Its a few days later. Bette has contacted Candace about working at the CAC and shes responded that shes interested.

Bette looked up as Tina came back into the room after checking on Rosie. Is she asleep?

Yeah..shes really very good you know..

Uh huh ..but I still worry about you.. youre so tired sometimes..I worry that you might fall asleep driving. Do you want me to arrange a driver for you both?

Tina came over and joined Bette on the sofa Well be OK babe

Bette looked at her I just dont want anything to happen to you..either of you..OK? She leaned in and kissed her then wrapped an arm around Tina and pulled her close.

Tina leaned back onto Bette her head cradled by Bettes shoulder. She was comfortable here and didnt really want to get up and move. Maybe they could just spend some time here together.

Bette cleared her throat Uh..T..somethings happened at work

Tina tried to get up and face Bette but Bette pulled her close and put her arms around her wanting her as near as possible when she told her. Uh.. Franklins told me.. he..um..

Tina wondered what could be so bad..she thought Franklin and Bette had called a truce and were at least able to work together. Had he pushed the issue regarding Bette renewing her contract with them? What babe.. just tell me OK..how bad can it be..

Bettes face filled with concern. She swallowed again and decided the best thing to do was tell Tina straight out He wants me to hire Candace again

Tinas heart jumped a beat. She fought to get up What!

Tina freed herself from Bettes arms and stood up. She was frightened how quickly the loved and confident feeling had changed. She felt so vulnerable. Surely they could have lived without ever having to meet Candace again?

She walked away from Bette.

Bette got up and followed her Talk to me baby.. she said trying to catch hold of Tina again. You know how much I love you..this doesnt change anything..

But Tina was no longer sure. What if Bette was tempted again? What if her and Rosie were not enough? I need to be alone..I need to think about this.. she said and walked into the bedroom closing the door softly behind her.

Bette felt helpless. Shed known that something like this could happen. Theyd talked about Candace but no matter how often Bette had reassured Tina that it was her and only her that she loved and that it was over with Candace it had always been at the back of their relationship. She looked at the bedroom door. Tina had looked so lost. She was still so vulnerable in so many ways.

Tina sat on the bed in their room. *****..*****..***** she said to herself quietly as she cradled her head in her hands. She rocked herself slowly. Was she strong enough to trust Bette?

She lay down on the bed and realised that what shed done was not very mature. Bette had come and openly told her what had happened at work and what had she done, run away. She was the one supposed to be encouraging Bette to talk.

But, a little voice in her head said, this is what Bette had done before – been open about hiring Candace, about working with her and then had gone behind her back and had an affair with her. Could Bette resist the temptation again if Candace was working alongside her everyday?

She got up and opened her laptop. She pulled up Luv2writes email and sent a reply. Yes Id love to meet you. She included her name and her mobile. She pressed send.

She lay down on their bed again. After a few moments she started to regret her impulsive decision to reply to Luv2writes note. Im not doing anything wrong, she challenged herself, its just a writer who I respect and all were going to do is meet and exchange some ideas. Sure, said her bad angel, and if Bette has an affair with Candace maybe theyll be someone there for you as well this time.

TBC