Tuomas comes to me and says: “Uhm… Tina, can I have a word with you?”

“Sure,” I say, waiting until he talks.

“I… I mean, just the two of us.”

“Why? I’m gonna tell Bette anyway.”

“Come on, just, please?”

I look at Bette and she shrugs. I go to the window, looking at Tuomas, who has followed me.

“What is it that Bette can’t hear?” I ask warily.

“Well, it’s just to make sure she doesn’t do stupid things. Look, there’s this guy, Eric. He says he knows you – you’ve talked after concerts.”

“I talked to so many people after the gigs.”

“I know. Anyway, he’s really… interested in you. He lives in my street and he’s constantly asking for your number. He thinks you two have a connection.”

“But I’m gay, and I’m with Bette, no way he could have missed that.”

“That’s what I tried to tell him. He says it doesn’t matter, he’ll convert you in no time. I tried to deal with him, but he won’t let go. I think it’s best you talk to him, clear things out. I didn’t wanna tell you in front of Bette because I know she’d freak out.”

“Yeah, I understand. I’ll take care of it, thanks.”

“No problem,” he smiles.

I go back to Bette, who frowns her eyebrows. “What was that about.”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t you nothing me, tell me.”

“Really, Bette. It’s nothing, just leave it, okay?”

“No, I wanna know!”

“Geez, grow up! Do I have to tell you everything?” I’m getting a bit annoyed.

“Since when do we have secrets for each other?”

“We don’t.”

“We have, if you won’t tell me.”

“It’s no big deal, really. Stop whining and act like the adult you are.”

“Fine. If you don’t trust me, we might as well end it here and now.”

“What? Bette, what are you doing?” I ask as she puts her guitar away and storms out. What the hell was all that about? Why does she react that way?

When I’ve composed myself, I run after her. I see her figure retreating around the corner; she forgot she came with Kit’s car. I get myself ready for a sprint and finally reach her, panting.