“I see. The truth is, Bette, it’s probably better for her to be in that program, instead of with us, because, well…” Tina trailed off.

“What is it?”

Tina sighed and picked up her wine glass before taking a veritable gulp. “Nevermind. Open your present.” She handed Bette a long, thin box.

Bette thought about pressing for an explanation, but decided against it. “Alright,” she grinned at Tina. She opened the box to find a beautiful scarf of delicate painted silk. Bette recognized the artistry of it immediately. “Is this a Yamisu?”

“One of a kind.”

“I love it! It’s beautiful, T. Thank you.”

They kissed and Bette excitedly handed Tina the box she had been saving. Tina read the card and gave Bette a sweet smile, then took off the ribbon and opened it.

“Oh,” she gasped. “Bette…”

She lifted a diamond and emerald bracelet out of the box and held it up to the light.

“It’s a vintage design,” Bette said excitedly. “It’s from the 1920s. When I saw it, I knew I had to get it for you.”

“It’s beautiful, but I…” Tina’s eyes were filling with tears. “I can’t accept this. You have to give it back.”

“What? Why?”

“I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you this, but I thought I would wait until after Christmas…”

“Tell me what?” Bette asked, gently swiping the back of her fingers across Tina’s cheek to brush away a tear that had escaped.

“My job,” Tina said miserably. “You know how the studio lost millions this year? Well… they told me I could stay, but at a reduced salary.”

“How much ‘reduced’?

“Our salaries combined will cover the house and Angie’s tuition and not much else. We’re going to have to cut back, and cut back a lot. I can’t quit until I can redeem myself with a few successful films. The last two flops with my name attached are a major dent to my reputation. No other major studio would hire me right now.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”