“Next to you of course” Rachel says affectionately “Kids are perceptive though. I have learned in my years as a therapist that kids are very intuitive and know more than you think.  In Carson’s case, he senses the connection you have and he sees how you react around Bette.  He knows that her presence makes you happy”

Tina nodded. “I do believe you are right. He asked me last week if Bette and I were going to be best friends again. I told him maybe, if we’re lucky”

“Smart answer.”

“I just don’t want him to get hurt if things don’t work out the way we hope. I keep reminding him that Bette may not want the same things as we do but we will be grateful to have her in our life anyway so I think he is ok with that”

“But you also don’t want to close the door on the possibility that things may work out the way you want them too.  My observation of Bette shows she is guarded but genuinely cares for you. But I am concerned that she may not get past her fear and because you are open and ready to receive her that will lead to your own heart break if it doesn’t happen”

“That’s the risk I took when I decided to move here.  She knows I’m all in. My heart is in her hands.  Break it if she must.  I vow to never hurt hers again”

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

Across town, Bette was having her own moment of reflection in her office. She’d sent the text to Tina that morning on impulse, driven by Carson’s excitement when he’d mentioned wanting to see the planetarium during their museum visit.

But offering to pick them up – that had come from somewhere deeper. The idea of Tina and Carson taking the subway to meet her seemed wrong somehow. Like she should be taking care of them.

The thought had scared her even as she typed it.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Jaylyn:

How are things going with Tina and Carson?

Bette smiled slightly. Jaylyn has been nothing but supportive in this journey of the reconnection she is sharing with Tina

Things are good. We’re taking it slow.