Tina has been back to work for one week. She is tired because she has put in a lot of hours but she is glad to be working again. She didnt realize that she actually missed being in the throng of business dealings when she quit work to try and get pregnant. She has been considering the job offer in New York and what it would mean for her. She and Alice have talked about the job offer a couple of times. Alice has repeatedly reminded her that she needs to think carefully about what she wants to do. She promised once again that she will not make a rash decision. It is Friday around 5:00 p.m. when she decides to knock off for the night. She knows that Alice, Dana and Shane have made plans to go to Milk tonight. For some reason tonight she dreads going home to an empty apartment tonight so she calls Alice to see if she can tag along. That is, if Alice can assure her that Bette wont be there.

Alice (answering the phone): Hello.

Tina: Hey its Tina.

Alice: Whats up?

Tina: Are you still meeting Dana and Shane at Milk tonight?

Alice: Yeah. We are meeting there at 7 oclock.

Tina: Is Bette going to be there?

Alice (surprised at her question): No. Do you want her to be?

Tina: No. I was just thinking about joining you guys but Im not sure I could handle it if we ran into Bette.

Alice: I think its good that you want to get out.

Tina: I think it is time for me to go out among the living.

Alice: Before you go though, I think you should know that word has gotten out about you and Bette splitting up.

Tina: I figured it had. I have to start somewhere.

Alice: Okay. We will see you there. Bye

Tina: See you there.

Bette has had a busy week because of the attention that Provocations has been getting in the media. But it is finally Friday night and she can think about trying to relax a little. She had seen Dan Foxworthy again this week and she really feels like she is making progress. She just hopes that Tina will soon agree that they need to talk. She is still worried that Tina might still accept the job in New York but the last time she talked to Alice no decision had been made. That gave her hope that maybe just maybe Tina couldnt go and leave their love behind. She and Kit had talked about getting together tonight and doing something. She really didnt want to go home and just sit there. When she is alone, her thoughts mostly drift to Tina and the love they shared. She thinks about if they hadnt lost the baby what the house would be like now. She picks up the phone to call Kit.

Kit: Hello.

Bette: Hi.

Kit: I was wondering what time you were going to call. So you still want to do something tonight?

Bette: Yes. Are you up for it?

Kit: Sure. What time and where are we going to go?

Bette: I dont really care. You make the choice.

Kit: Well, I need to stop by Milk tonight to check to see if they have me scheduled to do my gig this week and then we could get a late dinner.

Bette: Thats fine. How about I pick you up at 8:00 p.m.?

Kit: Great. Ill see you then.

Tina looked at her watch and determined she had just enough time to stop by the apartment and change before meeting up with Alice, Dana and Shane. She was surprised that she was actually a little excited about getting out tonight. After everything that had happened with Bette, she didnt think she could get excited about anything. She arrived at Milk and found Alice, Dana and Shane sitting at a table in the middle of the club.

Tina (walking up to the table): Hey. I made it.

All three women get up and hug her and tell her they are glad she is here. It makes her realize that she has missed being in the group setting.

Dana: So Tina how is your new job going.

Tina: Great. I am really enjoying getting back in to the swing of things. I have been working quite a few hours so it takes up a lot of my time which helps me not to think about things. Sorry, I am not going there tonight. Tonight I am going to have a good time.

Shane: Yeah. Lets have a good time. Tina you want a drink? You are a round behind us.

Tina: Sure. I want the largest margarita they have.

They sat there talking and laughing. Alice was telling them about funny stories she had been hearing at work. Tina was glad she was here. They had been there about thirty minutes or so when a beautiful dark haired woman approached their table. Every one in the group, but Tina, had noticed the woman coming towards the table. The woman walked up and said hi to everyone and introduced herself as Melinda Lockhart.

Melinda (to the group): Would you mind if I join you?

Alice, Dana, Shane and Tina all look at each other as if to say who is this woman?

Alice (taking the lead): Have we met before?

Melinda: No. I am visiting my step-brother who lives here and I believe that he knows all of you. I told him I wanted to hang out somewhere tonight so he suggest this place. He said he thought that sometimes you hung out here so he described you all to me. His name is Tim and he lives next door to Bette Porter.

Tina (flinching slightly at hearing Bettes name): Your Tims step sister?

Melinda: Yeah when he claims me.

Alice: So how long are you in town for?

Melinda: A couple of weeks. I came out to check the place out. I am considering moving here.

Shane (looking at the others): I think I can safely speak for all of us that we think it is a great place to live.
But that being said, do you realize that the area you are in is mostly a ***** community?

Melinda (laughing): Yes. Tim told me. You see I came here to see Tim and tell him that I am *****. I am looking for a place to live where I would feel comfortable being out. I have a couple of other areas I want to visit before I make up my mind where I want to settle.

The group tells her to sit and start talking about places to see and things to do in the area but Melinda starts to direct her attention to Tina. She cant help but notice how beautiful she is and how she seems a little sad. Tim had told her about what had been going on his life and about the neighborhood. She remembered he had mentioned that Bette and Tina had been in a long term relationship and had recently broken up due to Bette having cheated on Tina. She wasnt currently in any kind of relationship and really wasnt looking for something serious but a night of fun with someone like Tina would be nice. She wondered if Tina would be interested and decides why not just go for it.

Melinda (looking at Tina): Would you care to dance?

Alice, Dana and Shane all look at each other and then at Tina. They are not sure what Tinas reaction will be.

Tina (looks towards Alice like can you help me out here): I dont (Alice interrupts her)

Alice (looking at Tina): You came here tonight to have some fun. So go dance with the woman.

Tina (glaring at Alice): Okay. I will dance if it will get you off my back. (She turns to Melinda). Im sorry about this. I just broke up with my partner of 7 years about 3 weeks ago and she is just trying to get me back among the living.

Melinda: Its okay. Tim was telling me about the neighborhood and mentioned that Bette and her partner had broken up and why. I hope that you arent upset that I asked you to dance.

Tina (walking towards the dance floor): Its okay.

There was a fast song playing when they approached the dance floor but by the time they got there it had ended and a slow one started. Tina stopped just before stepping on the dance floor when she heard the music being played and she realized it would be a slow dance. She hadnt danced with anyone other than Bette in over 7 years and wasnt sure she could do this. Melinda looked at Tinas face and saw the hesitation. She took Tinas hand and pulled her on the floor.

Melinda: Hey it is just a dance. No big deal.

Tina: Youre right. Its just that I havent done this in a really long time.

Melinda took her loosely into her arms and they started to dance. She wanted to pull Tina closer to her but she knew that Tina might pull away so she just went with the flow.

Bette had picked up Kit at exactly 8:00 p.m. Kit had been waiting for her out by the curb. She got in the car and said lets get going because I am starving. I was so busy today I realized I skipped lunch. Bette drove them to Milk.

Bette: Should I just drop you off or should I come in?

Kit: Why dont you come in? I should only be about 15 minutes or so but there is no need for you to sit in the car.

Bette parked the car and they walked into Milk together. Kit went towards the back to talk to the manager and Bette looked around to see if there was anyone there that she knew. She saw Alice, Dana and Shane sitting at a table and decided to head over to talk to them.

Bette (walking up to their table): Hey everybody.

Alice, Dana and Shane (look at each other like what in the ***** are we supposed to do now): Hey.

Shane (thinking she needed to act quickly before Bette sees Tina and vice versa): Bette I was just going to get a drink at the bar why dont you come with me since you dont have one.

Bette (picking up on the group being tense): Whats going on? Why are you acting strange?

Alice (deciding honesty is the best policy): Tina is here.

Bette (starts looking around for her): Where? (She then sees Tina out on the dance floor with this beautiful dark haired woman. She feels like her heart stopped beating for a minute. There is the woman she loves dancing with someone else. She is torn because she is so jealous of the dark haired woman but at the same time she is drinking in the sight of Tina.

Bette (thinking to her self and not realizing she is talking out loud): She should be with me. (She starts walking towards the dance floor) I cant let this happen.

Shane (walking up behind Bette and gently grabbing her arm): You dont want to do that Bette. Think about what you are doing. You promised her time. You should just get out of here now before she sees you. What you are seeing is one dance. Alice had to prod her into dancing even once.

Bette (getting mad at Alice): I thought Alice was my friend.

Shane: She is. She just wants you both to be happy. This is the first time that Tina has come out with us and she thought she should have some fun. She knows that Tina is not going to jump into a relationship with someone new because she knows that Tina still loves you.

Bette (hearing Shanes words): Okay. Youre right. I should go before she sees me. (She takes another look at Tina on the dance floor) She is so ***** and beautiful.

Shane: Yeah, she is. Bette you should go.

Bette: I was waiting on Kit. Can you find her and tell her I went out to the car?

Shane: Sure.

Bette (walking towards the front door): Thanks for stopping me from getting on that dance floor. Ive made enough mistakes with Tina without adding to them.

Shane (goes up and hugs Bette): No problem. Take care.

Bette: See you.

Tina and Melinda come back to the table after their dance. Alice is the only one sitting there because Dana went to the restroom and Shane is at the bar.

Alice (getting up from the table): Since you are here to guard the table I am going to go to the restroom and then get another drink from the bar. Can I get you anything?

Tina: Not for me thanks. I am tired. I am going to call it a night in a few minutes. I put in some long hours this week and I am not used to it.

Melinda (handing Alice some money): Thanks. I think I just want a coke with lime.

Alice walks away leaving Tina and Melinda alone at the table.

Melinda: Thanks for the dance. I am sorry you are tired and feel the need to leave. I think we could have a good time together if you stayed.

Tina: Im sure that we could, but Im just not ready to even do that.

Melinda: Well if you change your mind you can give me a call at Tims. I will be staying with him for a couple of weeks.

Tina (getting up to leave): Do you mind telling my friends that I left?

Melinda: Sure. Goodnight.

Tina: Goodnight.

When Tina left Milk she was exhausted both physically and emotionally. It had felt so strange to be dancing with someone besides Bette. Her beautiful Bette, who had been her entire world for seven years and who she thought she would be with forever. She drove home, got ready for bed, and laid down on the sofa and fell fast asleep. She dreamed of Bette that night. She dreamt that she had gone home and she and Bette had managed to get past all of the hurt and anger and that Bette had made love to her for hours. In the dream Bette kept saying I never want to let go of you.

Bette had told Kit what happened at Milk over dinner. She told her how horrible yet wonderful it was just to see her. Kit told her she had done the right thing and she just has to be patient because Tina will come around. Bette dropped Kit off with a promise to keep in touch.

The time was fast approaching when Tina was going to have to make a decision about the job in New York. She had rationalized that it would a good thing for her but something inside her would not let her make that final commitment to take the job. Ever since the night she had gone to Milk, shared the dance with Melinda and then had the dream about Bette she hadnt been able to get the idea out of her head that maybe there was someway for her to find a way to forgive Bette. She knows she loves Bette and she always will. With each passing day she realizes that she misses Bette more each day and that something is going to have to give. It finally reached the breaking point one afternoon and Alice came home and found Tina sitting on the sofa crying.

Alice (going over to put her arms around Tina): Why are you crying? Did something happen?

Tina (sobbing): I miss Bette.

Alice: Oh, honey, I know you do.

Tina (her crying subsiding some): I just cant seem to get her out of mind. You remember the night we went to Milk?

Alice: Yeah.

Tina: I had a dream that night that I went home to Bette and we some how worked out our problems. I havent been able to shake that dream since.

Alice: Maybe that is because you want to find a way to work it out.

Tina: Maybe Bette doesnt want to work it out anymore. She hasnt called or tried to see me since that first day she was here.

Alice (thinking she is going to get mad at me for this but I have to tell her): She promised you time and she has kept her word but she has been checking up on you through me this entire time. I know you are probably mad at me but I have tried to be a friend to both of you. I know that the two of you love each other and you need to find a way to try and talk this thing out.

Tina: Im not mad. I know you were just trying to be a good friend. OhAlice what am I supposed to do? Ive tried to forget about her but I just cant.

Alice: Do you want to call her or go and see her?

Tina (her pride kicking in): I am not going to beg her to talk to me or see me.

Alice: Tina she would have been here a long time ago if you would have let her. Why dont you let me call her and tell her that you are about to make a decision about the job and New York and she (Tina interrupts her)

Tina: She knows about that?

Alice (sheepishly): Yeah, I kind of told her about that too. I thought she had a right to know.

Tina: What else have you told her?

Alice: Nothing else except that you still love her.

Tina: ALICE!

Alice: Well it is true isnt it?

Tina: You know it is.

Alice: Maybe I better also tell you what I know has been going on with her.

Tina: If it has to do with Candace I dont want to hear it.

Alice: It has a little to do with Candace but mostly about Bette and the part about Candace isnt bad in fact its good for you.

Tina: Just get it over with, but if I dont like what I hear I am going to leave and get some air.

Alice: Might as well get the hard part over first. Bette called and broke it off with Candace the day after you left her. Bette was never in love with her. Bette has been seeing Dan Foxworthy regularly since the day you left her to try and figure out what happened within her self that drove her to have the affair. I dont know all of the details. She has been doing everything in her power to try and fix what was broken. She has struggled to stay away from you but she has kept her promise to give you all the time you needed. She actually showed up at Milk the night we were all there and she saw you dancing with Melinda. Shane kept her from approaching you on the dance floor. We were all worried about you seeing her but she left because Shane reminded her of the promise she made to you.

Tina: I am glad I didnt see her. I wasnt ready but I think I am now.

Alice: Then let me take care of it.

Tina: I dont want you to trick her into seeing me.

Alice: Trust me. She will be happy to come and see you.

Alice picked up the phone and dialed Bettes number.

Bette answered on the third ring.

Bette: Hello.

Alice: Its Alice.

Bette: I am glad you called. I was going to call later and check on Tina. I know the time is coming for her to make up her mind about the job and New York. I have to see her before she makes any kind of decision so I (Alice cuts her off)

Alice: Bette you want to come over to my place?

Bette: To your place? Is Tina there?

Alice: Yes she is. I think she is ready to see you. She would never call herself but it is time the two of you talked.

Bette: Is this for real? Can I really come and see her?

Alice: Will you just get your butt over here now!

Bette hung up the phone and grabbed her keys and her purse. She had been straightening up the house and she had on a pair of jeans and an old t-shirt. She looked down at what she was wearing when she was about 2 miles from Alices and thought I should have changed clothes. That thought only lasted a second because she was going to get to see and talk to Tina and that is all that matters. Bette took a deep breath as she knocked on Alices door.

Alice (opening the door): That was quick.

Bette: You told me to get my butt over here now and besides I get to see Tina.

Alice: So I did. She is in the living room. I am going to leave you guys alone but you better call me and let me know if either of you need me. You want a word of advice? Go slow, she is still hurting.

Bette (hugs Alice): Thank you!

Bette walks in to the living room and sees Tina sitting on the sofa. Tina turns and looks at Bette. They both just stare at each other for a minute or so and they both have tears forming in their eyes.

Bette (motions towards the other end of the sofa): Can I sit down?

Tina: Yeah.

Bette: I am so glad to get to see you.

Tina (unable to hold it in any longer): Why did you do it Bette? Why?

Bette (sadly): Oh Tina I wish everyday that it had never happened. I wish that I could take it back but I cant. Ive been trying really hard to figure out why it happened. It wasnt ever about me loving her. You have to know that the only person I love is you. You mean everything to me.

Tina (unable to keep the words from coming out of her mouth): I love you too. I have tried not to but I cant seem to stop.

Bette (upon hearing Tinas words she moved closer to Tina and starts to reach out to try and hold her but stops): Can I touch you?

Tinas breathe catches as Bette moves closer to her. She tries to stop her self but she puts her arms out and Bette puts her arms around her and pulls her into an embrace. They sat there for at a long time just holding each other with neither of them saying a word. Finally they pulled away from the embrace and Bette started to talk but was treading lightly.

Bette: I know we need to talk about what happened in depth, but I dont want to hurt you anymore than I already have. Ive been seeing Dan Foxworthy and he has helped me to see some of the areas that lead me down that path. I still have some work to do with him on my own but I would like for you to come with me to see him to try and see if we can find a way to work through this.

Tina: I am glad that you have been seeing Dan Foxworthy. I always had to make you go and you hated it.

Bette: Sometimes you just have to admit when you are wrong.

Tina (without realizing what she says): Is that my Bette talking? (She then realizes what she said) Sorry.

Bette: You got it right the first time. I am your Bette.
(She pulls Tina back into her arms for another hug) God I have missed you. Do you think that we can try and work this out?

Tina: I have missed you too. I am willing to try but I cant promise that we will get back together. You broke my heart and you killed my trust in you. Without trust no relationship can last.

Bette: All I am asking is that we try.

Tina: Okay. I am not ready to move back in to the house with you. My heart is too vulnerable to do that right now.

Bette: I figured it was too soon for you but you tell me when you are ready and I will be waiting with open arms.

Bette and Tina ended the evening with one last hug. Bette wanted so badly to kiss Tina but she didnt dare for fear that she would be pushing too much. Bette left with the promise that she would call Tina when she could get them an appointment with Dan Foxworthy. The both went to bed that night missing each other and knowing that they had taken a major step today in trying to put their lives back together.