“I’m proud of you,” Bette said suddenly.

Tina blinked, caught off guard. “Proud?”

“Yes,” Bette said. “You’ve built something here—independent of me. I see that now”

Tina’s smile softened. As their conversation continued and they moved on to Carson

“He’s so smart,” Bette said, “but so were you. You were going to be valedictorian—until someone took that spot.”

Tina narrowed her eyes. “By two tenths of point, Bette. That’s all you beat me by. Two tenths”

They laughed again, letting the fond memories guide them and the years between them folding in on themselves.

Two slices of cheesecake later and three cups of coffee each, Tina finally glanced at the clock. “I need to get Carson.”

She stood, pulling her coat on. “Thank you—for the coffee, the cheesecake… and for coming to Carson’s project today. It meant a lot to him. And to me.”

Bette rose with her, something easing in her chest. She stepped forward and hugged Tina, the warmth of her settling like an anchor. “Thank you for being patient with me.”

Tina’s voice was soft against her ear. “Always.”

They stepped out into the cool air side by side, walking together until their paths split, both knowing something had shifted—just enough to make the next step possible.

Tina watched as Bette disappeared headed in the opposite direction and wrapped her scarf a little tighter before she began walking toward the school—just a few blocks—since she and Bette had walked over from Carson’s science project.

She found herself replaying pieces of their conversation—Bette’s halting apology, the nervous way she’d asked if they could have coffee, and the warmth in her eyes when she’d said, I want to make it up to you. Tina could still feel the echo of that hug.

When she turned the corner toward the school, she spotted Rachel leaning casually against the pillar in front of the school, travel mug in one hand, watching the trickle of parents arrive.

“Hey” Tina called with a smile as she approached.

Rachel looked up, returning the smile. “Hey.  Where are you coming from”

“Coffee shop a few blocks down” Tina said, nodding. “Bette and I walked from the science fair earlier”

Rachel’s eyebrows rose slightly, a spark of curiosity in her gaze. “Bette and you, huh?”

Tina’s lips curved almost involuntarily. “She… asked me to have coffee with her after the presentations. Just us.”

Rachel’s interest sharpened. “That’s huge Tina since she had cancelled lunch”

“It is,” Tina admitted, the weight of it settling warmly in her chest. “She was honest about why she canceled lunch. She told me about something a client said that triggered her fears. She didn’t try to cover it up or push me away—just… told me.”

Rachel straightened a little, a note of conviction in her voice. “Tina, that’s significant. For Bette to be that open? It means she’s starting to trust you with the hard stuff. She’s learning you’re not going to run when she shows you her fears.”

Tina’s throat tightened. “I just want to be with her, Rachel. I’ve missed her so much. And if that means meeting her exactly where she’s at, however she wants me in her life, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Rachel reached out, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll happen. Just keep being present. If she’s taking steps, even small ones, she’s moving toward you. And Bette Porter doesn’t take steps for just anyone.”

Tina smiled, eyes glistening. “You’re right.”

The sound of laughter pulled their attention toward the school doors. Carson and Emma emerged together, their backpacks bouncing as they waved enthusiastically.

“There are our scientists,” Rachel said with a grin.  “We’ll talk more later and if you need me call me ok” Rachel said with knowing eyes

Tina smiled grateful for Rachel and her friendship “Thanks Rachel”

Rachel nods and heads towards Emma as Carson bounded up to Tina, immediately launching into a rapid-fire recap of the volcano demonstration, complete with hand gestures. Tina laughed, listening, but her mind still held the quiet, unshakable echo of Rachel’s words—Better Porter doesn’t take steps for just anyone-like she had already analyzed her in their brief introduction and from things Tina has told her but Rachel being a therapist was trained to see those things. But Bette was taking those steps for her and knowing that made everything  worth it.