After having stopped off at the front desk of the hotel to get a second set of keys sent up to Tina and then the florist, Bette, as usual, was the first to arrive at the gallery. She made her way back to her office while turning the lights on in each room. As she stepped in to her office, she could not believe how much had happened since the last time that she had been here. It felt like years had passed and was finding it slightly difficult to digest all of the thoughts and feelings coursing through her.

She sat at her desk and while waiting for her computer to start up, allowed herself to think about Tina. The Tina that had walked into this gallery just days ago, was a very different Tina that she had left just moments ago. The terrified and wounded woman that had stood in front of her on Saturday had been replaced by a self-assured and confidant person, sure of what she wanted and sure of how to secure it.

As for Bette, she knew that she was still scared. Scared to fully allow herself to commit to the process needed to bring them back together, but at the same time, knowing that she was going to have to deal with that fear, and not allow it to interfere with their efforts to work things out.

I wish I knew why I was so scared, I mean, this is Tina that we are talking about she said to herself. Actually, in thinking about it, she knew the answer to her own question. It had nearly killed her to get to where she was now and the thought of Tina changing her mind and then rejecting Bette one final time, would simply be too much for her to handle.

It was comforting to know that Tina wanted her back like she did and that she was confidant that they could get everything back, but Bette also knew that she was not giving the same 100% that Tina was. That is what I need to work on she muttered aloud, that, and dealing with my own insecurities and fear.

She heard the front door open and James yell out, Hey, its me.

He walked back to her office, lightly knocking on the door. Bette looked up from her computer and said Hey, good morning.

Good morning he responded, all the while, just looking at Bette.

What? she asked.

How are you doing? he timidly asked.

Ah, you mean Tina, huh?

Yeah, I mean, that was her here at the gallery on Saturday, wasnt it? I mean, Im not imagining things am I?

Yes that was her here at the gallery on Saturday and so no, you are not imagining things smiled Bette.

Uh, so, back to my original question, how are you?

Im ok, actually. Needless to say, quite shocked at seeing her here, but we are going to try and work through things.

Wow! Thats great! Im really happy for you Bette. I hope that yall are able to figure things out, I mean, assuming thats what you want he added.

Bette just looked at him, ignoring the last part of his comment and said, Thanks James, I really appreciate all of the support.

Of course, not a problem. Is she still here, Tina I mean?

Yes she is. She is actually going to stay with me until this commitment is up. Neither of us believes that we would be able to make much progress on our relationship if we were to do it while residing on two different coasts.

Makes sense said James.

Actually, that reminds me said Bette. Tina needs to fly back to LA in the very near future to take care of some things and I told her that she should call you when she knows what that time is so that you can help her with the flight arrangements. I hope thats ok.

Sure, I would be more than happy to help her out. Just have her call me and I will take care of everything he said while smiling at Bette.

Thanks again, James said Bette, returning the smile.

As James eased himself out of Bettes office, he could not help but be happy for her. He had seen the Bette that existed without Tina in her life and knew that that was not the person that she was designed to be. He knew how much pain she had been in, no matter how much she had tried to hide it, and hoped that their attempt at a reconciliation would be successful.

He returned to his desk and began to tackle the Monday morning tasks that had built up over the weekend.

The morning passed by relatively quietly. The ringing of the phone pulled James out of the spreadsheet that he was working on.

The Peabody Gallery he said into the phone.

James? asked Tina.

Tina? he surprisingly asked. It had been so long since he had heard her voice and yet, it seemed like just yesterday that he was taking a call from her.

Yep, its me came her reply.

Oh my God, it is so good to hear your voice he excitedly said.

Thanks James said Tina while smiling into the phone.

I guess a welcome to New York is in order, huh?

Well, I guess so she said.

Im really glad youre here Tina he said, neither needing to ask or explain what was meant.

Yeah, I know…it was time was all she said.

Well James started, lightening things up a bit. I guess that you didnt call to talk to me now did you?

Well, actually no said Tina while laughing, but it is good to talk to you as well.

Hold on, Ill get her for you he said.

Thanks again James, for everything.

Not a problem, hold on.

After just a moment, Tina heard the line being picked up.

T? said Bette into the phone.

Hey baby she said. How are you doing?

Just fine thanks, and you?

Honestly? I dont think that I could be any happier she said to Bette.

And why is that? asked Bette, knowing the answer.

Well, the most beautiful woman in the world just sent me flowers and asked me to lunch she said, all the while continuing to smile.

Really? said Bette, playing along.

Yep, she did. And did I mention that she gave me a set of keys to her apartment?

You know, I dont think you did chuckled Bette.

Baby, I just dont know what to say. The flowers are amazing, the card beautiful and the keys, well, like I said, I just dont know what to say she repeated.

Im glad that you liked it T said Bette smiling, pleased to have made Tina so happy.

Liked is an understatement said Tina, but, I think that you get the idea.

Bette laughed and said, Yeah T, I get the idea.

And I almost forgot added Tina quickly. About that lunch invitation from the most beautiful woman in the world

Yes? asked Bette.

I would be honored to have lunch with you she softly said.

Bette sat at her desk, smiling like a teen in love for the first time and simply said, Im glad to hear that T.

So noon? asked Tina, knowing that Bette was smiling.

If that works for you.

Of course it does, baby. Im not the one at work and so if that time works with your schedule, than it is fine for me.

T said Bette seriously. It is not all about my schedule any longer. Things have to work for both of us, regardless of what it is. We are equals in this and have to act accordingly, right?

Yes, you are right, baby Tina acknowledged. So, I will see you around noon?

Yep, you remember the way here?

Do I remember the way to you? asked Tina incredulously. Baby, that is one thing that I can honestly say that I will never forget.

Good bye T Bette chuckled while hanging up the phone.

Bye baby said Tina.