Shes a ***** fool, TK Greg declared right before he downed another tequila shot I mean, what the ***** was she thinking?

She wasnt Tina ran her finger around the label of an empty beer bottle in her hand There was a lot of other stuff going on with her job, with us

That doesnt excuse what she did Greg dismissed the response, his voice getting louder.

Given Gregs past history Tina barely resisted making a comment that had something to do with a pot and kettle and which was the darkest shade of black.

It was a mistake, shes sorry and weve put it behind us Tina replied nonchalantly.

Just like that, huh?

Yeah Tina replied looking up at Greg.

Shes not worthy of you Greg said.

You dont know her Tina looked down at her bottle again.

I know that you deserve better Greg said. Tina looked up and saw there was no jest in his expression She slept with another woman, you dont deserve to be treated that way

Tina placed the beer bottle gently on the table. Looking at the collection of empty glasses and bottles before her she knew exactly why shed disclosed the details of Bettes affair to someone she shouldnt have. She knew Bette would be furious if she found out that Greg knew. While the alcohol that loosened her tongue still coursed through her veins she wished the words could be taken back.

Have you ever regretted it? Greg asked as he leaned back against the padded vinyl booth and crossed his arms.

Regretted what?

The whole ***** thing Greg clarified Have you ever considered changing back?

Tina looked at her friend, trying to ascertain the nature of his question. She picked up a cardboard coaster from the table and proceeded to slowly shred it.

Why? Tina smiled wryly Are you offering She tossed a strip of the brightly colored coaster across the table, it fell on Gregs navy cotton shirt. Tina hoped that Greg would follow her lead and lighten the mood. He looked down and picked up the piece of cardboard between forefinger and thumb, inspecting it.

He looked thoughtfully across the table What if I was?

Tinas heart skipped a beat as she realized the implications of this unexpected turn in their conversation.

I think your fiance would have a problem with that Tina replied evenly.

This isnt about her Greg countered.

Its absolutely about her Tina warned.

Were in nowheresville New Zealand, Tina Greg replied Every second person we meet mistakes us for a couple anyway

If youre after ***** Im sure someone around here will help you out Tina countered.

Im sure youre right Greg answered fixing Tina with his intense gaze But you havent answered the question

Because its pointless

No Greg answered It makes you uncomfortable

Why are you doing this? Tina asked as she searched for a graceful way out of the topic.

Because I can

No, you cant. You cant keep playing these games. Theres a woman back in LA who loves you, dont mess that up She cautioned.

I cant do it Greg shook his head.

Do what?

Marry her

Why not?

Greg just shook his head as his eyes dropped to the table.

Whats going on? Tina asked.

Greg looked across to the empty bar and motioned for the barman to pour another round FuckI just dont love her enough for it to be for the rest of our lives

How long have you felt like this?

The barman discreetly placed another two tequila shots on the table and walked away.

Long enough to know it would be a mistake to marry her

Tina leaned back against the booth and looked wistfully at her friend. Bette was right to be concerned, Greg was in trouble. She watched as he downed his shot and placed the empty glass heavily on the wooden table.

Youre sure? Tina asked.

Are you going to drink that Greg nodded at the second shot of tequila.

Go ahead Tina offered as her heart began to beat a little faster. She watched as Greg downed the second shot. Having ignored her instincts up until this point Tina began to wonder if that had been such a good idea.

Theres someone else Greg blurted out before he lost his nerve.

Tina looked away, her heart now racing, she knew theyd gone too far down this track for her to back out now.

And youre in love with thisother woman? She asked.

Greg nodded Shes perfect.

And she feels the same about you? Tina asked, swallowing hard as she waited for the response.

Im not sure Greg admitted.

She knows how you feel?

She does now He answered before smiling self-consciously at the blonde before him.

Tina felt the blood drain from her face as her suspicion was confirmed, her part in Gregs situation was realized. She shook her head slowly.

Greg, come on Tina said quietly You cant be

Your first day back at Alphaville Greg interjected, desperate to rationalize, to make Tina see the facts as he saw them It didnt take a rocket scientist to see that things hadnt gone according to plan. There was no mention of a child and your ring finger was bare. I couldnt believe my luck.

Im still with Bette Tina tried to explain.

She cheated on you, she went out and fucked another woman The distain in Gregs voice was unmistakable Jesus, Id never do that to you. Why the ***** would you stay with someone who treats you like that? Youre smarter than that, Tina

I love Bette Tina replied as she grappled for the right words Jesus, Greg, whatever you want isnt going to happen. Im sorry

Cast your mind back for just a minute Greg pleaded, he wasnt willing to hear what Tina was saying Didnt Maui mean anything to you?

Tina blushed slightly at the question Of course it did She admitted quietly. Her mind instantly crossed back to a time when shed broken her own promise to never let the roguish Greg Coulton into her heart or her bed.

Greg allowed himself a little hope with Tinas confession.

But it never would have worked Tina shook off the memory You never wouldve stayed with me

You never gave me the chance, Tina

Id watched you bed your conquests for years. As soon as they were devoted youd lose interest. I swore Id never let myself become one of them

You were never like them Greg assured You were different

Not really Tina shook her head.

Did I treat you that way?

Tina frowned We were only together for

Did I treat you that way? Greg repeated a little louder.

No Tina replied quietly, unexpectedly ashamed of her actions.

I was already hooked, Tina Greg confessed I just wish you wouldve given me a chance to show you

Gregit was years ago Tina said quietly Its the past

They both looked toward the entrance as a late night patron walked in to the otherwise empty bar. He greeted the barman by name as he sat down and lit a cigarette.

Come on Tina said as she began to gather her belongings I think weve both had more than enough

So thats it? Greg sighed.

What do you want me to do? Tina asked a little frustrated.

Well its not like youve spent two minutes considering what couldve been if you hadnt shut yourself off to the possibilities

Ive been in a committed relationship for 8 years Tina said I love my partner

A woman who sleeps around behind your back Greg scoffed.

Greg, stop Tina said, putting her hand up You have no right to talk about Bette like that. You dont know her.

I know she hurt you and shell do it again if you let her

Thats enough! Tina warned standing up abruptly I understand that youve got doubts about your wedding. But Im not gonna sit here and listen to you pass judgment on Bette or our relationship. She strode away from Greg.

TK He called out but Tina only quickened her pace Tina!

Greg hurriedly made his way after Tina as she left the bar and walked briskly down the empty street towards their motel.

Tina, wait Greg pleaded as he took hold of Tinas arm and turned her around.

Tina glared angrily at her friend What happened in Maui was years ago, its in the past, you need to let it go Tina fought to keep her voice steady, to control the rage that burned within her Im committed to Bette, I love her

How can you?

OK, thats the tequila talking In an effort to salvage the remnants of their friendship she dismissed the comment.

She cheated on you Greg persisted.

It doesnt matter how many times you say it Tina was adamant I love her regardless

Greg stepped closer but Tina pressed her palm firmly into his chest, preventing him from getting any closer.

Go to bed, sleep it off She said quietly, her eyes focused on how small her own hand looked against the bulk of Gregs leather jacket. Without another word she turned and headed for her room.

TBC