What do you mean? Liz looked blankly at Tina.

What do you think she means? Does she need to spell it out for you? Tesa glared at Liz.

Youre not serious, right? Youve got to be kidding. Liz waited for Tina to say something.

Im not kidding, Liz. I dont know what this all means, I just wanted to be honest with you guys. I havent kept anything from you ever and I couldnt not tell you.

But Mandy knew? Tesa looked at Mandy.

Yes, I knew, but not because Tina willingly told me. I kinda guessed on my own.

How long has this been going on? Liz crossed her arms.

Well… over a month but its been a slow process.

A month? I cant believe you didnt tell us before this. Tesa couldnt hide her shock.

I really dont know what to say, Tina. Liz leaned back in her chair and sighed.

I just want you to be honest. You guys are my closest friends and what Im going through is huge but it shouldnt affect our friendship.

This is just too weird, though. Youve always dated guys and now all of a sudden youre *****? Liz took a swig of beer.

Its not like this is easy and you dont have to understand all of it right now.

Shes still the same old Tina, guys. Mandy gave Tina an encouraging look.

Tina, Ill be here for you, even if it is a little shocking and weird right now. But Ill try. Tesa reached over and squeezed Tinas hand.

Liz stood up and grabbed her purse. Im gonna go. Look, Tina, I just need some time to process all of this.

No, let me be the one to go. You stay here with Mandy and Tesa. Ive got to put the finishing touches on my thesis. Tina put her wallet in her back pocket and walked out the door before Liz could argue.


At her apartment, Bette dialed Tinas number. Just as she was ready to hang up after the seventh ring, a breathless Tina answered.

Hello?

Hi Tina, its Bette. Did I catch you at a bad time?

No, I just walked in the door. Whats up?

I talked to Alice today and she is dying for all of us to get together. Interested?

Sure, that would be fun. How about this weekend?

Great, shell be so excited. Noticing a lack of enthusiasm in Tinas voice tonight, Bette decided to address it. Everything ok?

Yeah… actually no. I told Tesa and Liz about you.

Oh. Howd it go?

I dont know. Tesa seemed to be willing to try and she was nice about it, but Liz… she didnt take it well. She overreacts a lot anyway, but tonight she acted like she wasnt going to be able to deal with this.

I wish I couldve been there with you.

Sometimes I have to fight my own battles.

You are such a brave woman, Tina. Thats one of the things I love about you.

I dont feel brave. I feel sad and dejected.

Do you want me to come over? Would you like some company?

No, Bette, thats ok. I think I need to be alone, but Id love to see you tomorrow. Can we do that?

I cant think of anything else Id rather do than hang out with you.

Stop by after work then.

Ill see you then. And Tina?

Yes?

Its never a bad thing to be honest, especially with yourself. Thank you for being so truthful with me. Thank you for taking a risk instead of hiding.

Youre welcome… and thank you for teaching me how to be honest. Without you Id still be lost.