“Sure.”

Bette clears some room in the closet and dresser for Tina’s clothes.  Tina unpacks her bag and puts everything away, nice and neat.  She observes Bette’s closet.  All the clothes are facing the same direction.  They are grouped according to type (t-shirts, sweats, etc.) and then according to color.  Tina has never seen such organization in a simple closet.  She looks through some of the t-shirts, most have coast guard logos on them.  “Hey baby?”

“Yeah T?”

“Can I borrow some of your t-shirts?” Tina asks.

Bette comes up behind her and wraps her arms around Tina’s waist.  “Sweetie, you can wear anything you want of mine with the exception of the uniforms.”

Tina is still looking through her t-shirts hanging there.

“I knew it.  What is your fascination with my coast guard t-shirts?”

“They make me feel closer to you.  And I want to be supportive of your profession.”

“Like a good little military wife?” Bette responds without thinking.

They both look at each other and then look away quickly.

“I’ll go get started on dinner,” Bette retreats quickly leaving Tina standing there in the closet.  Whoa!  Wife!  What did she mean by that?  Are we ready for that?

Outside at the grill …

What the hell was that? Aaaaahhhhhh.  I can’t believe I said that.  Geez Porter, you just got back together a few days ago.  But… she did bring clothes and I’m taking some to her place.  Did I really mean that?  I’m gonna have to chew on that one for a few days.  She warms the grill up and begins dinner.

Tina joins her outside a few minutes later.  She’s wearing denim shorts and one of Bette’s t-shirts.  “Hey, need some help?”

“Nah I got it.  You just relax.”

“Ok.  If you insist.”  Tina walks over to the edge of the pool.  She sits and puts her feet in the water.

Bette watches her and thinks she does look at home here. Maybe.   Her thoughts are interrupted by Tina’s voice.

“Do you have everything ready for our field trip next week?”

“Yep.  The major is going to give a speech and have the press there.  He thought it was good PR for the base.”

“That’s great.  Did I tell you mom and dad will be there?”

“No.  How’s that?”

“We needed more chaperones and when they found out where we were going, they volunteered.”

“Cool.”  Bette hesitates.  “Will they stay the night afterwards?”

“I don’t know.  Why?”

“Just wondering…”

“We can still sleep together, whether they stay or not.”

Bette smiles sheepishly.  “Ok.”  She thinks for a minute.  “If they do stay, you are all welcome to stay here.  I have more space than you do.”

Tina smiles back at her.  “I’ll tell them.”

“So are you going to do the tour?” Tina asks.

“Shane is showing off the copter and Tim is going to demonstrate the training facility.”

“Are you even gonna be there?”

“Yes dear.  Just for you.  I’ll lead your classes around.  I thought I’d give them each a t-shirt as well.  Since you’re so crazy about them.”

Tina’s eyes light up.  “They’ll love that.”

“Does your class know?”

“Know what?”

“About you?  About us?”

“I told them about you – that you’re my girlfriend.”

“Ok.”

“Is that a problem?”

“No.  Of course not.  This way I can walk up and give you a kiss and no one will care right?”

Tina looks apprehensive.  “I’m not so sure about that.”

“I’m kidding babe.  Lighten up.”  Bette gives her the 1000 watt smile.