Bette held Tina for what it looked like an eternity.

Tina knew what those extra seconds in Bettes arms meant. After seven years together she knew, there were certain things that never changed, some things that defines a person, that comes from your inner self and Tina knew, always have, that Bette was, is, an insecure person who has been working about it her whole life.
She was a master showing off her image, the successful career woman with the best car, clothes and house, she was good at that but Tina found out early on how little all that spoke about the real Bette.

The real Bette was, was someone needing affection, someone who doesnt know how to show it. Over the years Bettes thick walls have softened and right now, in Tinas arms she was feeling the real Bette. Realizing that, Tina hugged her tight and before breaking the hug she kissed her sweetly on the check.

I know you do Tinas sweet eyes were telling Bette what words were not.

Why dont we get ready, you can drive me to work and tell me all about the job offer. Will you pick me up to go to Dr Wilsons appointment later? Tina asked, still holding Bettes hand in hers.

Yeah mumbled Bette, trying to smile, nodding.

***

Shane left the Planet knowing that Alice and Dana were probably still wondering about it all. She wanted to check on Greta so she walked to the back of Moss and using the back stairs climbed to her apartment above the caf. She knocked on the door a few times and seeing that no one was answering she sat on the stairs getting her cell from her pocket. After a few seconds a tired far away voice answered,

Yeah?

Greta, I know yu are home, am here, outside, let me in please Shanes voice was sweet but as always with her, right to the point.

Greta took a few seconds to answer, making Shane wonder but then as she was going to ask something else, she heard some noise from the other side of the glass door. It opened enough for Shane to get in.

It was the first time she was in Gretas loft. She has picked her up many times but never took the time to come in. The place was wide, with everything at sight. The only walls that she could see were the ones that were hiding the toilet, Shane thought. There was a huge king size bed in one of the corners, in between two big glass windows covered by line curtains that only softened the image. The walls were covered by books shelves, from floor to ceiling. There were books every where which didnt surprised Shane as she knew that Greta, as a writer, was an avid reader.

Shane walked in, looking for Greta who at the kitchen was pouring a glass of water, not looking at her. Shane walked towards her, noticing the old marble tub at the other end of the place, close to a small window. She had to admit that it was one beautiful tub, an antique, which only made her wonder more about Greta.

You want anything to drink? Asked Greta, her accent deeper.

Nah thank, am fine, just had a coffee downstairs

Shane was at Gretas side, watching her as she was placing some chocolate cookies on a plate, always the host, Shane thought, smiling.

Hows your foot? Whispered Shane.

Is it common knowledge? Greta finally said, turnin to look at Shane. Her beautiful blue eyes tired, confused.

Shane didnt answer, just shook her head, walking towards the big couch, hoping for Greta to follow her which she did.

Are you ok? Shane was looking through one of the books that was on the coffee table, not looking at Greta on purpose, living her space.

Greta was quietly sipping from her tea mug, looking even smaller, sat on the far end of the sofa, like a wounded lost animal.

Shane could see the beauty in that sight. Even in her pain and shame she was a beautiful woman in her own way. The short hair was messed up, making her look even younger. Her long thin bare arms hanging, defeat as her legs were crossed. She was wearing a t-shirt and shorts with her foot bare, the wounded one on the table.

Seeing that Greta was not in the talking mood Shane asked,

Ok, lets go for a ride, I need your help with something Shane said, already standing as she finished the sentence.

What? Asked Greta, surprised.

Yeah, come on (seeing the confuse look on Gretas face), you dont need to change, just put on some shoes

Not leaving her time to think about it was the perfect plan as Greta just followed Shane to the door, getting the sandals that were placed at the front door.

***

Bette was driving while Tina, resting her head back on the seat had her eyes closed, smiling. They rode in silence for a few minutes till Tina, still with her eyes closed, mumbled,

Dont tell the girls ok?” She said, before opening them, turning to look at Bettes answer.

You sure? Asked Bette, smiling too.

Yeah, I want it to be a secret, will be fun nodded Tina, closing her eyes again.

Ok nodded Bette, looking back at the road.

Placing her hand on Bettes tight Tina asked,

How about dinner and a movie? I just saw which ones are out and John Sayles latest looks good

Bette had to turn to look at Tina as her question took her by surprised.

Sounds great to me, you want to go home first or just head to the restaurant now

Are you tired? Asked Tina, opening her eyes again, looking at Bette.

No, not at all, why?

How about we go for a ride, I love it now, just the two of us, on a Friday afternoon it feels like a date she smiled.

Where you want to go? asked Bette, unaware of the big smile on her face.

I dont care, as long as you drive you look ***** driving she teased, making Bette smile.

Bette, taking a second road drove all along the coast, letting the view and the company set the mood. They didnt talked, just enjoyed each others presence. Bette remembering the talk on their way to Tinas work, how she explained the job offer. How they discuss what it meant and how demanding it could be. Tina listened to Bette and then, after taking a few quiet seconds to herself asked,

Is an amazing opportunity, right?

Yes it is answered Bette.

I think you should do it. You will be your own boss, we will manage, as long as we set some thing from the beginning.

Yeah well, Helen will be here next week so we will talk then, ok Bette didnt want to talk about that now, she was enjoy Tinas company, wanted to stay cool and relax and not thinking about anything else.

***

Shane was finishing with the latest box while Greta was unpacking them in Tinas and Bettes garage.

You sure she wont notice? Asked Greta, looking at all the boxes full of alcohol bottles.

Yeah (Shane chuckled), Bette never uses the garage, she likes her car sleeping in the driveway

Greta, noticing all the gardening tools hanging on the walls nodded, realizing that the one who really uses the place was probably Tina. Shane, looking at Greta knew what she was thinking so, walking to her side, putting her arm around hers, said, flirting,

Lets go for a drink, shall we?

Ok mumbled Greta, not really thinking that much about the offer.

Shane drove Greta to one of her favourite spots, a dark recluse bar far away from everything well known. It was her secret place, the one where she usually drawn her sorrows drinking alone. The owner, a woman way into her sixties greeted them with a nodded and once she saw Shane a with a bog smile. Shane leaded Greta to the most hidden booth. They sat down and only 2 drinks later Greta was almost under the table, quite drunk. Shane, on the other hand, stil on her second drink was just looking, listening at her, nodding, smiling, looking after her.

Iss just her smile, you know? Gretas word last longer, her accent deeper, more obvious, even more attractive as she was being completely honest, loosing her usual mask.

Shane nodded, saying nothing but agreeing, she always loved Tinas smile.

When she laughs the whole room lights up she doesnt giggle too much but when she does is so open, so sincere Greta was caressing her glass, drawing with her finger, not looking at Shane while talking.

Shane was playing with a straw, listen to Gretas words, thinking about them, remembering the time, long time ago when she also felt something similar for Tina. Greta was still talking, babbling in between sipping the now mostly water from her glass.

and she kissed me back I know she didnt mean it but she did kiss me backbut she loves Bette Pronouncing love Gretas accent was harsher, painful.

Yes she does, she always have whispered Shane, nodding.

I know added Greta, after a few seconds that end with a single lonely tear rolling down her cheek.

Hey hey, come on, let me drive you home Shane said,taking Gretas hand in hers, helping her standing up.


***

It was early Saturday morning and Tina was getting ready while Bette was still in bed, lazily watching her getting dress.

You really going to leave me all alone on my bday? poured Bette, making faces, hoping for Tina to take pity of her.

Yeah, is my breakfast day with Alice, and she is still piss that we didnt make it last week (looking at Bette on the mirror) she feels neglected

Yeah well, I feel too whispered Bette, mocking, hating the idea of having breakfast alone.

Tina, watching Bettes faces on the mirror turned to look at her. Smiling she walked to the bed and sitting down at Bettes side, caressing her bare arm, sexily whispered,

How can you feel neglected after last night?

Tinas words closed Bettes eyes, driving her back to last night events. The romantic candle light restaurant, skipping the movie to rush back home to have night swim at the pool and then a long talk in each others arms under the stars.

Tina, watching Bette smiling with her eyes closed, moved her hand to caress her hand, knitting their fingers.

Ill be back soon, ok, and then we will go and enjoy your bday present

Bette, opened her eyes to look at Tina, noticing the playful tone of her voice.

And besides, you always have Shane to have breakfast with teased Tina, smiling.

Bette looked at Tina quietly for a few seconds before asking,

Will you tell me why is she staying here?

I cant, I dont know, didnt ask I just know that I need to know she is safe you mind her being here? Asked Tina, a bit worried.

Of course not nodded Bette, smiling, caressing Tinas belly that playfully was showing under her t shirt.

Oook, I have to go, am sure Al is already outside, waiting said Tina, leaning to give Bette a kiss on the lips.

As Tina was almost at the door frame, Bette, said,

Ill be here, starving myself, waiting for you

Bettes words, her pouting tone made Tina chuckled, as she turned once again to look at Bette one last time. Seeing her laying on the bed, looking at the ceiling with the sheet covering her face, Tina smiled and in a rush she walked back to the bed, and after removing the sheet, to a surprised Bette, she said,

Youyou speechless, not finding the right words, Tina, smiling leaned down and taking Bettes head in her hands gave her a deep sweet long kiss. Alices minis horn was the cue for her to break the kiss and rush to meet her friend.