”The court room beckons,” Tina said, making her way to the washroom for a quick freshen up before she left. ”As if you didn’t know.”

”I’m not trying to lead you astray,” Bette said.

”I don’t believe you,” Tina replied, returning to lean in for another kiss. She stood tall again and slipped on her heels by the door. ”I’ll see you tomorrow.”

”See you tomorrow,” Bette said.

The weight of the hotel room door pulled it shut with a click. On one side, Bette let her head rest back down onto her pillow, unsure if she’d rushed this too much. On the other side, Tina leaned against the wall opposite the door, taking comfort in the fact that this was the first moment she’d thought of Nicole since she was by herself in the bar the previous afternoon. She took a deep breath before heading down to the lobby to make her way home.

Chapter 7

There’s a delivery for you,” Jackie’s voice came over the intercom on Bette’s office phone.

Bette was in the middle of reviewing the pertinent details of a case, but her curiosity got the better of her and she stepped out to see what had been delivered. On her assistant’s desk rested a beautiful ceramic mug – and she could smell the coffee from where she stood. After taking it into the privacy of her office, she slipped the card from the sealed envelope that accompanied the delivery.

‘Last night was perfect, but I’m wondering if you need this as much as I did this morning.‘

Bette felt nothing but relief. That they had…enjoyed each other’s company…was obvious. But she didn’t want Tina to harbour any regret.

Bette picked up her cell phone and then thought better of texting Tina. She’d wait until she knew court was in recess for lunch and call her. She refocused her attention on the case she’d been preparing, occasionally sipping from the mug that supplanted her UCLA Law cup.

The rest of the morning disappeared in a blur. She heard her phone indicate an incoming message – as requested via text – from the associate that was in court. Lunch time. If Tina was anything like she was, the first order of business would be to turn on her phone and check messages once court adjourned.