Summary of the previous chapter: Bette and Tina individually reflect on what they want from their relationship.

When Bette comes out of her office for dinner, she asks Tina if she would like to go out for dinner. Tina is surprised, but happy that Bette has asked. Bette says that if it okay with Tina she would like to go somewhere casual, nothing fancy. It has been almost two weeks since Bette has gotten dressed up and she really hasnt missed those 3 inch heels.

They go to a small little Italian place near home where they have a casual meal while talking about benign subjects. Most of the conversation, actually, is Bette talking about Mona and the things she has learned about dog training.

Didnt you ever have a dog as a kid? Tina asks, surprised at what Bette considers new knowledge. She cant believe that she has never before asked this.

No. My father was adamantly opposed to animals living in the house. Did you?

Yeah, we had a Retriever puppy when I was born. I was so sad when he died, my dad went out the next day and bought me a basset hound. He died the year I went to college.

Im sorry.

I loved that dog, Tarheel, he was named, since we lived in Chapel Hill and all.
Tina continues to share with Bette some memories of her dog. She had forgotten about how it felt to have the love of a dog and tells Bette how grateful she is that Bette got Mona.

Why did we never do this before?

What?

Talk about getting a dog?

I dont know. I guess there are a lot of things that we never talked about.

Bette, dont get angry, but some of that was because you wouldnt talk about things.

I know. Tina, I realize that it was because of my faults that you sought comfort in the arms of another woman.

Bette, it wasnt your fault that I broke our vows. The fault is mine.

You wouldnt have broken the vows if I hadnt driven you to it.

How about we compromise and agree that we both made mistakes?

How do we fix this, Tina?

We fix it together, Bette. Weve done so much already. You talking and being honest with me about how you feel. That is a lot.

Finished with dinner, Bette asks Tina if she would like to go for a walk at the beach. They end up getting ice cream cones and finding an empty bench on which to sit.

So, did you mean it about me being honest and talking about my feelings? Bette asks. Im not good at this, Tina.

I know, baby. Can I ask why youve decided to do it?
I dont know. I guess Ive always had my walls because I did not want to be vulnerable. Seeing you with Helena made me realize that even with my walls I was vulnerable. You are the most important thing to me and I saw myself losing you. I knew I had to try something different because what I was doing sure as ***** wasnt working.

It sounds like youve been doing a lot of thinking. Is that what youve been doing all this time when youve disappeared into your office.

That is part of it. I needed time to think, to process. Can I ask you something, Tina?

Sure, baby.

Tell me about the affair.
What do you want to know?

All of it, why you did it, what was it like.

Are you sure you want to hear this.

I need to hear this Tina. I need to know because if I dont my imagination will create scenarios that are probably far worse than reality.

Okay. Its fair, you have the right to know. Can we do this at home?

Bette agrees. They go home, open a bottle of wine and sit at opposite ends of the couch, facing each other. Tina begins to talk.