‘I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.  I guess I should be glad it happened on the phone, at least I didn’t have to see the contempt in your eyes.’

‘I don’t want to hurt each other anymore.’

‘That’s why we’re going to therapy.  We will get through this; we just can’t give up.  Now why don’t you try to get some sleep and we’ll talk tomorrow.’

‘Good night Bette.’

Wednesday

Bette was sitting at The Planet waiting for everyone else for a change; she was determined not to be late.  This had been one of the hardest days since Tina had left her.  The only thing good so far was the time she spent with James working on the plans for the children’s exhibit.  Other than that all she had done was worry about Tina and spending time with the girls for the first time.

They must have planned it because they all walked in together.  Dana was the first to approach her.  She leaned down and hugged Bette.  Alice and Shane followed Dana’s lead.  It was a little awkward but leave it to Alice to break the ice.

‘So, Porter, is it true what they say, gardeners have the best dirt?’

They all laughed and Bette and Alice bantered back and forth for a while about how much actual work Bette did in the garden.  Then it was quiet again.

‘Well, I guess this is as good a time as any.  I know what I did, cheating on Tina, should really be between the two of us, but as close as we all are I feel like I let you all down as well.  I appreciate that you all called and tried to be there for me, but I honestly didn’t feel like I deserved your support.  You all know that Tina and I are trying to work through the things that led up to this and we’re trying to salvage what we can.  I hope that she will someday be able to forgive me and we can be together again.  That’s what I want anyway.  I may have to learn to settle for less, only time will tell.’

Shane was shaking her head, ‘after what the two of you had do you think you can just be her friend?’

‘I may not have a choice.’

Alice wistfully looked at Dana and said, ‘you’ve never settled for less than what you’ve wanted since I’ve known you.’

‘I don’t think I’ll be able to just steamroll my way back into her heart this time.’

Dana, ‘irresistible force meets immovable object.’

Alice, ‘like when you guys first met.’

Shane, ‘something’s gotta give.’

‘This time it may have to be me.  Why don’t you catch me up on what you’ve all been up to?’

It didn’t take long until they fell back into step with each other.  The only difference went unspoken; things just weren’t the same without Tina.

* * * * *

The moment Bette got home she rushed to the phone to call Tina.

‘Hey T  Tina.  How was your day?’

‘It’s all right Bette you can call me T.  My day was busy.  How was dinner will the girls?’

‘Uncomfortable at first but it turned out fine.  They’re really good friends.  I forgot just how much they mean to me.  I guess I let you take care of that part of our life.  I hope it isn’t too late for me to change that.’

‘It’s never too late Bette.’

‘Do you really believe that?’

‘Don’t you?’

‘I’m not sure.  Can I pick you up tomorrow night?’

‘My flight gets in really late, I’ll just take a cab.’

‘Call me if you change your mind.’

‘All right, are you okay?’

‘I’m really tired.’

‘Why don’t you try to get some rest?’

‘It’s been nice this week that your voice has been the last thing I hear before falling asleep.’

‘For me too.’