I also think that sheer fatigue played a large role, too. It’s like I said before I was working so many hours that the time or energy for sex or anything else just was not there. After a while I think we just got used to not touching each other intimately and not having sex became a habit.

Well what about when the business got going and you weren’t working as much, Dr. Laurel asked.

By that time we really weren’t communicating and we were starting to sleep in different bedrooms. It just got out of hand. To be honest I haven’t had sex with Tina or anyone else in a long, long time.  It’s hard because I enjoy sex and I like to express my self and my love physically.

Tina, tell me your thoughts.

I agree with the majority of what Bette has said. Surprisingly her assessment is pretty dead on. I think the only thing that I would add is that when we would have sex I started to feel used afterward. I guess because of the emotional disconnect. I mean I think Bette just wanted to orgasm and it could have been with anyone. It didn’t necessarily have to be me and frankly, that hurt. I mean she was working a lot and tired a lot; but it seemed like Bette wasn’t even looking at me; I mean really looking at me when we had sex. She’s right when she says that I like an aggressive lover, but aggression does not mean devoid of love and tenderness. It got to the point that I didn’t want to have sex with Bette, which is a hard thing to admit because I still think that Bette is the most beautiful woman on the planet.

So Bette/Tina how do you fulfill that part of yourselves that needs intimacy?

To be honest Dr. Laurel, that part of me has simply gone un-fulfilled. I mean I fantasize about being loved and touched but the days continue to go by without my fantasies becoming a reality.

Tina?

I agree with Bette, I have to take what I can from all of my relationships, but I am still not satisfied or fulfilled in a way that makes me happy. (Turning toward Bette) Bette, I miss you; I miss being with you. I love you. (Thinking to herself.) I will never admit that I have had sex outside of our union. This is as close as it will get to me saying anything to Bette or anyone else. I simply will never tell her, of that I am certain.

We talk more about what we can do to improve our connection so that we can get the physical intimacy going and then Tina and I head for home.