Baby! Where are my red shoes?

Tina rolled her eyes and sighed at Bettes knack for always procrastinating when it came to packing, Theyre already packed, Bette! She heard some more rustling and banging emanate from the bedroom before Better hurried into the kitchen and yanked her mug of coffee from her lips with a thanks baby. Are you all set? Tina asked with a piercing look. Bette nodded, but her face revealed the silent inventory she was going through in her mind. Tina grabbed Bettes briefcase and carry-on and headed out the back door, If you realize you left something, just call me and Ill UPS it to you.

Bette was on the phone for most of the ride to the airport, making phone calls to confirm meetings, reservations, and a host of other events she had to attend. There was a huge exhibit being displayed in Seattle and Bette had been invited to attend. As she tucked her phone back into her purse, she sat back sighing contentedly. You are gonna have so much fun, babe, Tina said, smiling as she glanced over at Bette. Bettes grin faded slowly as she gently placed a hand high on Tinas thigh, Not half as much as if you were coming with me. Tina smirked at Bettes attempt to make her feel guilty for staying and working instead of taking just a few days off and jet-setting with Bette.

Bette

Bette turned in her seat to fully face the window, melodramatically protruding her lower lip. Tina checked her mirrors quickly to make sure no cars were immediately next to her and swerved the car to the right, causing Bette to slam into the car door and bump her head a little into the window. ShitTina!

Tina chuckled nonchalantly at Bettes pained expression for several moments until they finally reached the airport. Tina helped Bette unload all the bags before snaking her arms around Bettes body and squeezing tightly, Im gonna miss you, babe. Bette ran her fingers through Tinas silky hair and inhaled its scent, trying to capture every nuance of the fragrance. I love you, she replied in a whisper that was more of a caress than a sound. They kissed softly, barely pressing their lips together, and Tina reached up to peck the slightly swollen, slightly reddened skin of Bettes temple.

Tina got back into the car, looking back every few seconds to wave again as she pulled away from the curb. Oh, my god, she sighed as the reflection of Bettes figure became smaller and smaller in her rearview mirror, a whole week.

***

Tina shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position to sit and read in bed. She reached around and arranged the pillows so they supported her back better, making sure keep the phone balanced on her lap. She smoothed her hand over the pages of her book, reading the words but not really comprehending anything as her eyes fluttered back and forth. Reading was just a way to keep herself awake while she waited for Bette to call. The phone rang and Tina tossed her book aside as she excitedly pushed the on button, Hey baby!

Whats up, sweetie!

Tinas words were etched with disappointed as she sighed into the phone, Hey Alice. She heard Alice scoff, Well, its great to hear your voice as well Tina sunk deeper into the sheets and smiled, Im sorry, I just thought you were Alice interrupted quickly, Yeah, it doesnt take a rocket scientistlisten I just wanted to know if you were in the mood for some girlfriend replacement therapy? Tina looked all around the bedroom as she considered her answer, IthinkImactually, Im really beat, I think Ill just call it an early night. She knew Alice was rolling her eyes and shaking her eyes on the other end of the line as she spoke, Right, I understanda girl needs her beauty restI guess Ill see you tomorrow morning at the Planet? Tina nodded, Absolutelydont have too much fun and tell Shane to behave herself. They both shared a chuckle and hung up after bidding each other a good night.

Tina looked longingly at the phone, wishing so badly that it would ring. She squeezed it tightly and pressed it to her chest, hoping that maybe she could force the sound to come forth through sheer force of will. When it finally did several moments later, she was startled and chuckled quietly to herself. She dropped her voice a few octaves as she answered, Hey there cutie Hey, baby Bette replied through a tired sigh. Tina could hear the exhaustion in Bettes voice, and even though she wanted to lie there and listen to it for hours, she decided to make the conversation short:

Tina: Thanks for callinglong day?

Bette: Yeahvery long, but good

Tina: Why dont you tell me all about it tomorrow, you should get some sleep now

Bette: (yawning) Im okayreally

Tina: Rightgoodnight, BetteI love you.

Bette: FineIll call you tomorrow night, thenbaby?

Tina: Yeah

Bette: I found this bead necklace in my bag?

Tina: Oh, rightthats for you, itll surround you with positive energy for when youre shmoozing this week.

Bette: (chuckling) Always looking out for me

Tina: Bette

Bette: Okay, okayIm going to sleepI love you.

Tina: Love yougoodnight.

Tina hung up first, grinning widely as she pulled the sheets up to her chin and snuggled down into the bed. Hearing Bettes voice was enough to sooth her mind into a peaceful slumber until the next day.