Previously in a hotel room in Taos:

Tina smiled again. An easy, natural smile that felt as good to show, as it was to see. Suddenly Tina felt some energy, some particles charging in the space between them. Bette felt it too. She smiled back and met Tinas eyes. Part of her relaxed and part of herBettes cheeks flushed and she looked down at the ground.
Tina saw the color come into Bettes face and she knew something was stirring in her. She couldnt address it. She looked down at her bag. Uh I guess Ill find a spot for this and
Oh, let me make some room. Bette rushed to the dresser to clear a spot. She stood back to allow Tina plenty of room to pass her.
You know, I havent used any of my spa services today, so maybe Ill just change and go downstairs and you can shower and relax a little. Ill come back in an hour or so?
OK, sounds good.
Bette gathered some clothes quickly and went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She leaned back against it. This is going to be interesting, she thought.
On the other side of the door, Tina was thinking about energy and feelings and decisions and wondering where it was all going to lead them.

Driving – Chapter 24

Bette paused before the door of her room and leaned forward to listen for any sound coming from inside. It was silent. She knocked softly then put the key into the lock and turned it. Bette was trying to be respectful of Tinas privacy and she was glad that this hotel still used a system of locks and keys. She pushed open the door slowly and peered inside, but all was quiet.
Tina?
No response.
The shower wasnt running and the TV wasnt on. Bette walked into the room and closed the door behind her. She walked toward the bed but before it came into full view she saw Tinas feet. She peered around the wall and saw Tina sound asleep on the bed. Shes wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Her hair is still slightly wet from her shower. Her breathing is deep and steady and her face is tranquil.
Bette smiles. She gazes at Tinas face and longs to touch it. At another time, she might have curled up next to Tina, nuzzling her neck and wrapping her arm around her stomach. Instead, Bette stands next to the bed, conflicted about what to do. She is afraid that Tina will awaken and find her there and become angry. Yet, it feels wrong to wake her. Bette is paralyzed by indecision and by the pleasure of watching Tina sleep.
At last Bette decides to go in the shower and hopes that the noise will cause Tina to stir. It does. Tina wakes up slowly; surprised that she has fallen asleep in the first place. In her groggy state she is momentarily confused about where she is, and about the sound of the shower. Then she remembers and realizes that it must be Bette in the shower and that she must have seen her asleep when she came in.
Oh, ***** it, she thinks. So what?
Tina gets up off the bed and grabs a bottle of water from the dresser and walks around to the sliding glass doors. She opens one and steps out onto the balcony. There are still some people sitting around the pool below. The water looks very inviting and Tina thinks that tomorrow shell go for a swim, or maybe theyll go together. She sits down and props her tired feet on the railing and looks across at the hillside. She is only there a few minutes when there is a knock at the door. Tina stands up to answer it, but Bette is already there and opening the door.
Hi, heres the extra bed you requested, the bellhop says with a smile.
Bette is shaking her head, I didnt
I did, Tina says through the screen. I called the front desk while you were out, just to save time.
Oh, Bette says, trying to hide her disappointment.
Tina slides the screen door open. Just put it over there, please, she says, motioning to her left. Thanks a lot.
Bette closes the door after the bellhop exits. She musters a half smile and looks toward Tina.
Ill sleep on this, Tina says.
No, no, I will, Bette says emphatically.
Youre back wont like it.
Bette shrugs. Not just my back, she thinks. She says: Ill be fine.