The shopping spree was not unlike a whirlwind. They went to 7 stores and boutiques, Bette playing the dutiful partner, just waiting for Tina at each stop, offering an opinion when asked. Tina would hold up an item and Bette would either nod in assent where it would then get tried on, or shake her head in disapproval and it would be returned to the rack.

After 2 hours of this and many shopping bags later, the two women decided that this would have to be enough for now.

The time spent together had been light hearted and fun, a much needed respite from the heaviness earlier. There was no discussion of either their past or future, and both were ok with that for now. This break was something that they were hoping would provide the gas for the next leg of their trip.

As they were walking back to the apartment, they passed a little caf that Bette always noticed, but had never been in.

Hey T? said Bette.

Yeah? she said, looking at Bette as they walked.

How bout that glass of wine now? she asked pointing her head towards the caf.

Tina smiled and said, I would love that. I certainly think that we deserve it she said, gesturing to all of the bags in their hands.

Bette nodded in agreement and so they made their way to the entrance of the restaurant. As they walked in, a maitred approached the 2 of them and asked if they would like to be seated. They said yes and after grabbing two menus, showed them to a private table just for two, in the corner of the restaurant.

Will this work? he asked.

Perfect they both replied at the same time. They looked at each other, chuckling at how after all of this time, their minds still seemed to work in unison.

They laid all of their bags on the ground and each took a seat.

A server will be right with you the maitred said before leaving.

They opened their menus going straight to the wine list.

Oh my gosh, T! Bette exclaimed.

Surprised, Tina looked up at Bette and said what?

They have that chardonnay from Imagery that we like so much. Wow, you dont see that on many wine lists. She trailed off.

Tina just smiled at Bette who had already gone back to looking at the menu. Imagery was a winery in Sonoma that they had gone to years ago and it had been one of their favorites. Actually, the entire trip to the Wine Country had been one of their most favorites.

Well, if thats not a sign that we were supposed to come in here, I dont know what was Tina said playfully as Bette just said, yep.

The server approached their table and asked what he could get for them.

Bette looked at Tina and she simply nodded.

We will have 2 glasses of the Imagery chardonnay please.

Certainly and nice selection replied the server. Will that be it for now? he continued.

Again, Bette looked at Tina and after getting her response said, That should hold us over for now.

Very good he said as he walked away, leaving just the 2 of them.

Tina looked at Bette, the happiness in her eyes that she had seen before appeared to still be there, and it caused her heart to soar. She wanted to reach over and take Bettes hand, but didnt know if that was ok. It was true that they had held hands earlier, but this seemed almost more intimate. She decided to let it go for now and see how things progressed.

So asked Tina. Have you been to a lot of restaurants since coming here? she asked.

Oh God no said Bette. Take out and delivery have been my only connection to the restaurant scene here.

And why is that? I figured the women would have been beating down the door to get you out, Tina jokingly said, immediately regretting it. That was not appropriate and she knew it.

Bette only looked at her, realizing that these waters could get a little dangerous. As their wine had been delivered, she took a sip to offer her the opportunity to think this through.

T she carefully said, I know no women here in NY and I see no women here in NY. All I see is James and construction men. I am holed up in the gallery from before sun set to after sun down, not a whole lotta opportunity there.

She started to think of Ansley, and wondered if she should come clean with that. I mean, what did she have to hide? She had turned her down, right?

Well, with the exception of one she quietly added.

Tina whipped her head up from the wine glass that she had just placed on the table as these words had gotten her attention.

You wanna explain that? Tina slowly said as she closely watched Bettes body language.

Well she began.

*****, did she make a mistake by bringing this up? She had seen the immediate change in Tina and knew that she would need to tread very carefully here.

There is this woman, Ansley Brookfield, that works very closely with Peggy and she is really my main conduit to Peggy on this project. She comes by the gallery pretty much everyday, to see the progress that has been made and then I assume, shares that information with Peggy.

And? said Tina, with a little edge to her voice.

And, she came in the other day and asked me to dinner and I said no. That is it, end of story. Said Bette quickly, a little too quickly for Tinas liking.

Uh, I dont think so my friend Tina said, letting Bette know that this conversation was not over. What does she look like?

Come on T, I dont know

Tina looked at Bette with a raised eyebrow which said that she was going to answer the questions that Tina had for her.

Bette knew that expression and knew that she was neither going to end this quickly nor on her terms as she had wished. No, this was in Tinas control, and Bette knew that she would just answer the questions as they came.

Good Lord Bette muttered under her breath. 58 maybe, average build, dark hair, blue eyes. Thats about all.

Is she attractive? continued Tina.

Well, I mean she is not unattractive, but certainly not my type she quickly added.

And was she disappointed that you turned her down?

I dont know. Who knows? I am sure that she just felt sorry for me since I am always at the gallery, not really getting out. Besides she continued, I dont even know that she was *****, or if she knows that I am *****.

Oh, she knows. Trust me on that one, she knows. Tina almost growled, thinking about the first time that she had ever laid eyes on Bette Porter.

Tina didnt know what pissed her off more, the fact that someone actually thought that Bette was available and then asked her out, or just the fact that she asked her out. It was irrational, but rational thinking was not always easy when jealousy was in the mix.

Actually, she WAS available when that woman asked her out. her mind reminded her.

No! thought Tina, maybe we werent together, but from the moment that we first met, Bette has never been available!

Tina? she heard Bette repeat.

She looked up, somewhat surprised at the intrusion to her mental match that was underway.

Yeah?

Are you ok asked Bette gingerly?

Yeah, Im sorry, just thinking about something. So that was it? No other women hitting on you? Tina asked, her tone a bit lighter.

Relieved that Tina was coming down from the aggressive approach that she had just taken, she happily replied, Yes, that is it.

While we are on the subject, Bette said as she looked at Tina. You wanna fill me in on whats her name that you were seeing in LA?

For not the first time today, Tina was taken aback by Bettes direct approach. She did not expect Bette to want to discuss Shannon so early on into this.

Her name was Shannon, well is Shannon. And I am clearly no longer seeing her.

Uh huh was Bettes reply, meant to encourage her to continue.

There is really not a lot to say, I mean, we were only seeing each other for 5-6 weeks. Tina said, not really wanting to extend this conversation.

Oh no you dont Bette thought to herself. If I didnt get off easily, than neither are you. A ***** for a tat, right?

Did you break up with her, or she with you? continued Bette.

Tina just gave her a look that said, you have got to be kidding, right?

T- whats the answer?

I broke up with her came the response in a manner that said that she had not thought an answer was necessary.

And what did she look like? questioned Bette.

Ok Bette, I get it. I questioned you about Ashley, or whatever her name was, and you are doing the same. Can we just stop now?

Tina Bette said patiently, I think that I am allowed these questions. You actually dated her for a period of time, where as all I did was turn someone down for a date.

Bette, I did not sleep with her. Tina softly said.

What? was Bettes response as she had not heard her.

Tina looked directly into Bettes eyes and repeated, I said, I did not sleep with her.

The relief that flooded Bettes system was overwhelming. She was not even aware that her body had been holding on to so much concern over this, her brain never fully allowing her to process this notion.

Tina saw the relief pass over Bettes face and in some kind of twisted way, it pleased her to know that Bette had been so concerned over this.

You didnt? was all Bette could get out.

Tina looked at her and said, No, I would barely let her touch me. I dont even think that we ever really kissed. It was very unfair to her, but I just didnt have the stomach for it.

They irony of the situation was lost on neither. Bettes relief on finding out that Tina had not slept with her, was something that Tina had never been able to experience.

Right at the time, the waiter approached the table, noticing their empty wine glasses. May I bring you another? he asked them.

Tina and Bette looked at each other and thought that it was time to leave. Well just take the check, please. said Bette.
As he walked away, they continued to look at each other, both realizing the importance of this conversation. It had been difficult, but had made it through relatively unscathed.

The server returned with the check and wished them a nice day. Bette paid the amount due, and left a generous tip.

Ready? she asked Tina.

Yes came Tinas only reply, knowing that that was really true.