She looked at the time, sent Bette a text and walked out of her trailer where Liz was waiting with a much-needed coffee.

***

Bette immediately changed into her white bikini as soon as she got home. It reminded her of Tina. She frequently wore outfits Tina loved or…used to love. Bette rolled her eyes. She imagined Tina’s face when she’d walk out of the bathroom or the bedroom. Remembering her comments and…her…touches.

Bette was lost in thought when her phone dinged. Snapping her back to the present. She looked over at the bed where her phone was located and found herself hoping it was Tina. This was the first time Bette wanted it to be Tina since the blonde started texting her. She looked at her phone and smiled when the notification said, My Sweet Tee.

She got a rumbling in the pit of her stomach. Are those butterflies, Bette thought?

Tina: Hey Baby! Just checking in. How are you? How’s the show going? Only 3 weeks left, right? We have a late shoot. Just wanted to say hi. Gotta run. Did you eat today? Please do. x

Bette read the message several times. Taking note of the feeling in the pit of her stomach. It changed from butterflies to nausea back to butterflies. Bette was a wreck. She didn’t know what she wanted or how to move forward with or without Tina. She groaned when she thought of her life without Tina.

Bette leaned on the dresser and contemplated if she should respond. The problem was she didn’t know what to say and that made her sad because one of the things Bette loved about their relationship was how easy it was to share things with Tina. She exhaled loudly and wondered if she would ever feel safe enough to talk to Tina again. Then shook her head and walked barefoot into the kitchen. Phone in hand.

She grabbed one of the yogurts that had magically appeared in her refrigerator yesterday along with some fruit and cheese. Bette popped a grape in her mouth and went to the patio. Her mission was to swim, to gain some clarity.

Before she got in the pool, she pulled a few weeds and began watering the garden. She had worked in the garden every day since she decided to stop letting it go to seed. It calmed her and reminded her of happier times with Tina. They always laughed and played while they worked. Bette smiled.