Why do people do that? Alice asked the table.

Do what? Shane asked in a manner that lacked all interest in the answer.

You know, leave to take a call elsewhere. I mean, what could Tina possibly have to say to Bette that she couldnt say in front of us?

The look that Shane gave to Alice was one that portrayed her lack of need to answer.

Im just saying said Alice, reading Shanes look. Take you for an example, you never leave the table when you get a call.

Thats because Im way too lazy to get up, but if I werent, I would be halfway round the block, way out of range of your nosy ears!

Dana said nothing, just watched the banter between the two of them.

Ok, heres what Id like to know responded Alice. How are ears nosy? I mean, cmon, ears, nosy? Get it, you know earsnose

Shane just looked over at Alice, expression on her face saying everything that needed to be said.

Alice merely ignored the look and while surveying the room said, Whatever. My intellectual wit is clearly but the sentence remained unfinished.

Oh my God she softly said, eyes staring at the door that was behind both Shane and Dana.

Shane and Dana both looked up at her, wondering what had rendered her speechless.

Bette she whispered as she saw Tina walking in with Bette in tow.

Both Shane and Dana whipped their heads around in the direction that Alice was looking and jumped out of their chairs in excitement.

BETTE!!! they both shouted, running over to greet the woman that they had not seen in almost 3 months.

They circled Bette, hugging and pulling at her, forcing Tina to drop her hand and back away.

Tina just looked on, watching this happy reunion, seeing the pleasure on Bettes face by being welcomed back so warmly.

Alice slowly stood, unsure of her feelings. The overwhelming relief that she felt by seeing Bette was staggering. It was not until just this moment that she realized how much she had missed her friend. But there was something else she realized, something else that she was feeling. She was also a little pissed. She felt anger at Bette for leaving them in the manner that she had, up until that letter, with no warning and with no word.

She had not shared these feelings with anyone else, not even Tina. She actually didnt know until just now that she was feeling this way. Her focus all along had been on just trying to be there for both women as they struggled to regain their relationship.

But now that she was face to face with Bette, actually seeing her in person, as happy as she was to see her, she knew that she was hurt as well.

Bette looked up and saw Alice standing at the table, not having approached her as had Shane and Dana.

Hey, Al she said, slowly crossing the space between where she had stood and the table where the three women had been seated.

Tina watched this reaction from Alice somewhat confused as she thought that of all people, Alice would have been the most thrilled to see Bette.

As Bette approached the table, Alice slowly walked around, meeting Bette halfway there. Bette saw that there were tears in Alices eyes and that her expression was one of both happiness and hurt.

Bette stood right in front of Alice, hands in pockets, and said, How are you doing, Al? eyes portraying her uneasiness.

What are you doing here? she sniffed. You didnt tell me that you were coming to town.

Nono I didnt, Al. I didnt tell Tina either. It was just something that I decided at the last minute she said, softly smiling at Alice.

Since when did you ever do anything at the last minute? challenged Alice.

Oh, youd be surprised at what Im capable of these days laughed Bette.

From just your sudden departures and arrivals alone, I wouldnt doubt that, Bette sniffled Alice, quickly wiping the tears from her face, hoping that no one would notice.

Alices subtle dig found its mark in Bette and an awkward silence passed between the two women. Shane made a move to interrupt the moment, but Tina grabbed onto her arm and shook her head no, silently telling her to leave it alone in order to let them figure this out.

You hurt me, Bette said Alice, continuing to swat at the tears rolling down her face.

I know. I hurt a lot of people Bette sadly admitted, eyes focused on the ground between the two of them, the remorse in her words unmistakable.

Alice watched her friend in front of her, one of her closest friends in the world, and the anger began to melt away. As Bette slowly lifted her head, Alice could see the sorrow in her eyes at having hurt not just her, but everyone that had ever meant anything to her, and knew that if Bette had the opportunity to do it all over again, would do things differently.

Alice looked Bette squarely in the eyes and said just loud enough for Bette to hear, I would do things differently too.

Bette silently nodded her head in acceptance, wiping a tear that was forming in her eye.

Tina watched this scene play out, heart yearning to go be by Bettes side in order to protect and support her, but knew that Bette needed to figure this out with Alice on her own. She was not sure what the two were saying to each other, but thought that from their body language, were working things out.

You piss me off, you know that Porter? smiled Alice, reaching for Bette, pulling her into her arms.

Yeah, I believe that Ive been told that a time or two laughed Bette, pulling her hands from her pockets to return her old friends hug. And not just from you I might add.

Tina, Shane and Dana collectively let out a sigh of relief at seeing Alice and Bette finally laughing and apparently getting through what had been needed.

Tina approached the two of them as they were pulling apart, wrapping her arm around Bettes waist, lightly kissing her on the cheek.

Everything ok here? she asked, looking at both Bette and Alice, resting her chin on Bette’s shoulder.

Eh, shes just a horses ***** laughed Alice, wiping away the last of her tears, smiling at Bette.

No surprise there, huh T? chuckled Bette as Tina simply squeezed Bettes waist in response.

So said Shane. What can I get everyone to drink? Bette, what would you like?

Bette took a deep breath, wiping the last of her tears as well and said, You know what? What I would really like is to go to the bathroom. That was a long cab ride from LAX and I had a lot of water on the plane she chuckled.

Cool said Shane. Just let me know if there is anything that I can get you.

Thanks, Ill be right back said Bette as she started to head towards the back of the restaurant.

As everyone returned to their seats, Tina walked a couple of steps with Bette and once they were out of earshot, tugged on Bettes hand to stop.

Bette turned to her and weakly smiled, fatigue beginning to show.

You ok? asked Tina searching Bettes eyes, seeing not only sadness there in causing her friends pain, but also sheer exhaustion.

Yeah, I am. I didnt really expect that, but probably should have she said.

Tina didnt say anything, just continued to read the expressions on Bettes face, hands lightly resting on her waist.

Bette saw Tinas concern and so while leaning in to kiss her said, Its ok, T. I swear. Please dont worry. Ill be right back.

She quickly squeezed Tinas hand and turned to walk back to the bathroom.

Tina stood there for a minute watching Bette walk away. She then turned and headed back to their table. After grabbing an extra chair for Bette, she sat back down, waiting for someone to say something.

Wow, that was intense said Shane.

Tell me about it said Alice.

You ok? Tina asked Alice in a concerned manner.

Yeah she said, waving her hand in front of her face in dismissal. Sorry bout that. Porter just has that affect on me sometimes.

Tina continued to watch her and decided to let it drop. Whatever had been between the two of them had obviously passed and she knew that it wasnt her place to question it.

After a pause, Alice said, Is she?

Yeah, she is. Shes tired though answered Tina.

And thin commented Alice.

Huh? asked Tina.

Betteshes thin, too thin she repeated.

I know said Tina, slowly exhaling. Trust me, I know.

No one at the table said anything and so Tina continued.

You know, in all of our time apart, I always wondered if she was eating. It used to piss the ***** out of me that I was even worrying about her at all, but no matter what I did, I couldnt get it out of my mind thinking about whether or not she was remembering to eat the smile on her face one born of irony.

I would have to constantly remind her to eat she continued, making sure she took some form of breakfast with her in the morning, asking James to get lunch for her during the day and then ensuring that she had dinner at night. She is the worst eater and I knew that if I didnt stay on top of her, she would just forget she trailed off.

And so, thats what I worried about she said to no one in particular, bringing herself out of her reverie, and now you can see why

But she said smiling at her friends, its next on my list she said, looking in the direction of the bathroom, waiting for Bette to re-emerge.

Thats probably quite a list that youve got going, huh? chuckled Alice.

Ohyou have no idea said Tina, laughing also, slowly turning her head towards Alice, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

She looks good though offered Dana.

Yeah, man. Really good confirmed Shane.

Tina just looked at them and smiled, turning away again as she heard the bathroom door opening.

Tina watched Bette walking towards them and couldnt help but notice all of the other eyes that were following her as well. She knew that their break-up had been on-going fodder for the community and she had done her best to ignore it. She was also certain that aside from her friends sitting at this table, there had not been too many women that were upset with their parting of ways. Bette Porter being available and on the market was not something that had been expected and the challenges that it presented, were way to tantalizing to be ignored by most.

Tina took a deep breath and smiled as Bette approached the table. Now was not the time to think about that. She knew that by the end of the day, word would have gotten out that she and Bette were back together, perhaps dashing the hopes of some, maybe not even piquing the interest of others.

Quite frankly, she didnt care anymore. She had Bette back now and that was all that mattered. She would have to deal with her jealousies and insecurities as each situation arose, but right now, she just wanted to enjoy having Bette by her side, the two of them back with their friends, simply catching up, playing a role in each others lives.

Time passed quickly as the five women sat there, sliding into an easy conversation. Tina and Bette were constantly touching each other, a hand on a thigh, on the back of the neck or draped across a shoulder. There was a connection there between the two of them that the other women had not witnessed in a long time, and it was comforting to see again.

Tina glanced down at her watch and saw that an hour had passed since Bette had arrived and as much as she didnt want to, knew that she needed to get her home. She could see in just the way Bette was holding herself, that she was exhausted.

So Porter, when did you decide to make this last minute jaunt out this way? asked Alice.

Tina turned her attention to Bette as she was interested in the answer to this question as well.

Well she said, giving Tina a sideways glance, last night actually.

Last night? both Tina and Alice repeated.

Thats quite a peanut gallery Ive got going there laughed Bette at their well timed responses.

When last night? asked Tina.

About half an hour after we got off the phone said Bette.

You mean you didnt have this planned all along? Tina asked incredulously.

Uh, well, no I didnt, T Bette replied, wondering if she had given the wrong answer.

Tina shook her head and said, I just figured that this was something that you and James had planned when he was booking my reservations.

Well, that certainly would have been easier said Bette, but as usual, I had to make things a bit more challenging.

The three women around the table watched this interaction, finding it slightly humorous that Tina truly had no idea that Bette had not had this planned.

Tina just sat there, wondering what it was that had caused Bette to drop everything so suddenly and fly out here.

So, what time did you leave New York, Bette? asked Dana.

Well, lets see, the flight left at 8:00 this morning and I got here around 6:15, with a lay-over in Chicago.

Tina did the math and realized that Bette had been traveling for the last 13 hours and up for even longer than that. No wonder she is exhausted she thought to herself.

Thats a long ***** day chimed in Shane.

Yep, but worth it she said, leaning over to kiss Tina on the cheek as she squeezed her thigh.

And on that note said Tina, as she began to stand and collect their things, I am taking you home now she said, looking directly at Bette, the tone in her voice leaving no room for debate.

Bette stood up as the girls followed suit.

So said Alice. Are we still on for tonight?

Tina gave Alice a look that said, You’ve got to be joking.

Whats tonight? asked Bette.

Nothing, baby said Tina as she reached for Bettes hand to steer them out of the restaurant.

What? I thought that we were all going to Milk? said Alice.

Al said Shane with exasperation.

What? she asked, watching the retreating figures of Bette and Tina as they made their way out of the restaurant.

Tina held Bettes hand tightly as they weaved around the tables heading towards the front door.

Ill call you tonight Alice screamed in their direction.

Both Bette and Tina smiled at Alices comment as Tina threw a hand up in the air waving good-bye over her shoulder.

Once outside, Tina led them to Bettes car that she had been using since arriving in LA. Tina turned to gauge her reaction at using the Saab but saw not a flicker of anything pass across her face.

Wanna drive? she asked Bette.

No T, you go ahead she said, walking around to the passengers door while throwing her bag in the back seat.

Both women got in the car and after buckling their seatbelts, Tina turned to Bette, and while leaning in to kiss her, said, Hi, baby.

Bette smiled at her and returning the kiss, simply said Hi, T.

Have I mentioned how happy it makes me that you are here? she asked, not pulling away from Bette, the palm of her hand softly caressing Bettes cheek.

Hmmm said Bette, biting her lip, pretending to ponder Tinas question, Now that I think of it, dont know that you have.

Really? said Tina teasingly.

Well, not that I can remember anyway smiled Bette seductively, leaning in to trace the curve of Tinas neck with her tongue, lips catching the lobe of her ear, sucking it into her warm mouth while softly biting it.

Tinas breath caught in her throat with the sensation of Bettes warm breath and tongue on her neck. She felt Bette rubbing her hand up and down her thigh, thumb dragging along the inside seam.

Well, if I havent told you she said, struggling to steady her voice, her own hands beginning to roam over Bettes body, maybe I should take you home and show you.

Maybe you should said Bette, her lips moving up and down Tinas neck, sucking on the exposed skin, pulling it deeply into her mouth.

Tina, placing her hands on either side of Bettes head, brought her up from her neck in order to bring her mouth down hard onto her own. There was nothing sweet or gentle about this kiss as their tongues searched out the other, demanding a presence in the others mouth. Tina was beyond aroused and knew that she needed to have Bette as soon as physically possible.

After a few moments, Bette was the one to pull back slightly as both women worked to regain their composure and steady her breathing, neither moving away from the other, eyes staring deeply into each other.

Didnt you mention something about taking me home, T? asked Bette, voice deepened with arousal.

Tina recognized that voice and it made her tremble.

Yes I did, baby she answered breathlessly.

Well then, shall we? asked Bette, finally moving over to her own side of the car, eyes never leaving Tina.

Yes, babyyes we shall smiled Tina as she reached over to start the car, slowly backing up to take the two of them where they finally deserved to behome.