Bette slowly hung up the phone, mind trying to process the conversation that she had just had with Tina. She knew that Tinas return to their home was not going to be easy, but the pain that she had heard in her voice was more than she had anticipated.

Well, what the ***** did you expect? she angrily asked herself.

She pushed the covers back and got out of bed. As she stood, she tried to figure out what to do. She wanted to be there for Tina, but the distance between them was making that task impossible.

As she stood there, she looked around their bedroom, frustrated with this situation. She walked to the closet, reaching for the picture of the two of them from their Commitment Ceremony, and then turned to make her way to the living room.

She plopped down onto the sofa, picture in hand, and allowed herself to reflect upon that day.

That day had been like none other that she had ever experienced in her life. It was a day intended to share with the world, just how much Tina meant to her. She knew that she had never been happier, the knowledge of the validity of the vows that they had shared finding a place in her heart, ensuring that whatever was to happen between the two of them, it would be faced by and then dealt with them as a couple, nothing coming between them.

And that had been the truth, right? Bette thought to herself.

I thought so she said out loud exhaling heavily, her finger slowly tracing an outline of Tinas face against the glass of the frame.

I wasnt there for you was I, T? she continued out loud, speaking directly to Tinas image.

Well, no more she said, placing the photograph on the table in front of her and walking to the office.

She sat down at the desk and turned on the computer.

I said that I had changed, and its time to prove that she muttered as she searched for what she was looking for.




Tina woke the next morning after a fitful nights rest. She had tossed and turned quite a bit, but for the most part, had managed to sleep here and there.

She had called Alice who was with Shane and Dana and explained to her that she was too tired, both emotionally and physically, to go out and so would just stay in. Alice had offered to come by, but Tina explained that she thought that she just needed to be alone for the night and that she would call in the morning.

Looking at the clock, she saw that it was 9:15am. Good Lord she thought to herself. 12:15 New York time. I never sleep this late.

I guess I was more tired than I thought she said aloud as she pushed the covers back to sit up.

Bette must think that I am MIA she smiled to herself knowing that Bette would be constantly looking at her watch, wondering why she had yet to call.

She reached across the bed and grabbed the phone.

After two rings, she heard Peabody Gallery.

James?

Yeah, Tina?

Yeah, it is. How are you doing?

Good and you? Hows LA?

Pretty good. I actually just woke up so think that the trip and time change kinda wore me out.

Well, sleeping in never hurt anyone, right?

No she giggled, I guess youre right about that.

So, once again, not looking for me, right?

Ah, you know me too well she laughed.

Well, this time, youre going to have to settle for me he said, smiling into the phone.

Oh yeah? And where might she be?

Peggy pulled her into some kind of last minute meeting over at her apartment and Bette didnt know how long she would be.

Oh, I see she said, disappointed at not being able to speak to Bette.

But, she did say that if you really needed her to let her know and she would break away to call you he quickly added, crossing his fingers hoping that Tina would not take him up on his offer.

No, no, its ok. It was justI just wanted to talk to her is all. No emergency and certainly no need to interrupt her she said, somewhat dejectedly.

For what its worth, I know that she wanted to talk to you too, Tina. She was not very pleased at being called into this meeting with no advanced notice. You and I both know that she does not like to be at anyones beck and call he chuckled.

Tina finally laughed, completely able to visualize Bettes irritation at being summoned by Peggy and so just said, Will you tell her that I called?

Of course I will he said reassuringly.

Ok, great and thanks, James.

Youre welcome and I hope you have a good day he said.

You too she said as she ended the call.

Not as good as you he laughed as he hung the phone up.




Bette leaned her head back against the seat of the cab that she had hailed at LAX, exhaustion permeating her body.

She had left New York at 8am her time and had just arrived in LA at 6:15 local time.

Thirteen hours of traveling she thought to herself, rubbing her temples, but shes worth it she softly smiled.

Being that it was 9:15pm in New York, she knew that Tina would be wondering why she had not called her yet, but with the layover in Chicago, she didnt want to tip her off by having her hear an airport announcement over the PA.

She finally turned on her phone and saw that she had two messages. She called her voicemail and listened to the messages.

Bette, hey its James. Just wanted to let you know that Tina did call this morning and even though she sounded disappointed at not being able to speak to you, bought our story I think. Thats it, just wanted to let you know that. Hope it all works out and we will see you on Monday, and please, dont even think about this place while you are gone. See ya.

Bette smiled at James message, knowing how lucky she was to have him working for her. She deleted the message and waited for the second one. As expected, it was from Tina.

Hey, baby, its me. Its 7pm your time and I was starting to get a little worried about you. Maybe Peggy has kept you for dinner as well. Ok, I just wanted to let you know that I love you and miss you more than I thought possible. Please call me when you get this message. Bye baby. I love you.

By the looks of traffic, Bette determined that she was about 15 minutes from West Hollywood. She had instructed the driver to just head in that direction, narrowing down her exact destination based on her conversation with Tina that she was about to have.

She flipped her phone back open and dialed her number.




Tina sat at the table with the girls, constantly picking up her phone as if willing it to ring.

Alice finally said to her, You know shell call, T.

What? she said, not really paying attention to the conversation at the table.

Bette she said, nodding her head towards the phone in Tinas hand. You know that shell call when she can.

I know she said. Its just that its getting late there and it kinda worries me that she hasnt called.

You know Porter said Alice. Shes probably off -”

But her sentence was interrupted by the sound of Tinas phone ringing.

Tina quickly reached for the phone and said Baby?

Hey she said, not fully able to hide the exhaustion in her voice.

Tina stood up, glancing at the girls motioning that she was going outside to continue her conversation with Bette.

Where are you? You sound exhausted she said into the phone, pressing it against her ear to block out everything but Bettes voice.

In a cab she truthfully responded.

Baby, its so late. Where have you been all day? she asked in a worried tone.

Oh, long story, T. Where are you?

Standing in front of The Planet she said.

Hold on one second, T she said as she muted her phone.

With information now in hand, she told the cab driver where she wanted to go. Looking out the window, she knew that they would be there in 5 minutes or so.

She unmuted the phone and said, Sorry, T. That was one of our contractors.

Calling at this time of night? she asked incredulously.

Uh yeah she quickly said. There was a problem at the gallery that he needed to discuss with me and I was just setting up a time for tomorrow, wincing at the untruth.

Huh grunted Tina.

So, baby. Tell me about your day. What was the meeting with Peggy about?

Before I get into that, T, tell me about your night. What did you do after we got off the phone?

Tina sat down on a wall that was to the side of the entrance of The Planet.

Well, I got situated, you know, put away my clothes.

Uh huh said Bette as the cab got within a couple of blocks of The Planet.

And then, took a long bath, had a glass of wine and crawled into bed.

And were you able to sleep? asked Bette.

Better than I had thought she admitted. And you?

Well, not as well as I would have liked, but enough I guess.

The cab passed by the front of The Planet and Bette saw Tina sitting on the wall, head scrunched down, obviously focused on her conversation with Bette. She motioned for the cab driver to pull around the corner and as he pulled to a stop, wordlessly handed him money and mouthing thank you, grabbed her bag and quietly exited the cab.

So, why didnt you call me last night, baby? asked Tina.

Bette started walking towards Tina and just said, T, I really didnt want to disturb you and if there was any chance that you were sleeping, wanted you to do so without interruption she explained.

But, baby- she said.

No, T she interrupted. Seriously, Im fine. So, whats up for tonight?

Tonight? asked Tina, surprised at the quick change in conversation.

What do you mean tonight?

Just that, T. What are you doing tonight?

Uh, baby, I havent really thought about it she said.

Well, how bout dinner? asked Bette softly as she was only about 10 feet away from Tina.

Dinner? Dinner with who? demanded Tina.

As she heard no reply, she said into the phone, Baby?

Bette leaned over Tinas shoulder and quietly whispered into her ear, With me.

Tina jumped at the sound of Bettes voice in her ear and quickly turning, let out a yelp of delight and screamed, BETTE as she flew into her arms.

Bette just laughed as she dropped her bag onto the ground and wrapped her arms around Tinas waist.

Tina held onto her tightly and said into her ear, What are you doing here, baby? Are you really here?

Im really here, T whispered Bette in return.

Tina pulled back, tears glistening in her eyes and said, I cant believeI mean, how did youoh my God, Bette she said pulling Bette back into her arms.

Both women just held onto the other, a million thoughts flying through their heads, but just so glad to have the other in her arms.

Tina pulled back again and placed her palm against Bettes cheek, leaning in to kiss her warmly on the lips.

I cant believe that you did this she said into her lips.

I would do anything for you, T Bette softly said, neither woman loosening the grip on the other.

Tina tucked some of Bettes hair behind her ear and said, I actually believe that you would, wouldnt you? she chuckled.

Yeah, I would said Bette as she leaned in, pulling Tina into her for another kiss.

Bette felt Tinas hand on the back of her neck, pulling Bette into her, deepening the kiss. She followed Tinas lead and opened her lips to accept her probing tongue. Before long, the kiss quickly intensified and both women pulled away, breathing having become labored.

They just stood there, neither speaking, foreheads resting against the other.

The girls are going to freak out when they see you laughed Tina.

Think so? asked Bette with a smile on her face.

Oh yeah she said.

Shall we go in then? asked Bette.

Yes, but baby, 30 minutes max, ok? And then I take you home. Deal?

Deal smiled Bette in return.

Tina reached down to grab her bag with one hand and Bettes hand with the other.

Ready? asked Tina.

Absolutely replied Bette, smiling confidently as she followed Tina inside.