***
Tina had one more stop to make before she left for Taos: she needed to see her mother. Diane was waiting outside the building when Tina walked up.
Hi, am I late? Have you been waiting? Tina said.
No honey, Im early. It was a good excuse to get out and get some fresh air.
They walked to a nearby caf and sat down at a table. When the menu came, Tina realized she was too nervous to eat and she just ordered an iced tea. Her mother gave her a concerned look, but no comment, and ordered a salad for herself.
Im still getting over the fact that Bette is in Taos, Diane said. Its a surprising development.
Tina nodded. She stirred her tea and watched the ice cubes circle in the glass.
I dont know whats going to happen when I get there. Who knows, I might be back tonight.
Oh no, Diane said.
Well, it might happen, if things go badly between us.
No, you shouldnt drive back here, especially if youre upset. Get a room and call me. Ill pay for it.
Tina couldnt help smiling. Spoken like a true mother.
Diane smiled at her daughter and nodded to acknowledge the accuracy of the description. They were quiet for a moment, and then Diane spoke.
Honey, do you want my opinion?
Yes.
I think youre doing the right thing.
You do? Tina said quickly.
Yes, if you dont go, youll wonder what wouldve happened if I went? You will at least put that question to rest. Besides, Bette couldve gone anywhere, but she chose to come to New Mexico. I think it shows her intent. Yet, shes kept a respectful distance, just in case you didnt want to see her.
Tina was listening intently to her mother. Would you have gone to see Dad if hed asked you?
At the time? In a heartbeat. But that wasnt the case. Your father left because thats what he wanted to do. It was a one-way trip for him. Honestly, it took me years to accept that, but once I did we were all better off. Diane sighed, momentarily spent from airing this truth.
Its a different situation for you and Bette. Infidelity Diane waved her hand in the air. Tina winced slightly at the word. Diane was looking away and didnt see her daughters expression.
Well, obviously, she isnt abandoning you. She wants to see you – make amends. Youre meeting her halfway, thats fine. Diane was aware that she was on the verge of saying too much, and heading into a place where she would find herself verbally stranded. She reached for a roll. The waiter arrived with her salad. When he left, Diane said:
If it doesnt go well. Come back, re-group and and you can take me on a road trip to LA.
What?
Sure, just because I let you drive here alone, doesnt mean Im going to let you drive back there alone. No, no. Especially if youre starting over when you get there.
Tina was a little surprised by all her mother had just said. Um I think youre getting a little ahead of yourself, but I appreciate your offer.
A short while later they finished their lunch and Diane walked Tina to her car. Each woman was reluctant to begin the goodbyes. Diane sighed, Oh dear, this is hard. Tina agreed and started to tear up. They hugged each other. Im going to miss you honey, Diane struggled to say. Me too, Im going to miss you Mom. Youve helped me so much, thank you.
They dropped their arms and Diane opened her purse to find a tissue. She handed one to Tina and kept one for herself. Uhhh, I feel like youre going off to college again.
Yeah, Tina smiled.
Diane sighed. She looked at her daughter. But this is different, isnt it? Youre a mature, intelligent woman now. You have life experience behind you.
Tina shrugged, For what its worth.
Diane took her hand. Its worth a lot and its going to help you make the right choices. Now go, and trust yourself.
They hugged again. I love you.
I love you too.
After a few moments, Tina pulled away slowly and got in the car. She rolled down the window.
Of course, I will be thinking about you and wondering, so if you have a minute to call, I wouldnt mind. Diane said.
Tina smiled and nodded. Ill have a minute. Bye, Mom.
Bye, sweetheart.
As Tina drove away, Diane waved and blew her a kiss.

***
two hours later

Bette waited in the lobby. Her patience, or lack thereof, had truly been tested here. She had spent a good part of the last few days waiting for the phone to ring and this morning it had nearly frayed her last nerve. Now, here she was, waiting for Tina to arrive. It was the big pay-off for all the earlier waiting.
Bette saw the car pull up and her stomach knotted again. She put her right hand on it and took a deep breath. People passed her in the lobby but her gaze was fixed on the space just above that black car. Tina stepped out and entered the space. Bette saw her in profile. A breeze blew her hair back gently from her face. Her lips were parted slightly. Bette swallowed hard; Shes lovely.
Tina turned and looked towards the front door but the glare on the glass prevented her from seeing inside. Bette didnt know this though, and when she saw Tina facing her she gave her a warm and very sincere smile.
Tina handed the keys to the attendant and hesitated a moment to think about her bag in the trunk. She decided it could wait. She walked around the car, took one last deep breath and opened the front door of the hotel.