“Yes!”

As they parted ways outside the museum, Bette surprised Tina by initiating their goodbye hug. It was still careful, still brief, but it was warmer than the awkward embrace from coffee.

“Thank you,” Tina said. “This meant a lot to him.”

“It meant a lot to me too. He’s a special kid, Tina.”

“He gets that from you, you know. The curiosity, the kindness. That’s all you.” Tina said knowing that was probably not the right thing to say but Carson was more like Bette than he was ever like Darren and Tina always noticed it.

Bette looked like she wanted to say something else, but instead just nodded. “I’ll text you about the next visit.”

“We’d love that.”

~~~~~~~~~~

That evening, as Carson showed Tina all the pamphlets and postcards he’d collected at the museum, her phone rang. Rachel’s name appeared on the screen.

“I hope it’s not too late to call,” Rachel said. “I just wanted to say how nice it was to meet you today.”

“It was nice to meet you too. Emma sounds like a wonderful friend for Carson.”

“She is. And I have to say, watching your friend with Carson today was really sweet. She clearly adores him.”

“She does. They have a special bond.”

“I don’t mean to pry but…” Rachel asked gently. “….You seemed a little careful around her.”

Tina found herself wanting to confide in this woman who seemed so understanding. “It’s very complicated. We have a lot of history.”

“The kind of history that makes starting over difficult?”

“Something like that.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, I could see how much she cares about you. Even when she was focused on Carson, she kept checking to make sure you were okay, that you were included.”

“She’s being very careful with me right now. I hurt her once, badly, and she’s protecting herself.”

“And you? How do you feel about her?” Rachel paused “Gosh. I’m so sorry..I’m so nosy..It’s the therapist in me.  You don’t have to answer.. It’s just I could sense sadness when we talked.  It’s just my intuition coming out”

Tina was quiet for a moment. “No it’s ok.  Actually I would like to” Tina replies and takes a breath “I’m in love with her. I have been for most of my life. But she needs time to trust me again, and I’m trying to be patient.”

“That sounds incredibly difficult.”

“It is. But she’s worth it.”

“Then I hope she figures out that you’re worth the risk too…and Tina I know we just met but if you would like to talk I’m available.  Free of charge of course.”

“Thank you.  I really appreciate that”

“Sure.  And I hope you are still up for coffee sometime.  Let me know”

“That sounds nice.  Thanks Rachel.  I’m really glad we met”

After they hung up, Tina sat in her quiet apartment, thinking about the day. It had been good – better than good. Carson was happy, Bette was slowly letting them into her life, and she’d made a friend who seemed to understand the complexities of starting over.

It wasn’t the passionate reunion she’d dreamed of when she moved to New York. But it was something more valuable: the slow, careful building of trust between two people-one who hurt the other deeply and the other trying to rebuild her shattered heart and together were learning how to grow and love each other again.

And for now, that was enough.