I look up from my food and meet Bette’s eyes. 

“Yeah, I um, it’s just a lot on my mind.” 

“I just noticed you aren’t eating much.”

“Do you think we should call Angie to see if she is ok?”

“I’m sure the last people she wants to talk to at the moment is us.”

“You’re right. I know she’s fine and she’ll eventually get over it.”

“I was thinking maybe later tonight we can grab a drink at Dana’s?”

“I could sure use a drink.” I smile at her.

——

Bette

I place the last earring in my ear before I look myself over in the mirror. I throw a coat over my shoulders and head towards the door. 

I arrive at Dana’s and enter inside. 

I look around in search of Tina. My eyes catch a glimpse of her, she is sitting at the bar.

Once I get closer I notice her attire. A simple short and breathable dark navy dress. 

I walk up to her and slowly and gently place my hand on her shoulder. “Hey.”

She jumps a little but I see her smile when she notices me.

I take a seat next to her.

“Did I have you waiting very long?” I ask her.

“No, I just showed up about 10 minutes ago.” 

I smile at her. “Did you want to get an actual table?” I say looking behind me at some empty tables.

“Sure.”

I stand to my feet. “After you.” I gesture to her to go ahead of me.

We grab a table by the window and both order a drink.

“So how’s Angie now?” I ask.

“She never really said much when she came back. But she’s ok.”

“Look, Tina. I understand we haven’t really gotten the chance to talk about ourselves.”

“I know I walked out on you that day and I told you to do better. And I never really gave you an explanation for the days I spent not talking to you.” 

“You don’t owe me an explanation. I know my mistakes.”

“This all started because of that night at the hospital.”

“What exactly are you saying?”

“You’ve been putting the blame on yourself and I’ve been allowing you to do that. But so many things need to change, Bette.”