‘You always said you fell in love with me because I was so self-confident and strong.’

‘That was your outside persona Bette.  Here, with me, you were suppose to feel safe enough to let go of all that.  Did I not make you feel safe enough?  I felt safe with you.’

‘I just wanted to be everything you needed, to take care of you, protect you.’

‘What?  You wanted to be my knight in shining armor?  Is that what you thought it would take to keep your shy little straight girl?  I thought you got over your fear of me going back to men?’

‘I did I just thought I had to have everything under control.’

‘Sometimes it felt more like you needed to control everything, including me.’

‘That’s what Foxworthy said.  He thinks it’s because of my father.’

‘Did you talk about Melvin?’

‘More than I wanted to, but evidently I am my father’s daughter.  I didn’t realize how much I became like him just to get his approval, his love.’

‘Why is that still so important to you Bette?  I had to walk away from friends and some of my family because they didn’t understand my choice to be with you.  You never stood up to him for yourself, us or even the baby.  Why?’

‘I guess I thought he’d leave me like he did Kit.  She stood up for herself and they rarely speak.  He always left everyone that stood up to him.’

‘Are you thinking about your mother?’

‘She found out he was unfaithful to her and confronted him.  I think he left before she could leave him.  He wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.’

Bette got very quiet and Tina knew she was thinking about their situation not Melvin and her mother.  She had to get them away from this for now.

‘You’re not your father Bette.  You don’t have to let your life play out like his.  What did Foxworthy say, about your control issues?’

‘He wanted to know if I was willing to change?’

‘And?’

‘I’m still seeing him and I am here with you trying to work through this so yes I am willing to change.  But, not just about control I want to be able to open up more.  I want us to communicate; I don’t want to hide from my feelings anymore.’

‘I think today has been a good start don’t you?’

‘Yes.  Can I ask you something?’

‘Sure.’

‘Did you think I had brought Candace here?’

‘No.  I really did just want to see if you were still in the guest room.  I don’t believe you would ever bring her here.  Can I ask you something?’

‘Anything.’

‘Are you still seeing her?’

‘No.  I did call her once to tell her I couldn’t see her anymore.’

‘Good.  I think we should call it a day.  All right?’

‘Sure.  When do you want to work again?’

‘How about Saturday?’

‘Saturday is fine.  Can I see you before that?’

‘I have a business dinner tomorrow night and Friday I have plans with the girls.’

She noticed the look on Bette’s face and thought about inviting her to come along.  After all it was just a casual get together.

‘I’m sorry Bette, I’d asked you to join us, but I’m not ready to be “BetteandTina” and you know that’s the way everyone would treat us.’

‘I understand.  What time Saturday is good for you?’

‘How about 10:00?’

‘Perfect, you bring breakfast.’