“I am here to stay, Bette. Whatever happens between us, I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m starting to believe that.” Bette’s voice was quiet, guarded still, but there was something softer underneath. “So with that being said how about we have lunch, just you and me, this coming Friday”

Tina gasped as a smile slowly crept up on her face shocked at what she heard and restrained herself from asking Bette to repeat it fearing she would retract the offer.

“Yes of course.  That would be nice” she tried to sound neutral but currently her insides were churning with excitement

Carson looked up from his coloring. “Are we going to get to do this again?

“Yes” Tina said then looked at Bette “If that’s ok with you”

Bette looked away from Tina to Carson and smiled at him and Tina noticed she didn’t meet her eyes when she said, “I’d like that very much.”

Tina smiled even though she felt that maybe  Bette was panicking now that the invitation was out about lunch but she had no choice but to sit there and take whatever retribution came and she could tell Bette was conflicted

The conversation was now over, they prepared to leave, and Bette surprised them by suggesting they wait out the worst of the storm at her apartment. “It’s only a few blocks from here, and this rain isn’t letting up.”

Tina hesitated, not wanting to push, but Carson was already excited about the prospect. “Would that be okay?”

“I offered, didn’t I?” But there was something tight in Bette’s voice, like she was second-guessing the invitation even as she made it. Tina noticed again as she did earlier when Bette asked her to lunch.  She was about to give Bette an out but just as soon as she was going to give her the option Bette didn’t give her a chance and instead urged them to follow her.  Tina felt like she was walking on eggshells hearing them crack under the weight of her feet.  She felt like she deserved this torture knowing she is the reason Bette is acting this way.  This was a lot harder than she had anticipated .

~~~~~~

Bette’s apartment was everything Tina had imagined – sophisticated, carefully curated, with enough warmth to feel like a home rather than a showplace. Carson was immediately drawn to the large windows overlooking the park, his face pressed against the glass as he watched the storm.