Chapter 4

Shane was the first to jump up from her chair and wrap her arms tightly around Bette; she had missed the older woman immensely. A bright smile came across Danas lips.
Come sit down here woman. Alice sat patting the chair next to her. I thought you werent getting into town till Friday?
Change of plans. She looked around at all her friends they had come to see her occasionally in New York but it had not been enough. They had been like a drug that she couldnt live without she needed them in her system.
How was the flight home Bette? Jenny asked from across the table.
It was good, thanks. She smiled at the other woman but she couldnt help resenting her because she almost felt the she had taken her place in the group. I heard you got a story published that is amazing. Bette said being completely sincere.
Yeah its crazy. Jenny replied with a massive grin.
Enough about Jenny we know all about her we want to know about you. When did you get in? Alice interrupted.
Yesterday. Im staying in a hotel till my stuff gets here for the house.
I cant believe youre moving back home. Dana said. Its felt like something has been missing since you went away. She smiled at Bette who returned it.
Guys I would love to stay and catch up but Ive got a client in about an hour. Shane said disappointed. But hey come to radar tonight Bette.
I dont know.
I refuse to take no for an answer, Jen you want a ride.
Yeah that would be lovely thanks. Jenny hopped up. See you guys later. They all said there goodbyes and Bette, Alice and Dana were left alone.
So how is everything? Bette asked.
Shes good. Alice answered reading between the lines.
Have you spoken to her lately? Wondering if Tina had spoken to them about last night.
Well not since we told her that you were coming home. Dana chipped into the conversation.
How did she take it?
Well there was a whole load of denial, with a splash of confusion on the rocks of the love of my life is back in town. Alice said. And the couple could sense that Bette felt uncomfortable.
Um so radar tonight? Dana asked wanting to change the subject.
I dont know, will Tina be there?
Maybe but you cant hide from her forever. The blonde informed her.
Will she be there with that woman?
More than likely but being a couple they tend to go out places together, its this crazy thing thats starting to catch on.
I will see. Bette told them getting up. Im going to pop up the CAC, I might see you tonight.
They watched Bette walk out then looked at each other.
Does sarcasm just drip from every sentence? Dana asked.
Sarcasm is what I offer the group thats my section.
Ok babe. She kissed her on the head.
*****
Tina felt the music pulsate through her body as she felt other sweaty forms brush against her. She swayed to the music her hands running through her blonde hair, it was as though she was being possessed by the very rhythm. Women were coming to dance with her but she wasnt interested in any of them and continued by herself. The gang watched the usually reserved woman dance all with their mouths slightly open.
Is it me or does Tina look really hot tonight? Shane asked over the music.
Oh yeah. Said Alice.
Definitely. Jenny added.
Smoking. Dana finished and received a questioning look for the other girls. What? A moment later Tina was sitting with them, breathing a bit faster than usual.
Youre glowing tonightor is that just sweat? Alice enquired, Tina looked down at her glistening chest.
A little bit of both. She noticed Shane looking to the door for the seventh time. Who are you looking for?
Oh um no one.
Well that was just a big huge li She couldnt finish her sentence the last part of the word had got caught in her throat. Bette. In truth Bette was the reason she had dressed up tonight and she felt so alive and she hated that Bette made her feel this way.
They all turned around to see the brunette walk in, they watched as her eyes scanned for them, her gaze fell on Tina and it seemed for a moment she was going to leave but she took a breath and walked towards them.
Well fancy Bette showing up. Alice said throwing her hands in the air, Tina looked at them all.
You knew?
I invited her. Shane told her.
Hi. Bette sat down the opposite side from Tina.
So you came? Dana said trying to break the ice.
Yeah, thought Id get out of that hotel.
You want a hand moving you back in Friday because Im free? Jenny offered wanting to fill the silence.
I was going to ask you lot.
What? We didnt move you out of that place that long ago. Alice said with a sigh.
Oh Ill help it’ll give me a chance to show off my new raging biceps. Dana told them.
Yes sweetheart those are some raging arms you got there. They laughed at the pair and for that very second everything felt right again. Bette looked over to Tina and found her looking right back at her; the moment was ruined by Tinas phone ringing. She mouthed sorry as she moved to the bathroom for a little bit of quiet.
Well this isnt awkward at all. Alice joked.
Its just going to take time. Jenny shrugged.
Ill be back in a moment. Bette said getting up and heading of in the direction Tina had left with the group watching.
Ok when Tina comes out crying me and Dana will follow her and you two stay with Bette.”
******
Bye. Tina was about to walk back when she saw Bette coming towards her.
Can we talk? Bette asked.
Course. The blonde responded in a polite manner.
Its just we have the same friends, I know I dont deserve to ask this but I dont want things to feel like this between us.
I know, I dont them to feel they have to choose between us or anything.
Me neither.
But its going to take time, I mean its you Bette. You know how long I cried when you left?
I would have stayed if you had asked me to. Bette said taking a step forward and felt relief when Tina didnt step back.
I couldnt I needed you to go away, I needed that independence.
Im glad you got your life back Tina. Bette smiled as she began to walk back to their table but she stopped. Before when I said my home is where your standing, I didnt mean the house.
Tina was left there feeling like the air had been knocked out of her, quickly she shook her head. No she wouldnt let Bette have that effect on her. She was with Rachel now she had moved on. She cursed herself for still letting Bette have this result on her, but she couldnt turn it off she had tried, she had tried to hate her. But how could you hate someone that every part of you craves and loves, it would be like telling your body to stop breathing or blood to stop flowing. That was the problem; Bette was the air that she needed to breathe and the blood that ran through her veins.