Carson’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“Really.”

As they moved through the museum, Tina hung back slightly, letting Bette and Carson take the lead. She watched Bette explain the exhibits, answer Carson’s endless questions, and share facts that made his face light up with wonder. There was no artifice here, no careful boundaries. With Carson, Bette was completely herself.

“Your wife seems nice,” a voice said beside her. Tina turned to see a woman about her age with kind eyes and a warm smile.

“I’m sorry?”

“Your family,” the woman gestured toward Bette and Carson, who were deep in discussion about pack hunting behaviors. “It’s sweet watching them together.”

“Oh, we’re not…” Tina started, then stopped. How to explain? “We aren’t married. She’s a friend. A good friend.”

“I’m Rachel Martinez,” the woman said, extending her hand. “My daughter Emma is here somewhere with my Mom. She’s in Carson’s class at P.S. 290.”

“Emma! Yes, Carson talks about her all the time. I’m Tina Kennard.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Emma says Carson is one of the nicest kids in their class.”

They chatted easily while keeping an eye on their children and Bette, who was now showing Carson how to identify different types of teeth in the fossil displays.

“She’s really good with him,” Rachel observed.

“She is. She’s been wonderful since we moved here.”

“Have you been in New York long?”

“Just over a month. We moved from California.”

“That’s a big change. What brought you here?”

Tina hesitated, then gave the simple answer. “A fresh start. Sometimes you need to be brave enough to change everything.”

“I understand that. I moved here from Boston two years ago after my divorce. Starting over is scary but liberating.”

Something about Rachel’s easy acceptance made Tina feel comfortable in a way she hadn’t with anyone since leaving California. They exchanged numbers, made tentative plans to meet for coffee, and by the time their museum visit was over, Tina felt like she’d made a real friend.

“That was amazing!” Carson announced as they prepared to leave. “Bette, did you know that some dinosaurs could swim?”

“I did know that. You’re getting to be quite the expert.”

“Can we come back sometime?”

Bette glanced at Tina, who nodded encouragingly. “I’d like that. Maybe in a few weeks?”