Chapter 6

So where does this part go? Tina asked who was holding up a wooden panel, while Shane, Jenny, Alice, Dana and Bette all sat around the floor surrounded in random pieces.
Some assembly required my *****. Alice said. There is no way this is going to look like a bed when its done.
Pass it here. Jenny said getting up and grabbing the instructions with her. Ok well thats easy this part connects to that huge long thin panel behind Dana. They all stopped and looked at the shorter woman. What?
Weve been sitting here for nearly an hour and you suddenly know how to fix it? Dana asked.
Well I thought Id let you all have a go. I excelled in wood shop at high school.
Well I didnt see that coming. Tina joked.
They had all arrived early Friday morning to help Bette set up the house they had all been shocked when Tina had agreed to come with them. The blonde had even had a couple of jokes with Bette everything had kind of slotted into place and it all felt right. But everyone found it slightly weird it was like interacting with parents who had split up. But by the end of the night they were all sitting by the pool exchanging stories and laughing.
Thanks for helping today you lot. Bette said sitting next to the pool, where Alice and Shane were swimming.
Not a problem, it was fun. Dana said before getting splashed by Alice.
Alice, you are so sleeping on the couch.
Oh youre in trouble. Shane joked and looked over to Jenny who turned away from her, this exchange was not missed by Tina.
Does anyone want anything to drink while Im getting up? Bette asked.
Yeah could you top up my glass? Dana said holding up the empty wineglass. Bette walked into the kitchen and her breath was caught in her throat when she saw Tina come in as well, standing close to her.
Hi. Bette said.
Hey. I thought Id come get some water Ive got work tomorrow dont want to be hung over. Tina said.
So you didnt bring Rachel? Bette asked not that she wasnt happy the other woman hadnt come.
No shes got to finish a film they want to put it in a for a festival next year.
Wow, I hear shes very good.
She is.
And good taste in jewellery. The brunette said this without looking at Tina and kept pouring herself a drink.
Yes.
Its very beautiful. And when Bette turned to face her, it was the first time she noticed what Tina had hanging from her neck. The shorter woman knew what she had seen and quickly tucked it under her top. You still have it?
I wasnt going to throw it away. Tina began. We were together 7 years Bette. What we hadwhen we exchanged these I have never been as happy as I was that day. Bette couldnt look at Tina; she just nodded looking at the floor before walking past her. Tina wanted to stop her but thought better of it; she was moving on from Bette. Why was it so hard, it shouldnt be this hard? Shane came in dripping wet looking around as though she was looking for something.
What you looking for? Tina asked.
A towel, I can cut glass here! Shane joked as Tina walked into the bathroom and grabbed one. Thanks. She was about to walk off when Tinas voice stopped her.
When did it happen? Shane knew what she was talking about she wanted to play dumb but she knew Tina would see straight through it.
After Milk.
And?
And what? It happened, it was nice but it was a mistake. She said simply shrugging it off.
Does Jenny know that?
Yeah, it didnt mean anything.
Ok Shane, keeping saying that maybe youll believe it soon. Tina just smiled at her squeezing Shanes shoulder as she went outside.

******

Bette was looking in the mirror fixing the white/cream dress that was sitting on her toned body. The white allowed for her darker skin to stand out and made her dark eyes seem more intense than usual. The front of the dress was slacking at the front stopping just between her *****. The brunette put a long silver necklace on bringing more focus to her exposed chest. She smiled at her reflection this was the night
Across Town Tina was finishing adjusting her black dress it hugged ever part of her body showing of every curve. Her hair was pulled back showing her beautiful face. The blonde wasnt sure why she had dressed up tonight was it because she wanted to look ***** for Rachel, or was it because she wanted to impress Bette? She smiled at herself and noticed Rachel walk into the room. Tina spun round showing herself off.
You look beautiful. Said the brunette with a huge grin.
I do try. Tina noticed that Rachel was wearing a white on white suit and couldnt stop the thoughts of Bette that slipped into her head; she cured herself before kissing the woman quickly. Lets go if were late for this, Dana will kill us!