At Kyetos
Tina watched Eric intently as he sipped his drink and seemed to be wrestling with his thoughts. Compassion for the man shed known and loved years ago filled her heart and she tried to make sense of the story hed told her. Thoughts of Bettes infidelity seeped into her mind and she thought of how Eric must have felt to have his wife not only cheat, but die in her lovers arms. She thought of how she would have felt if something bad had happened to Bette while she was with Candace and finding out about the affair that way. Disgust and contempt consumed her.

Eric, will you excuse me? I need to go to the ladies room, Tina slid her chair back. Eric stood up and nodded.

Of course, he replied. Would you like me to settle the check or do you have room for dessert now? Eric tried to keep the air light.

You can settle the check, I dont think Im ready to eat another thing, Tina smiled, rubbing her stomach.

Tina walked away and Eric motioned for the waiter. He settled the check and waited for Tina near the restrooms. He looked at his watch. It was now 9:00pm and he had an early start to his day, but he was really enjoying Tinas company. Tina was in the bathroom refreshing her minimal makeup and looked herself over in the mirror. She smiled at her reflection. It was the first time shed been dressed up since the Provocations fiasco and her payback to Bette the following night. Not liking the recollection, Tina dismissed the memory and walked out.

Everything okay? Eric asked, between a silly grin.

Yeah, Tina smiled. You know how it is in the ladies room. Its almost like you need to take a number, she joked.

I know its getting late and I have an early start, but Im really enjoying your company Tina and wondered if youd like to stay out a little while longer? Erics tone revealed the hint of loneliness.

Tina contemplated Erics request. She could tell he didnt have an ulterior motive and she wanted to come clean about his perception of her life, but her sense of needing to reveal seemed like it would take away from what was a really nice evening. She too had an early appointment, but hers was nothing more than paper pushing.

Sure, why not, she confidently replied. Let me just make a call, Tina stepped away from Eric for a little privacy. Hey, its me. Yes, Im fine, Tina, giggled. Im going to be out a little longer. Shut it! Tina whispered. Yeah, yeah, yeah! Tina hung up.

Everything cool? Wouldnt want Bette sending out her hit men for me, Eric teased. Tina got immediately uncomfortable. Eric looked at her, but dismissed it and called for the service car. So, whered you laike ta go lil laydee, Eric joked in his best Texas drawl.

Tina laughed and nudged Eric in the ribs. Yes, everythings fine, she replied, not revealing that she wasnt talking to Bette. I have no idea and that was an awfully bold thing to ask considering I messed up dinner plans, Tina frowned.

Eric shrugged his shoulders and had no idea where he wanted to go either and didnt really care. He just wanted to continue spending time with Tina. She made him feel at home. Her demeanor was so genuine and refreshing. Her simplicity was always something he liked about her and was happy that she hadnt changed. His deceased, philandering wife started out their marriage that way, but changed for the worst in the for better or worse part of their vows. He had no idea if things between he and Tina would have resulted in marriage, and wouldnt entertain the thought. He was simply happy that they were able to pick up as if the years apart hadnt existed.

Driver, where would a be a good place for two friends to go and hang out? Eric asked.

Depends on what kind of things youre into and what kind of friends you are, the driver replied honestly.

Eric and Tina looked at each and burst out laughing. They hadnt thought about it that way.

You know what? Eric asked rhetorically. Just take us to wherever you think we should go, Eric bravely responded.

Okay, sir,

And with that they were off to destination unknown.

At James house
Bette was knocked out! The hours of slamming drinks back at Windriders and DL95s had certainly caught up with her to the point she had passed out. Fortunately for her, James was the perfect gentleman and made sure she would be safe and not alone for the night.

The cab driver helped carry Bette into the house and placed her on James bed. James thanked him, and the driver left after securing a hefty tip for his services. James gently removed Bettes jacket and shoes, and initially attempted to loosen the button on Bettes pants thinking shed probably be more comfortable, but changed his mind. While he wasnt thinking anything suggestive, he didnt like the way things would look in the morning. James went into the bathroom and ran a washcloth under some warm water and returned to his bedroom. He wiped Bettes face and neck, hoping to rid her of some of the smoky smell that encased them. After wiping her face, James found the scrunchy Katey left and pulled Bettes hair into a gentle ponytail so it wasnt in her face as she slept. It was bad enough that she was passed out, he didnt want her choking on her hair as she slept. James plugged in a night-light just in case Bette woke up and needed to get around. James went back to the bathroom to shower and change his clothes before going into the guest room. He checked in on Bette one last time before calling it a night and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Back in the Suburban
The driver pulled up and parked on Mulholland Drive. This is where I come when I want to relax alone or with a friend. Its got a great view of the city. Typically uncluttered with other people, and if theyre here, theyre using too busy in their own little world to bother with others anyway. Get out and stay a while. I have a blanket in the back you can sit on, the driver rambled on.

Eric and Tina looked at each other and smiled. Not a bad idea, Eric stated. Thanks for the choice, he continued and opened the door. He held his hand out for Tina and she stepped down and stared into the night. Eric smiled. Let me grab the blanket.

This is beautiful, Tina gasped. Ive never been up here, she continued. Heard about it, but just never made it up here. Wow! She surveyed the area.

Eric spread the blanket out and patted it for Tina to sit down. He leaned back on his outstretched arms and smiled. He breathed in the night air, feeling the crispness hit his lungs. Being in LA was a nice change of pace even though it was business.

So, whats going on with you Tina? How have you managed to maintain your relationship for so long? Whats your secret? Eric inquired.

Tina spun her head and looked at Eric. His words hit her like a Mack truck and the answer lodged in her throat making her cough a little. She didnt know how to reply and struggled to find a way to tell Eric the truth.

Whats wrong? Eric noticed a distinct change in Tinas demeanor. Hed noticed it slightly after dinner, but downplayed it, but now it was apparent that there was something Tina wasnt saying. Is something going on with you and Bette? Eric inquired again.

Tina stood up and walked away. She couldnt lie. Her silence betrayed her and she knew it. Eric got up and stood behind her.

Yes, Tina said flatly. Eric stared at her in complete disbelief. Yes, Eric, something is wrong with Bette and I, Tina turned and looked at Erics tear-filled eyes.

Eric pulled her into his chest and held her tight. Oh, God Tina no! Eric said in a hard breath. Cant be. Please say its not so, Eric sounded like he was pleading.

Tina felt the stinging in her eyes as she fought back the tears threatening to soak Erics shirt. Were separated. Have been for about a month now, Tina forced the words out. Eric gently pushed her backward, his hands on her delicate shoulders.

Im sorry Eric, its true, Tina looked down.
Why Tina? Why? *****! He Huffed. As much as I hate to admit it, I thought you and Bette made a great couple, Eric said softly, as the tears slid down his cheeks. Just when I thought there was still love and hope in this world, Eric whined.

Im sorry Eric, was all Tina could say, as her own tears made their entry. I wanted to tell you from the moment you asked about her, but I couldnt find the words. Then when you told me about your ex wife, I prayed you wouldnt ask about Bette. I didnt want to take the ray of light out of your eyes, Tina said in almost one breath.

Eric took Tinas hand and led her back to the blanket. His own heart was breaking for her and he knew first hand how much pain she must be in or what shed been through.

What happened? If you dont mind telling me? Eric delicately asked.

Tina held his hand tight and forced a smile. It was the first time since shed settled on her new lease on life that shed had to relive the gory details of everything that happened. She managed to recap the entire story, sparing no details.

So, thats where I am now. Im still working at the center, where you found me, and now Ill be consulting for Chestnut, Maxwell, and Elba, Tina concluded. I needed to get my life back one way or another, she said with an air of confidence.

Well, Im still not happy that you had to go through all that, but I am happy that youre trying to rebuild your life Tina. Youre a good person and you deserve good things, Eric paused. And people, he finally said.

Whyd you say it like that? Tina questioned with caution.

Eric thought before he replied. Tina, Eric lifted her chin and stared into her eyes. Ive missed you! Tinas eyes widened. No, not in an intimate way, Eric clarified. Just you. Your friendship, your kindness, and our talks, Eric complimented, making Tina blush. We always were able to talk and I miss that. Denay, my ex, didnt like that I wanted to remain in contact and she had a hard time with my other friends. Javier got lucky and managed to make the cut, but most of the other people were cut off by her or by me not reciprocating, Eric sighed and Tina squeezed his hand urging him to continue. I dont give a ***** about the money, the material things, or even that she cheated, although an HIV scare is something to stress about, Tinas mouth fell open. No, Im negative and so was she, but I needed to get checked for peace of mind, Eric sighed. Anyway, I said all that you were always someone I wanted in my life, Tina. I didnt plan my visit to LA to stalk you, Eric chuckled, nor did I know you and Bette were having problems.

I know you didnt Eric, Tina soothed Erics nerves. But I must admit, its really good to see you. Ive thought about you a time or two and wondered how you were, Tina confided. Im sorry that you went through such a rough time and I can empathize, they shared a perplexed look. But its water under the bridge now and its what we do with whats left of our lives is what counts right?

Eric nodded. True. So, do you think we can be friends again Tina?