Across town, Bette was staring at her phone, reading Tina’s response for the third time. She’d been doing this all week – finding excuses to text about Carson, looking forward to Tina’s replies more than she probably should.

“You’re distracted,” her colleague James observed, settling into the chair across from her desk. “Client meeting in ten minutes, and you’re staring at your phone like a teenager.”

“Just checking on something,” Bette said, quickly putting the phone away.

“Let me guess. Eight-year-old paleontologist?”

Bette had made the mistake of mentioning Carson once, and James had an annoyingly good memory. “His mom moved here from California. I’m just… helping them adjust.”

“Uh-huh. And this has nothing to do with the fact that you’ve been actually leaving the office at reasonable hours lately?”

“I have not.”

“You left at seven yesterday. Seven, Bette. I’ve never seen you leave before nine.”

It was true, though Bette wasn’t ready to examine why. She’d been making excuses to leave earlier, telling herself it was just being a good friend, making sure Carson was settling in okay. The fact that she looked forward to their brief conversations, that she found herself thinking about Tina’s smile during boring depositions, was something she wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

“The Phillips case files are ready for review,” she said, changing the subject. “And I need to reschedule the Henderson deposition.”

“Whatever you say. But Bette? For what it’s worth, you seem… lighter lately. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

After James left, Bette found herself staring at her phone again. She’d promised Carson a trip to the Natural History Museum, and she genuinely wanted to follow through. It had nothing to do with wanting to spend time with Tina. Nothing at all.

She typed out a text: Are you free this Saturday? I owe Carson a dinosaur expedition.

The response came quickly: He would love that! Should I pack snacks for the expedition team?

Bette smiled despite herself. That sounds perfect. Meet you there at 10

We’ll be there. Thank you for remembering.

I always keep my promises.

The words sat on her screen for a moment before she hit send, carrying more weight than a simple text about museum plans.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That evening, Tina was helping Carson with his science homework when her phone rang. Carson’s face lit up when he saw the caller ID.