Tina and Bette had worked together all day in the kitchen preparing for tonight’s dinner with Rachel. Tina was so excited to finally have Bette and Rachel meeting for the first time. The day had been filled with laughter and soft gentle hugs. Bette couldn’t remember being this happy in a long time but maybe because her years since Tina left had been so hard she couldn’t help but feel like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Promptly at 7 the doorbell rang and Angelica ran to let their guest in. As soon as the door was open she jumped into Rachel’s arms and said, “Aunt Rachel I have missed you soooo much.” Kissing the child’s forehead Rachel replied, “Angie I have missed you sooooooo much too.” Laughing together she sat the child on her feet.

Noticing Tina standing quietly in front of a very feminine, beautiful, brunette she said, “Tina who is your other dinner guest?” Rachel was certain that Tina had never invited anyone else to attend their dinners together and therefore, she knew it must be someone very special to Tina. In fact, she didn’t ever remember meeting any of Tina’s past lovers.

“Rachel this is my girlfriend Bette Porter.”

“Bette this is my best friend Rachel Campbell.”

“It’s nice to meet you Rachel. Tina has told me so much about you. Tina is lucky to have a friend who loves her and Angie so much.”

“Bette it’s nice to meet you too although I must say I never knew Tina had a girlfriend. She certainly never mentioned anything about you.”

Bette cast a side glance at Tina and then looked down at her shoes. Tina quickly realized Bette felt uncomfortable and felt compelled to defend her.

“Rachel you know me, I am not one to tell everyone about my love life and Bette is a very private person too. I have known Bette for many years, she is my ex wife. We met up again almost three years ago and over time we have developed a relationship again. I am so glad two of the people I love most in the world finally get to meet each other. Come on in to the kitchen dinner is served.”