They drove for about 15 minutes, not saying much each gazing out the
window but hands resting closely together, not touching but still
feeling the warmth of the other person. They pulled into what looked
like a park and a small parking lot. There were big lawns and trees
bright with color. “This is an amazing little spot” Tina wanted to
share the best of the Hollow with Bette. “It looks lovely and I’m
starved” Bette said as she was getting out of the Jeep. They started to
walk down a lime stone path towards small limestone – cabin looking
building with two smoke stakes of smoke lifting out of the chimneys.
“I’m glad to see you are driving a good four wheel drive car Tina – I
know the roads must get really icy around here in winter” “Oh, Bette
forever the protector, thank you for thinking of that it’s sweet” The
smell of bacon and coffee quickly grabbed Bette’s attention. “I smell
heaven, otherwise known as breakfast” She looked over and smiled at
Tina. Tina’s heart was aching looking at Bette’s smile. To her and
everyone once else in the world there was no smile like Bette Porter’s.
It was magical, charming, ***** and vulnerable all at once.

They were seated at small table in the corner with a view out the
window and next to one of the fireplace’s, it could not have been more
cozy. Breakfast was hearty and tasty and Bette could not recall when
she had eaten so much. Tina enjoyed watching Bette relax and enjoy her
food she knew this was always a good sign with Bette, that she was
comfortable. Bette shared lots of stories of Alice and Dana, Shane and
Kit and all the things the gang had been up too. Tina laughed and
enjoyed each story and could picture all her old friends clearly.

As if on cue they looked at one another in silence, it was time to get
more personal – could they? Bette leaned back in her chair, coffee cup
in hand and really looked at Tina. Tina felt almost uneasy at the way
Bette looked at her – she knew Bette was really looking at her.. “Tina,
can I ask again if you are happy?” Tina thought for moment not knowing
if this way the right moment to talk about Jessie. “Bette, I’m happy
here, I have my shop, friends – seasons..” They both laughed about
seasons recalling the way Tina always missed having her North Carolina
falls and Bette never missed the Philly snow. “Bette, the question is
are you really happy? I’ve seen some interesting photos in magazine of
your life in Rome and L.A.” Bette felt surprised that Tina was keeping
up with her comings and goings. “Rome has been amazing and I bought a
small place between Siena and Florence that is magical” “So I guess we
have each found someplace special that makes us happy”

It was Tina’s turn to sit back and look at her former partner and love
– she drank in the vision of Bette.. still stunning and ***** – Miss
Porter. “Bette, I’m sorry we lost touch..” “Me too T, It feels strange
to know you are in the world and I know nothing about how you are. Tina
paused for a moment still not knowing if this was the right time. “I
would really like us to be friends Bette.. can we do that?”

Suddenly Tina’s cell phone rang and she quickly stepped outside to
answer which Bette thought was strange. And then it hit Bette like a
ton of bricks – Tina has someone new in her lifeof course she has
moved on. Bette took a deep breath and thought that she should be
prepared to hear the story – a story that would break her heart.
Tina walked back in and noticed the darkness that had fallen over
Bette, she was trying to play it off but Tina knew her too well.
“Bette, do you mind if we stop by my place on the way back into town –
I need to check on something really quickly” Tina thought it might be
better for her to just meet Jessie in person and get it over with.
“Sure Tina, I’d love to see more of the area and where you live”

The drive was short but felt like it took forever, Bette could feel her
pancakes forming a knot in her tummy and the fake smile on her face was
starting to actually hurt.
Tina focused on the road and thought the sooner the better, the sooner
the better. The pulled up and driveway lined with red, amber and yellow
trees. The house was limestone and cottage like – it looked just like
someplace Tina would choose.

“Welcome to our place” Tina said as they came to the front door.

tbc