Bette and Tina had spent the better part of the morning talking and finishing everything for the openingBette had called and finalized all of the arrangements with Teresa.making sure that she knew everything that was going to happenthe opening, and the dinner after the openingat her houseshe had invited all of their close friends to be there so that they could meet the photographer who was responsible for the opening of Bettes new galleryAll of the photographs were up and secure ..waiting to be seen.
As lunch was getting nearBette asked Are you ready for some lunch?
Yeasounds great answered Tina as she stared at one of the photos.
You like this one?
Yesthis one caught my eye.
tell me why..
Because she looks so hurt.you can see the sadness in her eyes
Do you remember when we first met? At the gallery? asked Bette as she walked up and stood next to Tina..
Yes..yes..I do.my legs felt like jello when I first saw youand that million dollar smile. said Tina as a tear trickled down her cheek You touched my heart in more ways than one that day.
Do you remember how you had lost your earringand I gave it to you..putting it back into your ear?
Yes
Remember how you lost it again before you left.and I found itand kept it until you came backto pick it up?
Yes.. was all that Tina could muster up to say
And remember how I kissed you? And you kissed me back before leaving?
Well, that was one of the best days of my life, T.I could never explain to you how I felt at that moment that our lips touched.It was loveI knew itand I made up my mind to wait forever for you if I had to
I know you did said Tina as she looked at Bettefinally realizing how bad she had made everythingwith her infidelities
They stood in silence for a few minutes.before the ice was broken How about that lunch now? asked Bette
Okay said Tina as she wiped away the tears..
Bette put her arm around Tina. No more tears, T.everything will be okay and they left
Bette had made arrangements to have Tinas favorite place to eat, the Thai resturaunt all to themselves that day.while she was making the finalizations with Teresa.she did this without Tinas knowledge.
Once they arrived and walked in.Tina noticed something wasnt right.
Bette..something is wrong.there is noone here.
I know and there is a reason for that said Bette as she walked Tina to a table.
It had been pre-set with plates, wine, and candles.Bette pulled out a chair for TinaTina sat..
Bette made her way around the table and sat across from T
Bette what is going on? asked Tina
I just thought that we could have a quiet lunch.thats all. said Bette.
ummmokay
I took the liberty of ordering your favorite item on the menu.I hope that is okay.
Yea..thats okaynow are you going to tell me why you really did this?
Bette sat in silence while pouring each of them a glass full of the most expensive wine in the house
She picked her glass up and took a sip.. I have a few things that I wanted to talk to you about.and I wanted to do it with noone around.
Okaygo ahead.. said Tina fearing the worse.
I want you to know where I was last night
I dont want to know Bettereallyit is none of my business..
Shhh said Bette as she put two fingers over Tinas lips. Let me finish she pulled her fingers away when there was silence.
I spent the night with Candaceand we had *****
Tina started to cry.
Bette went around the table and pulled a chair up next to her. Please dont crylet me finish
I fucked up so bad and now I have lost you cried Tina
NoTlet me finish please.stop crying insisted Bette.
As soon as she calmed down, Bette continued.
Before it was even over, I realized that it wasnt the same as it had been for the last 7 yearsthat it was different than when I was with youIt reminded me of how I was before I met and fell in love with youI didnt like that personI didnt like myself being the one to sleep with women without any meaningful love involvedI realized that I dont want anything sexual with anyone.except youTwhat I am saying is that I love you with all of my heartand it may take months or even years.but I want you.not anyone elseyou are and always have been the one for me..But, I have to stress the fact that I want to take it slow..almost as if we are starting over from the beginningonly now we realize what kind of mistakes we made.and we make sure not to make them again.
Yes.yes .BI want that more than anythingI know that what I did hurt youand I am so sorry for that.I cant blame you for sleeping with someone else..because 2 wrongs dont make a right..
You have no idea how much we think alike. smiled Bette as she got up and walked back around the table to take her seat. I also want you to remind you that the doctors appointment is tomorrow to get tested again.
God..I was hoping that was a dreambut I guess no such luck
Guess notbut dont worry about itI think everything will be fine.
I sure hope so.but u are going with me right? asked Tina
I wouldnt let you go alone regardless said Bette smiling while she slid her hand on top of Tinas..
Then I guess everything will be fine.
Now, with that out of the wayI have one more thing to talk to you about. said Bette.
***** said Tina getting worried again.
Nocome on.this is something good.I promise
okay
Well, there is one last thing to do at the galleryit hasnt been done yetand I have 2 days to get it done.
What?
I havent given the gallery a name..yet.
And .you need me to name it for you. smiled Tina
No..actually, I have a name but I wanted to run it by you first to see what you think about it.
K.what is it?
Alright.you have helped me with a lot of the work, and because of my undeniable love for youI want to name the gallery. B&T Gallery
Tina just sat there..not knowing exactly what to say. I..I..BetteI love it.
Tina got up and went over to hug Bette..
They ate lunch quietly and as they were leaving to go back to the gallery for 1 last check up.
Tina, what do you say that tonight when you get home from the Centerwe go out with our friends.Im sure they have missed usand we really need some time out.
That sounds great.Im planning to be back home around 8:00.be ready and I will change so that we can leave
Okay
They went by the gallery then went home so that Tina could go to the CenterBette immediately got on the phone with the sign company and they assured her that she could meet them at 9:00 the next morning to get the sign up..Tina had her appointment at 1:00…and Bette wanted the sign upso that she could take Tina by there after the appointment.hopefully to cheer her up.
Bette planned for a night out with the friendsmaking sure to call everyone so they could meet up..
And they did

Tbc..