”I knew this would be where we ended up with all the honesty talk,” Tina smiled. ”Quid pro quo is the game though. I give, you give.”

”Fair enough,” Bette replied. ”You first.”

Tina reflected for a moment, while continuing to take care of tasks inherent to the preparation of a Thanksgiving feast. They made their way around the kitchen comfortably, sharing the tender touches of love and affection when they passed by each other.

”I had a wildly crazy crush on my grade ten art teacher,” Tina said. ”But at the time it didn’t occur to me that it was because I was gay.

”There was someone before me?” Bette asked.

”Well, I know there were women before me,” Tina said. ”Obsessive unconsummated crushes even.”

”Point made,” Bette replied.

”But only in hindsight did I understand why I felt how I felt about her.”

”And how did you feel?”

”I admired how free she was,” Tina nodded, but took Bette’s hand in silent assurance. ”She let her creativity guide her instead of being a slave to practicality. There was a serenity about her.”

”I don’t think anyone has ever described me as serene,” Bette replied. ”But I do follow my heart.”

”Your creativity and passion drew me to you, too,” Tina said. ”It’s almost intoxicating.”

”I like that we’re having everyone over,” Bette said. ”To share our gratitude at the abundance we’ve been blessed with.”

”It creates a positive energy to give thanks,” Tina said. ”And I’m so very grateful to have you in my life.”

”I’m grateful for that art teacher,” Bette said. ”Even though I would have loved to be your first crush that turned into something more, I know your emotions surrounding that time was just a step towards who you are today.”

”That’s a good way to think about it,” Tina said. ”Every part of your past helps you be who and where you are.”

”Okay, my turn,” Bette said. She already knew what she was going to share. ”I was supposed to go out with someone after the opening of the Catherine Opie exhibit, but then I met you and I cancelled.”

”Bette, you knew I was with Eric,” Tina said. ”Why would you cancel a date for someone that was so unavailable?”