“Ugh. I caused her to put them up again. Higher and thicker than before.”

“Yes, you did,” Julia said plainly.

Tears immediately sprung to Tina’s eyes. What the fuck kind of therapist says something like that to her client, Tina thought.

“And you are the only one who can dismantle them.”

Julia heard the change in Tina’s breathing. She waited and allowed her words to sit with Tina. Neither of them speaking.

“My advice to you,” Julia began slowly. “…is to rekindle the friendship. Start over. From the very beginning. Taking it slow. Ask her questions about her and wait until she’s ready to share. Don’t pressure her but be very clear of your intentions. Be her friend, Tina.”

“I don’t want to be just her friend.”

“I know you don’t. But do you want to win her back? Do you want a deeper relationship with her than before?” Julia asked.

“More than anything.”

“Then you have to earn your way back into her heart. And that means no sex.”

Tina gasped. Clearly, Julia was smoking pot.

“No sex? But…”

“Tina, sex with you is too much for Bette right now. From what you’ve told me, she isn’t ready to resume a sexual relationship especially since it can be overwhelming. And neither are you for that matter.”

Tina exhaled loudly. Julia was right and she knew it.

“How do I rekindle our friendship? She’s not really speaking to me at the moment,” Tina said sadly.

“You’ve already started, Tina. Texting is perfect. She may not respond every time. But don’t just tell her about what’s going on with you. Ask her about what’s going on with her. Then be patient.”

Tina exhaled again allowing Julia’s words to sink in.

“Thanks for the advice, Julia.”

“You’re welcome. And don’t think I didn’t notice you changing the subject earlier.”

“You noticed that, huh?”

“I did and we will pick it up from there next time.”

Tina stared at the ceiling and contemplated what Julia had suggested. No sex? Tina rolled her eyes. She realized not having sex with Bette wouldn’t be that much of a struggle since they were currently 1300 miles away from each other. Tina rolled her eyes again also realizing she was the cause of their separation. She needed to go for a run but she had a long night of shooting ahead of her. She was determined to get this movie wrapped and get back to LA…back to Bette.