“So now you’re analyzing me?” Bette said a bit perturbed.

“Don’t get defensive Bette. All I’m asking is that you consider that maybe we’re not ready for a romantic involvement just yet. I’m not saying that we don’t have a chance. I really think we do. I just feel that with time you will be better able to recognize and appreciate what I bring to the relationship. I love the friendship and comfort we share. I hope we can build on that to a more intimate relationship. Maybe I’m taking a risk here but I want to be let in. I want to know all of you; body, heart, soul, spirit and mind. I need you to be in a place where you will trust me with all of you.”

“Emma I don’t understand. Are you saying you don’t want to be with me?”

“Sweetie I want to be with you more than anything. I don’t want you to ever doubt how attracted I am to you. You are a devastatingly beautiful, caring, lovely person. I would love nothing more than to date you, but knowing how hard I could fall for you … I just can’t put my heart on the line Bette. I’m being honest with you but more importantly real with myself. I think for me to get romantically involved with you so soon after your break-up with Tina would be asking for heartache.”

“I’m not a heartbreaker Emma. I would never hurt you like that. Besides, Tina didn’t waste any time moving on and finding someone new.”

“I know but I think she’ll come to regret her impulsiveness and her new relationship will suffer. Even though she initiated the break-up and you feel like she just flipped a switch on her feelings she can’t just break the connection she has with you without giving herself time. You may or may not be the love of her life but what she had with you is even more significant because you are the only female lover she’s ever been with. She’s going to be conflicted for a long time if she doesn’t process this, but regardless you both need closure with respect to your marriage.”

“We have that.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. We are finalizing the divorce.”