Bette felt guilty

“I’m sorry”

“For what?”

“For making you leave California, for making you leave your friends behind”

“I made that decision, I could have stayed everything was already arranged so I could work bi-coastal, I chose to leave”

They walked in silence both knowing there was still so much more they needed to talk about, but for now they just wanted to enjoy each other’s company, they were on the road to becoming friends again, something they both so desperately needed.

They got back to Tina’s apartment and began packing some of Tina’s belongings the friendly banter between them, made some of the tension and apprehension fade as they starting feeling more at ease with one another, the jokes the occasional playful shove and light conversations making them both lose track of time and before they knew it had become late in the evening.

They had enjoyed a late dinner, and were now sitting on the couch drinking some wine.

Bette laughed

“What?” Tina asked

“I am fucking tired T”

“Yeah me too, we got a lot done though, thank you”

“I think we should be able to finish by tomorrow” Bette said

Tina got up from the couch, and Bette noticed how she struggled a little bit, arching her back in discomfort.

“T, are you ok?” Bette asked

“Yeah, I’m ok I slept on the couch again, and with all the stuff we gone done today, my back is just a little sore.”

“Come here” Bette said as she patted the seat next her on the couch.

Tina placed her empty glass in the sink as she made her way towards Bette and sat down.

Bette leaned forward and placed her own glass on the coffee table in front of her.

“Turn around” Bette said

Tina slowly turned around.

Bette’s hand began to massage the top of Tina shoulders around her neck as Tina lost herself in the feel of Bette’s hands on her body again she leaned back a little and closed her eyes.

Bette’s hand moved lower down her back gently pressing on the contours of Tina’s spine when Bette reached Tina’s lower back she inched Tina T-shirt up a bit and placed her hands on Tina’s skin they both felt the jolt, Bette continued to massage and move her hands up and down and side to side gently kneading the Tina’s soft skin, Tina still had her eyes closed as she relaxed even more into Bette touch, Bette’s breath became more ragged and rapid she was enjoying touching Tina a little too much again, she had to stop, having Tina this close seeing her creamy white skin again and having her hands on it once more was making her loose her resolve.

Bette stopped and gently lowered Tina’s T-shirt back down.

She closed her eyes and composed herself enough to speak.

“Feel better?” Bette asked

Tina squeezed her eyes shut tight she took a deep breath and turned.

“Lots, thank you”

They stared into each other’s eyes for a second neither wanting to break the stare but both knowing they had too.

Bette yawed

They both laughed.

“I think I should go, I’m beat” Bette said

“You can stay if you want…In the guest room of course”

Bette smiled

“Of course”

“But, no I really think I should go to my hotel”

Bette got up and grabbed her bag.

“Breakfast tomorrow?” Bette asked

“Sure, you want to meet here? We can even take the Porsche out, since it’s Saturday traffic is not too bad” Tina said

“Sounds like fun”

“Call me when you get in”

“Aren’t you going to bed?”Bette asked

“I think I’m going to try and get some work done.”

“Tina, its past 10 you need to rest”

“I know but I really need to get some of the stuff finished before I go back to the office on Monday, I won’t stay up too late I promise” Tina smiled

They walked to the door.

Bette turned

“You work to hard”

“I know but I love what I do” Tina smiled

“Call me ok?”

“I will” Bette placed her hand on Tina’s cheek as she leaned in and gave Tina a kiss on her other cheek that lingered a little too long, Tina closed her eyes as one of her hands found its way to rest on Bette’s hip, Bette pulled back looked at Tina’s eyes again, as her thumb caressed Tina other cheek.

“Goodnight” Bette whispered

“Goodnight” Tina replied as she watched Bette walk out the door she closed it behind her.

Tina leaned on the door and closed her eyes.

“Fuck” she said softly.