Tina held her wife in her arms.. Its okay babe.he will never hurt you again.I wont let him.I promise.
The bell donged again
Cmon babe.stand upcome on.. said Tinaas she helped her up.
Hey ladiz. said Melanie as she walked up to the two.. Who.whats the matter? Bette what happened?
An assault happened said Tina.
Shitare you both okay? asked Lyndsay
We are both finethanx to Tina. said Bette as she looked over to her wife..
what happened? asked Melanie as the lawyer status started to rear its head..
I really.I really dont want to talk about it . said Bette
Ok..well, if you dowe are here now. said Melanie as she ran her hand up and down Bettes arm.
I didnt know you two were coming so soon. said Bette as she started making sure that her clothes were in order..
We decided to since I didnt have a case load right now said Melanie.
Im gonna look around said Lyndsay.
K..babe
Im gonna show her around said Tina.as she walked away with Lyndsay. Where is Gus? she asked
Deb kept him for us.Brian will have him for a few days too said Lyndsay..
Oh
This gallery is really brilliant..Everything is displayed so elegantly
Thats Bette.and James..they both are wonderful and really great decorators.. said Tina.
I can tell said Lyndsay

Across the gallery:
Bette who came in here and assaulted you.and why didnt you call the police? And make a report? asked Melanie
Why? The law has never done anything for me..no offense or anything said Bette
None taken..but what happened?
Its a really long story Meland I need to get back to work.where is Gus?
WellBrian is ***** keeping him for a few daysand Deb too
Do you trust Brian with him? asked Bette
Well.as much as I hate saying this..I do trust him with Little Gus..heis.. and Melanie sighed.. He ishis father. said Melanie as she looked away
God.hold your lunch in.I just got this place finishedand the carpet looks really good as it is. said Bette smiling.
You know how I feel about him.I cant stand himbut he is gonna be in our life forever.so I guess I will have to get used to it.youd think I would be by nowbut.
I understand. said Bette.. So, you two havent gotten a motel or anything have you?
Yeaas a matter of factwe did. said Melanie.
Well, you shouldnt have.we have plenty of room at our house.
I knowbut after last timeI didnt know if you would be comfortable with that.
Melanie..you and Lyndsay are my friends.of course I would be comfortable with itNow, we will go by the hotel you were supposed to stay at.and get your things..Ill even pay for the room if they dont want to give you the money back
No.I dont want you closing early on our accountwe can go check things outthen we will meet you back here at ..waitwhat time do you close up around here?
Whenever I close up.usually.
Okayhow about this said Melanie.. How about we check things out around here.and come back around 5..if you arent ready.we can either hang around.or if Tina is home by then.we can take a cab by the hotel for our stuff then go on to your house.
That sounds good..Im sorry to cut you short..but I have to get back to work said Bette as she walked away to go find Tina.
She walked up to Tina and Lyndsay.. Babe she saidTina turned around.
Yea?
I think they are going to check out things for a while and come back here around 5.if Im not readythey are going to take a cab over to the house..do you know what time you may be home?
Well babe.I can just come back here around 5:30 or so..and if you arent ready then.they can just ride with me. said Tina. I meanif thats okay she said looking at Lyndsay.
Yeathat sounds good.
Okay ladizI have to get back to work.Lyndsay I will see you and Mel later she said as she hugged her.
And my dear wifecan you come with me for a minute?
Sure babe said Tina as she walked with Bette..
They reached Bettes office.. Baby.thank you for today.. said Bette as she pulled Tina close.
You are welcome..
I wouldnt have been able.to do.. started Bette
Shhh said Tina as she put a finger on Bettes lips.. I knowand we can talk later.at homeokay?
Okay said Bette.
Are you going to be okay? asked Tina. I mean to be alone today? Here at the gallery?
Ill be okay.probably a little spookedbut I will be okay.
Are you sure? I mean.I can stay here
Nogo on back to The Center. said Bette.. I love you ..
Okcall if you need anything said Tina. I love you tooand I will see you at 5:15 or so.
k.. said Bette.before sitting at her desk and beginning to go through paperwork.

Tbc.