Previously…

Bette: That’s a savings
account I started for you and the baby. It’s enough to cover any expenses you
might have and then some. Those are the keys to the house. It’s yours. You love
that house – she’ll love it too. It’s somewhere that she deserves to be raised.
You make it a home Tina. Without you there, it’s just a house.

Tina now had a look of
shock and awe. Bette proceeded with her explanation.

Bette: Tina, I know that I
fucked up. I never meant to hurt you, embarrass you, or have you doubt me. I
know now that the bulk of the problems were ones that I created. I rarely, if
ever, put you or us first and that was my biggest mistake. Don’t get me wrong,
I love my job, but I love you more. I will always love you Tina. I hope that
one day, you will find it in your heart to forgive me and try to forget the
anguish that you endured because of my indiscretion. I look forward to the day
that you will allow me back into your life in whatever capacity you see fit.

By that point, Tina had
tears streaming down her face. Bette closed the distance between them, reached
up and whipped away Tina’s tears. She allowed her hand to rest on Tina’s cheek
as she stared intensely into Tina’s eyes. Bette Leaned in – her lips only
inches from Tina’s. Bette could feel Tina’s heart rate quickening and Tina’s
warm breath on her skin.

Bette: Thank you for
forgetting your earring at my gallery that night and coming to retrieve it from
my office the next day. It’s one of my fondest memories of us. (Long pause)
Tina, I will always love you.

Bette gently pressed her
lips against Tina’s and allowed them to linger. When Bette finally broke their
embrace, she whispered into Tina’s ear.

Bette: Congratulations.
You deserve it all.

Bette turned and walked
out the door leaving behind a stunned and breathless Tina standing alone in her
office.

Traffic along the 2 was
creeping along at a snail’s pace. Bette nervously tapped the steering wheel of
the Saab while glancing occasionally at the clock. Time was definitely not on
Her side today. It was already past noon and she still had a few more stops to
make in order for her master plan to come together. She decided to take
advantage of the lack of traffic movement and check in with James back at the
CAC. Bette was hoping that Franklin didn’t take his frustration over the grant
announcements out on James.