“Can I come in?”

“Hey.”

She looked at me.  A trace of bewilderment flickered across her beautiful features.  My presence has caught her by surprise.  Of course it would.  After what happened between us a touch of discomfort was to be expected.

“Kit and Angie – they’re not going to be back from Anaheim for a couple of hours.”

I knew that. 

“I came early.  I hope you don’t mind.”

For a second more, the puzzled look remained then vanished while the stoic part of her pushed to the fore.

“No.  It’s fine.”

She walked to the stove.  Dropping what she cupped in her hands to join the rest she stirred the ingredients that made the kitchen smell so wonderful. 

Bette laughed when I curiously looked around to confirm whether there was a dinner being planned. 

“It looks fancy."  I approached her space.  "What are you making?”

Stoic or not, Bette looked a little nervous. 

She held on to the stainless steel pan with her left hand and mixed the vegetables and chicken with her right.  Bette consciously reached for the noodles, quickly darting a glance my way.  I didn’t mean to make her feel uncomfortable.  If anything I wanted her to know I found what she was doing incredibly sexy.

Here she was.  The woman I slept with for almost eight years and I still found her alluring.  If possible, more so now than ever. 

It was for our daughter she told me.  She was preparing a meal for Angie.  Maybe it wasn’t just for our girl?

I had to ask. I had to mention her name.  To remind myself.  To announce that it wasn’t just the two of us anymore.

Another hasty glance was directed my way.  “Uh actually…no I taught myself.” 

“I sometimes cook for me and Angie when we’re alone.  Makes me feel like we’re a…”

She caught my eye and smiled at me, as only Bette could.  With her mouth curved, she hesitated just for an instant before saying the rest,  “…you know, like a family.  I enjoy it.”

I swallowed the emotion that threatened to overflow. 

My heart broke. 

Did she hear it?  In my head the shattering sound was overwhelming.  Maybe she couldn’t make it out because of the persistent sizzling in the background.