“Well, not right away.  I need to establish myself in my career and see how this new position works out.  I have debts to pay off, and I think it would be a good thing to have my own place for a while, at least.”

“A girl I know is moving to San Francisco to start a new job this week.” Shane told her.   “It’s vacant now…”

“As long as it’s not too far from Bette,” Tina specified.  It was Bette’s turn to squeeze Tina’s hand.  “I really hated the separation when I was in New York.”

Alice chirped brightly, “Well, you’d be plenty close if you moved in with Bette right now…”

Shane quickly interjected, “Sometimes people have to do things their own way.  Tina, it’s only a fifteen minute drive, tops.  If you like I could take you over tomorrow.  There’s even some furniture she left there; you can have it if you want…”

Amazing! Bette thought,  she’s been here ten minutes and already she’s got a furnished apartment!  Bette felt a growing respect for Tina, in addition to being totally in love with her.  Tina was a force in her own right, Bette realized.

Watching the competent way Tina handled herself, Bette had a moment of panic.  As Tina ‘found herself’, would she still be the Tina Bette had fallen in love with?  Tina turned and looked at her then as if she had read her mind.  She lifted their interlaced hands and kissed Bette’s thumb, a kiss Bette felt with her whole body, right down to her toes.  Oh God yes, Bette would always love this woman, they were fated to be together.

“But what do YOU want, Bette?” asked Alice, stirring the pot as only Alice could.

Bette answered Alice, but she was looking at Tina.  “I just want her to be happy,” she murmured softly.

“Thank you, Bette,” Tina smiled at her, and Bette knew in her heart that all would be well, that the day would come when they would be together.  She looked around at her friends…I love you all so dearly, she thought;  but would you please, please go home now?  I’m dying to ravish my lover here…Tina shot her an amused glance, and stroked  her hand with her thumb.  Omygod, Bette thought, an embarrassed blush rising on her cheeks, she read my mind again!  How does she do that?

Bette’s friends couldn’t ignore the way these two were gazing at each other, and the passionate vibes that surrounded them both.  Shane made sure they didn’t stay too late and Bette would be forever grateful for her understanding. Alice, however, was all set to make a night of it, but Shane and Dana firmly dragged her off, protesting all the way.  Bette stood at the open door waving goodbye.  She felt Tina right behind her, her arms looping over Bette’s shoulders.

“How would you like to put me to bed, Bette,” Tina whispered in her ear.

“I’d love to put you to bed,” Bette turned around in Tina’s arms.  “I’m so glad you’re home, T.”

“Wherever you are, that’s where I want to be, Bette,” Tina told her.  “No matter where I go, or what I do, I’ll always come back to you…”

“How I love you,” Bette breathed.  She took Tina’s hand and led her to the bedroom.

                                                   – The End –