of me, Tina shouted and shoved Bette away.

Candace flinched, then stood poised and ready to rush to Bette if Tina pushed her again.

Bette recovered from the shove, walked over to Tina and wrapped her in a hug. Tina collapsed against Bettes shoulder and began to sob uncontrollably. Bette stood and held Tina against her. She whispered softly, Its ok, Tina, Its ok.

Candace turned away from them and made her way out the front door.

Candace collapsed in the front seat of her car. I should have listened to Yolanda she said out loud to herself. After starting the ignition, she took a deep breath and rested her head on the steering wheel. Silently, she let the gasps of her own tears wash over her.


***

Later that night, Candace sat staring blankly at her TV. She wore a black sports bra and workout pants, which were still sweaty from an angry six mile run. On the table in front of her was a six pack of beer still dripping in the cardboard holder. She couldnt even bring herself to be bothered enough to open one up.

The doorbell rang and Candace remained unmoving with her eyes fixed on the TVs inane chatter. When the bell rang again, Candace heard Bettes voice call her name. She stared in disbelief at the door for a long moment before she walked over and opened it.

There was Bette. Her brown eyes looked tired and her hair was swept back uncharacteristically into a loose ponytail. She stood in the doorway holding Candaces gaze without speaking.

I didnt mean for this to happen. I didnt mean to hurt her. Bette finally said, I told her it was over. Im going to move out.

Bettes face flushed and her eyes reddened. Im really not a cold hearted person. Its killing me how much Ive hurt her. She choked back tears, But I cant stay away from you. Oh god, I dont want to cry.

Candaces heart was pounding. The vulnerable sadness behind the always-in-control faade was the very thing that had drawn Candace to this woman in the first place. That and her unbearable beauty.

Right at this moment, Candace was physically and emotionally exhausted. Just the sight of Bette, however, made Candace feel compelled to be strong for this woman. To be her support, no matter what the cost.

Stay here tonight, Candace said and wrapped her arms around Bette.