Bette was quiet for a long moment, her mind racing. The logical part of her said to stay in New York, to protect herself from more heartbreak. But the part of her that had loved Tina since they were children was already making the decision.

“I’ll come,” she said finally. “But Lauren, I need you to understand something. I’m not the same person I was ten years ago. I won’t let her hurt me again.”

“I understand, honey. And Bette? Thank you. You have no idea what this means to us.”

“I’ll fly out tomorrow. But I want to see you and Edwin first, before I see her. I need to know exactly what I’m walking into.”

“Of course. We’ll pick you up at the airport. And Bette? She’s going to be so relieved. Even if she doesn’t show it at first.”

After they hung up, Bette sat back down in her chair, her wine forgotten. She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found her assistant’s number.

“Gwen? I know it’s late, but I need you to clear my schedule for the next week. I have a family emergency I need to handle in California.”

The Next Day –Airport—Sacramento 

Bette spotted Lauren and Edwin immediately as she walked through the terminal. Lauren looked older, more tired than she remembered, and Edwin’s hair had gone completely gray. But their smiles were warm and genuine as they embraced her.

“You look wonderful, sweetheart,” Lauren said, holding her at arm’s length. “Success suits you.”

“You both look good too,” Bette replied, though she could see the strain in their faces. “How is she today?”

Edwin shook his head as they walked toward baggage claim. “Same. Carson tried to bring her some of her favorite cookies this morning, and she barely acknowledged him. It’s breaking all of our hearts.”

“And Darren? Has he tried to contact her?”

“He called once,” Lauren said, her voice hardening. “Edwin answered and told him he wasn’t welcome to speak to her or come near the house. The bastard actually had the nerve to sound surprised that we knew about Emily.”

“Emily?”

“His wife. His real wife, apparently. They’ve been married for thirteen years. Tina was just… God, I don’t even know what she was to him.”