After another laughing spell the ladies collected themselves and conversation turned to what ideas Bette had for Candace’s photos.  Michaela turned to Tina and asked, “I bet this happens to you a lot, right?”

“You know it” “Tina answered smiling.  “Bette is really passionate about her work.”

“I can definitely relate,” Michaela gestured to Candace.  “She sees a ‘perfect shot’ everywhere we go.  I’m surprised she didn’t bring her camera with her!” 

“Mmm hmm, just like Bette.  She sees art in everything.  That’s one of the things I love about her.  She can find beauty anywhere.  It’s finding the balance that’s the challenge.”

Michaela nodded, “Between work and home?  I can definitely relate to that.”  She looked to Candace and Bette who were talking animatedly then leaned towards Tina, “If I can be honest, we did go through a rough patch a few years ago.  I finally had to put my foot down and tell her that if she continued at the pace she was on, I wouldn’t be there when she got home.”

Tina raised her eyebrows, “You gave her an ultimatum?”

“Yes I did” she answered defiantly.

“I see it worked.  Bette and I had similar issues and before things went from bad to worse, we started seeing a therapist.”

Michaela said, “I don’t see Bette as the type to like that too much.”

Tina smiled, “You’re right.  She hated it at first.  Then she got accustomed to it and we’ve really grown as a couple since.”

“Good for you,” Michaela said, patting Tina on her shoulder. 

“Did you guys, you know, talk to someone, a therapist?”

“No we basically had a huge blowout, made up then changed our priorities” Michaela answered. 

“Whatever it takes right?” Tina smiled and held her glass to clink against Michaela’s. 

“Definitely!”  Michaela smiled then quickly scanned the table, “Looks like we are about empty.  Wanna go to the bar for refills?” 

“Good idea.”

Michaela interrupted her wife midsentence, “Candace, honey, Tina and I are going to the bar.  You want anything?” 

“Another please,” Candace pointed to her empty glass.

Getting up Tina asked, “What about you babe?”