“In New York.”

“In New York.”

Carson looked up from his homework, clearly trying to gauge from Tina’s expression how the conversation was going. She gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

“Why?” Bette’s voice was quieter now. “Why New York?”

This was the question Tina had been dreading and anticipating in equal measure. The honest answer was too much, too soon. But anything less than honest would be starting them off on the wrong foot.

“Because this is where you are,” she said simply.

Another silence. Then: “Tina…”

“I know. I know this is a lot. I know you didn’t ask for this, and I know you’re probably thinking I’m the same person who makes decisions based on emotion instead of logic. But Bette, I’m not asking you for anything except maybe coffee. Maybe a chance to talk.”

“You moved across the country for coffee?”

“I moved across the country for possibility.”

Tina could hear Bette’s breath on the other end of the line, could almost picture her in her office, probably running her hands through her hair the way she always did when she was processing something difficult.

“This is…” Bette started, then stopped. “I can’t… I need to think about this.”

“Of course you do. I’m not asking you to decide anything right now.”

“You’re asking me to decide everything right now.”

“No, I’m asking you to have coffee with me. That’s all.”

“That’s not all, and you know it.”

Tina closed her eyes. This wasn’t going the way she’d hoped, but it also wasn’t going as badly as she’d feared. Bette was still talking to her, which was something.

“Can I ask you something?” Bette said.

“Anything.”

“What happens if I say no to coffee? What happens if I tell you that this was a mistake, that you should have stayed in California?”

The question hit like a physical blow, but Tina forced herself to answer honestly.

“Then Carson and I build a life here anyway. We make friends, we find our place, we’re happy. Because Bette, even if you don’t want to be part of our lives, this move wasn’t just about you. It was about me finally being brave enough to choose what I want instead of what’s safe.”