Confessions
I cant believe I did it James, Bette confessed. I actually told her that it was better if we didnt get back together, Bette sounded as though she couldnt believe shed said it.

You told her over the phone?

Yes, I would have preferred it to be in person, but she kind of insisted.

How could she insist Bette? Youre not making sense.

Bette retold the chain of events leading up to the returned phone call and James sat in the chair feeling empathy for Tina.

Bette, I know she insisted, but you could have made up some other reason for saying the dreaded words, we need to talk. I mean thats a blow in itself dont you think?<

Hindsight was truly 20/20 and Bette was now feeling like ***** for not thinking of the residual effects of the conversation; especially with Tina being at work. Bette put her head in her hands and shook her head wishing James had been there to guide her earlier.

What the ***** am I gonna do now? Bette complained. Its not like I can take it back and act as though I didnt say it.

No, you cant, but sheesh, Bette, James seemed a little pissed with Bette. Have you told Rayne yet?

No, and Im not sure Im going to say anything right now. Its too soon. Isnt it?

James shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what to say and somehow found himself looking at Bette in a slightly distorted view and felt partially to blame for what happened because hed insisted that Bette make a decision about her future, but he hadnt expected her to do it so soon or so insensitively.

Bette, are you sure this isnt going to backfire in anyway?

What do you mean, Bette was confused.

I mean, you dont think Tinas gonna flip out on you or anything do you?”

“God, I hope not. I dont think I could tell her that I slept with someone elseagain.

Look, Im not trying to stir the pot, but maybe you should think about telling her. At least all the cards are on the table and if you actually do get back together, its something that you wont have to rehash during a reconciliation.

Hmm? I guess that makes sense, Bette agreed, but Im still not sure.

Bette and James talked back and forth, but could find no resolution and things were left they were theyd startedAt the end.

Back in LA
A few hours later, Sparta called and broke Tinas reverie by reminding her that she had a meeting at 2:00pm and needed to meet with Brody thirty minutes prior to go over the details. Although Tina wasnt ready to head back to the office, the meeting would be a welcomed distraction from her morning. One her way back to the office, Tina called Nya hoping she would take her call and at least give some restitution for the day.

Nya felt bad for refusing all of Tinas calls, so she allowed herself to be momentarily interrupted. Hi Tina, I cant talk right now. Ill call you later, Nya spoke before Tina could say anything.

Okay. Thatll be fine, Tina politely replied not knowing what else to say.

When Tina arrived at the office, Sparta had lunch waiting on Tinas desk and note telling her that whatever she was going through would pass. Tina smiled at the note and the lunch. Shes got a big heart, Tina said to herself and dug into her meal unaware of how hungry she was until she opened the container. When she was finished, Tina called and thanked Sparta for the lunch and the note.

Sparta, youre a doll and I really appreciate what you did for me, Tina felt a little better than she did earlier.

Youre welcome Tina and remember what I said, Im here for you. Now you better get ready for your meeting.

Thanks; its good to know I have someone in my corner.

Anytime.

Tina felt genuinely better and decided to get her feelings off her chest once and for all and used the remaining twenty minutes before meeting with Brody to pen them.

Dear Bette, I cant say I understand why you ended things or what I did to deserve you telling me over the phone, nor can I say Ive been one to understand much of anything you do or have done. I know the past months havent been easy, but there was plenty of opportunity to say what you said to my face. Yes, Im bitter and forgive me for that, but can you blame me? No, I thought not. And you want to know what hurts the most? I may have lost a really good friend because of it. I know I made love with you and that put a strange twist on things, but we talked about that and I thought we were in a really good place. A part of me even thought wed make it, but I suppose that was wishful thinking. Look, Im not going to drag this out and place blame, I know I did some things wrong, but Bette; I never slept with anyone else even when I could have. I think you have though, not that youll admit it anyway and thats not even important right now. Actually it is, but again, I doubt youd admit it. You know what, it doesnt matter. Were not together and you dont owe me an explanation, maybe had I thought about that sooner and I wouldnt have hurt the person whos done nothing but been nice to me. This whole experience has been one insane wake up call and I guess I should be grateful that we didnt bring a child into our mess. Well, thats about it. It we have nothing else, at least we did manage to restore our friendship.
Tina

Tina hit the send button without reading what shed said in case she rescinded her thoughts and decided against sending it. Tina still felt as if someone had stolen the stars and left her in complete darkness, so shes picked up the note Sparta left on her desk and held it to her chest.

I hope shes right. God knows I hope shes right!

Going home
The remaining day in New York was action packed instead of laid back as everyone hope and when Rayne, Bette and James concluded their work in New York and arrived at JFK, Rayne knew something was awry with James and Bette. They two had moved like robots during their business meeting and barely said a word the entire ride to the airport.

Okay, so will someone tell me whats going on? Rayne demanded with no forewarning.

Bette and James looked at each and made a face.

What are you talking about? Bette asked.

I didnt stutter, Rayne shot back. James will you tell me seeing as your girl is playing dumb.

James became immediately speechless and felt like a deer in the headlights. Uhumwhat do you mean? James peered at Bette.

Look, I covered your asses during the meeting when Bette acted as if she hadnt a clue what was going on and you didnt step in, and that cant happen again. Were a team. Always a team, do you two get that?

James nodded and Bette felt like a chastised five year old and felt compelled to speak up and defend both herself and James.

Im sorry Rayne, Bette spoke up. Its all my fault. I had a lot going on and James, being the great friend he is tried to comfort me, which put us both in an odd place, Bette feebly explained.

Fine, whatever, but next time Id like to know whats going on before Im blindsided in a meeting. Its not how I conduct business and frankly Bette, I never pegged you for the kind who would allow yourself to be so completely distracted.

No one said another word until theyd cleared security and sat in the lounge waiting for their flight. Rayne was still pissed off and the sudden change of demeanor Bette and James were exhibiting and wanted to get to the bottom of it before they reached LA.

Bette can I talk to you alone for a minute?

Yeah, sure, Bette got up and followed Rayne.

Whats really going on here? Rayne put Bette on the spot.

Im sorry, I didnt mean to be out of it, the past couple of days have been a little much on me and it all kind of came to a head in a way I wasnt prepared for, Bette rambled.

And?

And, I guess it took more of a toll than I thought.

Cut to the chase Bette. This is me youre talking to, not Tina.

Thats not fair, Bette quickly rebutted.

I dont pretend to be fair Bette, but Im honest,” Rayne’s tone was curt and abrasive. “I told you then and Ill tell you again, Im cut and dry and Im not here to play games; so are you gonna tell me whats really going on or not?

Feeling like the weight of the world was about bury her, Bette reacted in the only way she knew how.

I left her. I ***** left her! Bette shrieked.