Back in the kitchen Tina works on the salad, chopping vegetables.  What the hell was that?  I don’t have any right to get jealous of things that happened before I came in the picture.  But still, the image of my Bette (is she my Bette?) with another woman …

 

They both finish their respective parts of dinner and all the items are placed on the table.  Neither of them moves to make a plate.  Both are too concerned about other things right now. 

 

“T, are you mad about something?”  Bette is the first to break the ice.

 

“No.”

 

“Ok.  How about we enjoy this joint effort dinner and talk about things after that?”

 

“Ok,” Tina smiles at her.

 

They do enjoy their dinner, back to making normal conversation. 

 

“You were right.  You are master of the grill.  This steak is awesome.”  Tina compliments Bette.

 

“Thank you dear.”

 

 

 

After the table is cleared and the dishes are done, Bette takes Tina by the hand and leads her to the couch.  “Can we talk about what happened outside earlier?”

 

Tina nods in agreement.

 

“Was that you being jealous?”

 

“No.  Just curious,” Tina tries to convince herself.

 

“Because if it was, I would tell you that you have nothing to worry about.  I only want to be with you.”  Bette looks Tina right in the eye.  “Tina I won’t lie to you and I won’t cheat on you.  I’ve been the victim of both and I know how it feels.”

 

She pauses.  “Was I a player?  Yes, I was.  Past tense.  But I always went home with them.  I never brought them here.  You are here because we have a real relationship, not just some fling.”

 

“Bette I know I have no right to feel anything about what happened before me.  It just shook me up to think of you with other girls.”

 

“T, I don’t want any other girls.  I want you.  Only you.”  Bette takes a deep breath, “I love you.  I know it’s early on in our relationship to say that, but I can’t …”

 

Bette is cut off by Tina kissing her.  This kiss is soft, sweet and pure.  Tina pulls back from Bette.  “I love you too.” 

 

Bette’s face registers shock, then happiness.  This time she starts the kiss that seems to last forever.

 

 

 

A little while later our favorite couple is cuddled up on the couch.  They have been kissing and talking.  They have decided on having tonight to themselves.  Tomorrow night they will have a bar-b-que and invite friends of both of them.  Bette goes to get them some drinks and Tina texts Dana.

 

I did it!  I told her I love her! -Tina

 

Seconds later, the response.

Well what did she say? -Dana

 

She loves me too!!!! -Tina

 

Congratulations.  So happy for you. -Dana

 

BBQ tomorrow at Bette’s.  You available? -Tina

 

Sure.  Love to see the happy couple in action. -Dana

Text you tomorrow with details. -Tina

 

 

 

Bette returns with their drinks and snuggles right back where she was.  She props her feet on the coffee table and puts her arm around Tina, pulling her tightly against her body.  Tina settles in with her head on Bette’s shoulder.

 

“This feels so nice,” Tina tells her.

 

“Yes, it does.  I love the feeling of you in my arms.”

 

“And I love being in your arms.”

 

“And I love you,” Bette leans down to kiss her.

 

“Mmmmm.  I love you too,” Tina manages to get out between kisses.