The next morning, Tina was once again woken by the sound of the shower, not having heard Bette get up, go to the gym or return for that matter.

She lay in bed, thinking about the night before. The feelings and sensations that had gone through her body at Bettes touch were still so close to the surface, just the memory of Bette taking her bra off caused a more than slight throbbing.

She turned over on the bed, and with her face in the pillow, moaned in frustration. Deep breaths she said to herself.

I totally get it that we are going slow but Bette had better keep her ***** hands to herself if she expects that pace to continue she thought in mild anger.

She got out of bed and made her way to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Having gotten that going, she opened up the newspaper that Bette must have brought in and began skimming the headlines.

Hey said Bette, walking into the kitchen.

Hey said Tina, studying Bette in her robe.

You know what I was thinking about when I was down in the gym? Bette asked.

Ive no idea replied Tina.

We didnt have one of our sessions last night.

And that bothers you? asked Tina in a sarcastic tone.

Well, I mean, its not that it upsets me, but I just thought that we were going to try and do that every day, and I am just commenting on the fact that we didnt she trailed off.

Tina continued her study of Bette and tried to figure out where this was coming from. She knew that she was going to have to stay on top of Bette to get her to participate in their conversations, but to be reminded by Bette that it had not happened surprised Tina.

Actually she began, I thought that after our lunch yesterday that I would let you off the hook for last night. And I have to admit, I was pretty tired.

Ok, no big deal, just thought that I would make you aware of the fact that I knew that we didnt do it she said, smiling at Tina.

Quite astute babe of you to notice that we didnt talk. I never would have known it if you werent here to point it out said Tina, mildly smiling, arms crossed in front of her.

Humph, someones a little grumpy this morning, huh? asked Bette.

Not grumpy, just pointing things out as you are she dryly responded.

I see said Bette as she walked by Tina to pour a cup of coffee.

Tina picked the paper back up, realizing that she was being pissy towards Bette, but didnt care because truth be known, she was in a ***** mood this morning. That little episode with Bette last night had her extremely physically frustrated and it pissed her off that that was the case. What was Bette feeling? she thought to herself, hiding behind the paper. I mean, is she frustrated at all? Was it at all hard for her to stop touching me?

All of these questions were compounded by the insecurities that would occasionally arise at the mere thought of Bette with Candace. Tina knew that their ***** life had cooled a bit before the affair, but she also knew that that was not the reason that Bette had cheated on her. That being said, she recognized that it made no sense to think that with that being the case, then that would be why Bette was physically hesitant right now.

No she thought to herself. This is just from all of the ***** that needs to be unraveled she acknowledged.

Seeing Tina reading the paper, Bette grabbed her coffee and wordlessly left the kitchen to resume getting ready for work. Tina lowered the paper as she heard her leaving and watched her walking away, audibly sighing at her departure.

*****! she thought to herself. That was productive.

Tina walked towards the bedroom, coffee in hand and decided to soften things up with Bette a bit.

Bette was in the closet in just a bra and underwear trying to decide what to wear. After putting her coffee down on the bedside table, Tina walked towards the closet to see what Bette was up to.

Hey said Tina, leaning against the door, watching Bette trying to decide what to wear, her attention being dominated by Bettes semi-nude body.

Bette turned towards her and said, Hey, turning back to her task at hand.

How did you sleep? asked Tina.

Fine, and you? she replied, reaching for a suit and then a blouse.

Fine, I guess.

Bette turned to walk out of the closet and lightly brushed by Tina.

You guess? she asked as she passed her.

No, I slept fine. Im just a little frazzled this morning.

Bette walked towards the bathroom after hanging her clothes on the dresser Frazzled? From what? she asked as she began to apply her make-up.

Knowing that she did not have Bettes full attention and not really wanting to discuss her physical frustrations, she just said, I just have a lot of ***** to attend to.

Yeah, like what? asked Bette, peering into the mirror as she applied her mascara.

Like I have got to figure out what to do with all of my ***** in LA, all of the stuff in my apartment, Ive got to talk to Oscar and get that straightened out. Ive got to finalize things with Chris Moore. And thats just to name a few! she listed in an angry tone.

Bette stopped what she was doing and turned towards Tina. T, whats going on?

Nothing Bette! Ive just got a lot on my mind! she barked, turning towards the bed to get her coffee.

Bette came out of the bathroom and walked over to Tina.

T, what do you need from me? she asked as she slowly rubbed her hands up and down Tinas arms.

Having Bette standing in front of her, barely dressed, was disconcerting to say the least.

Nothing baby she said in a soft tone, the anger leaving her voice.

Nothing? Nothing at all? asked Bette while smiling at her.

I need you to be there for me Tina softly said.

T, I am. I told you that said Bette reassuringly.

I know, Im sorry, Im kinda all over the place right now she said, rubbing her hands through her hair.

Its ok T, you just need to let me know if there is something that I can do to help.

Ok, I will she sheepishly replied, feeling slightly guilty for causing this drama.

Promise? asked Bette.

Yeah, I do she answered.

Ok replied Bette. I need to finish getting ready. Are you alright?

I am babe, I swear.

With that, Bette turned and made her way back to the bathroom to resume her preparations for the day.

I think that Ill call Alice today and check in with her Tina said to Bette.

Thats a great idea responded Bette. Be sure to tell her I said hello she added.

I will. I havent talked to her since last week. She may be wondering what happened to me.

She knows that you are here said Bette, coming out of the bathroom to put her clothes on.

How does she know that? asked a puzzled Tina.

Because I called her the day that you arrived here in New York explained Bette.

You did? I dont remember you calling her

After you fell asleep, I called her. I was very concerned about you and wanted to find out how you had made your way here and what had gotten you to the state that you were in when you came into the gallery.

Oh was all she said, processing this information. So, she knows that I am here.

Yes replied Bette.

Bette finished getting dressed and after grabbing her empty coffee cup, walked over to the side of the bed where Tina was sitting. She stood over her watching her for a moment and then leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

I gotta go she said.

Ok replied Tina, standing to walk her out.

They walked towards the front door, Tina taking the coffee cup from Bettes hand as she leaned down to pick up her bags.

Bette stood back up and opened the front door. Bye T she said, while leaning in for a kiss.

Bye baby replied Tina, lifting her head to accept the kiss from Bette.

Remembering their conversation from the night before, Bette kept the kiss short, just a simply peck on the lips. It was less than she wanted but knew that to add more to it would just increase the desire that both were desperately trying to keep caged.

Tina kissed Bette back in the same chaste manner, wanting more, but holding back. Ive had enough frustration she thought to herself. No need to add to that.

As Bette turned to leave, she said, Ill call you later, T

Ok baby. And have a good day.

You too she said over her shoulder as she made her way to the elevator.

Upon its arrival, Tina watched her enter and with a quick wave of her hand, Bette was gone. She closed the door and went back into the kitchen to get more coffee.

Looking at the clock on the wall, she knew that it was too early to call LA and so decided she would have to wait for a couple of hours.

Looking at the clock again, she said out loud in frustration, Cmon, hurry up. Al, we need to talk!