Tina opened the envelope, and began to read:
Tina,
I seem to have a problem and I was wondering if you could help me. A beautiful woman seems to have gotten under my skin. This needs to be remedied as soon as possible. Can you help?

With Love,
Bette
PS. Are we still on for tomorrow?

Tina read the note several times, studying each word. Mandy woke up on the couch and watched Tinas face as she stared at the paper. There was a soft smile on her face; Mandy felt as if she were intruding. Tina put the letter down and finished making the coffee.

Morning. How you feeling this morning? Mandy sat up.

Ive felt better. Want some coffee?

Yes, thanks. Do I have to go to work today? Mandy whined.

We all do, unfortunately. Id give anything to crawl back under the covers and stay there all day.

Are you working here or the office today?

I think Im going to stay. Im really supposed to go into the office today, but everyones really flexible with my schedule.

Youre so lucky. Why are they even calling it an internship anymore?

Because I technically havent finished school yet, thats why. Tina sat on the couch and tucked her feet under her.

Well, youre making more than any internship Ive ever heard of and theyve offered you a job. Actually, youve already started that job!

I know, pretty cool, huh? I feel like Ive worked there forever. I was lucky to find this publishing company. Tina put her head in Mandys lap and stretched out on the couch.

Tina, you know youre not helping with the whole going to work thing? Mandy ran her fingers through Tinas hair.

I know. Call off today. Or take your work here. We can work together. She dug under the couch cushion finding the phone and handed it to Mandy.

You talked me into it. I think Ill do just that, actually. I have a million personal days wracked up. Just promise me well get some work done. I have some stuff that needs to get done before Liz, Tesa, and I leave for San Diego.

I promise. I wish you guys werent leaving this weekend.

Mandy knew Tina didnt want to be alone, and she would stay with her for the day. But, Tina needed some space to think and make choices. Dry your eyes, my dear. We will return on Sundays eve. Besides, youre going out with Bette Porter tonight, right?

Tina sighed. I dont know. I guess I am. I told her I was, but I wish I didnt have to.

Why? Mandy wanted Tina to talk.

I dont know. Tina sat up and handed the phone to Mandy once again.

You guard your silence perfectly like a waterbag that doesnt leak. Mandy quoted Rumi, hoping to hit a nerve. Ive never known you to hold back with me. Tina… talk to me.

I may not leak, but eventually I might flood.

Tina stood up and headed to the shower, leaving Mandy behind to call into work.

As Tina got out of the shower and dressed, she saw a note from Mandy on the coffee pot: Tina, ran home for a shower and clothes, then to the office (just to grab some stuff). Ill be back before you can blink. Dont drink all the coffee. Love, Mandy.

Tina shuffled around the kitchen, fixing a bowl of cereal, opting to wait on the coffee for Mandy. She spotted Bettes note again, letting her fingers dance over the parchment as she took a deep breath and picked up the phone.

Bette Porter.

Hi, Bette… Tina softly greeted Bette.

Tina. Good to hear from you. I hope youre feeling ok today? She smiled at the memory of last night and hoped Tina found her note. Butterflies filled her stomach, fluttering to and from her heart.

Ill be fine once I get some coffee into my system. Tina paced in the kitchen. There was an awkward silence on the line as Tina worked up the courage to speak again.

Tina, are you still there… Bette quietly asked.

Um… yes. Listen, Bette, I got your note this morning. I guess I dont really know what to say, Tina stammered.

Just say I can pick you up tonight at 7:00. That would be the first step in helping to fix my problem. Bette held her breath, waiting for Tinas response.

Another silence echoed through the phone line until Tina finally said, Ok.

The phone conversation ended with Tina giving Bette directions to her place and simple goodbyes. Mandy walked in, seeing Tina with the phone pressed against her chest as she paced back and forth across the tiled kitchen floor.

You keep that up and youll end up in your neighbors bathtub. Mandy got a smile out of Tina. Whats up?

Nothing. How did you get up here?

I propped the door open when I left and apparently I left your apartment door unlocked. Oops. Mandy shrugged and took a mug of coffee from Tina. Lets get some work done, ok?

Both women engulfed themselves into their work, laptops at hand, coffee at the other, not speaking for hours. Tinas stomach grumbled at 2:00.

Hello to you too. Mandy looked up from her work. Hungry?

Starving. Lets order take out. Thai?

Mmmm… definitely. Tina called in the order, and they worked for another forty five minutes until the food arrived.

Im done for the day. Mandy closed her laptop and sighed before eating. I still have to pack for tonight.

When do you leave?

Not until 9:00.

Plenty of time, but its Friday. No more work.

What time is your thingy tonight? Mandy slyly asked, looking at her food.

Bettes picking me up at 7:00.

Youll have fun. She seems like a nice woman.

She is. Tinas answers remained short and without emotion as if she were holding it in as tight as she could.

Stop being stubborn. Mandy decided to take a different approach.

What? Tina looked up, shocked.

You know what I mean. Tina stared at her food again. Look at me, Tina. Tell me whats going on.

Tina stood up and grabbed the note off the counter and handed it to Mandy. She read it, then looked up at Tina, smiling slightly. So…

So, I dont know, Mandy. *****. Tina pushed her food away.

Just tell me whats running through your mind. Mandy skooted closer to Tina.

She kissed me. Well, she started it, and I guess I kissed her back.

When?

At her office yesterday, right after I broke up with Eric.

Makes sense. Thats why you were so weird last night.

Do you like her? Mandy reached for Tinas hand.

I think so. Tina had tears in her eyes as she whispered, More than anything.

She obviously likes you. What do you want to do?

Im not sure.

I think you are… somewhere down there, you want to love her. Let go, Tina, theres nothing to be ashamed of.

What if Im afraid?

You can be scared. Everything new is scary, but if it fits better than anything has before, you need to wear it. This is more you than anything Ive ever seen.

Tina smiled weakly and Mandy held onto her, thankful for days like this.