“You said yes?”

Eric and Tina were lying in bed, each on their back with a polite gap between their bodies. Tina had just told him about the barbeque invitation and the fact that she had accepted when Bette asked her.

“Yeah. Don’t worry, I made no promises for you.”

“That’s not the point. I’m surprised that you would agree to go to a barbeque with strangers, but when I ask you to go somewhere –”

“Wait a minute,” Tina cut in, turning her head slightly. In the dim light filtering in through the window, she could make out Eric’s profile. “I thought you wanted me to be her friend. To start being around other people more.”

Eric sighed. “I do, Tina. But when I asked you to come to Ben’s party, you said no flat out.”

“Well, maybe it’s like you said. I don’t know Bette that well. So I guess it’s easier to potentially be around her and a bunch of strangers than it would be to see the people that know us and all about… what happened.” Tina finished quietly.

Eric reached over and awkwardly patted her arm under the covers before withdrawing his hand. “I didn’t think of it that way. You’re right, of course. Whatever you want to do, whatever feels right for you… do it. It doesn’t matter what I think.”

“Will you come with me?”

“I would, but I’ve got to go up to Sacramento. Finish up some stuff for the end of quarter. They have no idea what they’re doing up there.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Thursday afternoon. I’ll be back Saturday morning.” He turned his head toward her. “Will you be alright on your own?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll try to get back Friday night. I don’t like to think of you all alone.”

“It’s fine, Eric.”

“I’ll see if I can send someone else. If I can, I’ll go with you to the barbeque, okay?”

“Okay. Thanks,” Tina said gently.

“Think nothing of it,” he said. “I’m just glad things are turning around a little. I’m proud of you for taking some action.”

Tina didn’t know what to say, so she rolled over, her back to Eric, in case he got any ideas. “Goodnight, Eric.”