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“At last “ Bette came through to the sitting room after seeing out the last of the removers. Her house was now full of Tina’s stuff – furniture was where it needed to be and the boxes with Tina’s things were all in the rooms where the contents of the boxes would be staying.
Tina was putting her CD’s on a shelf – she turned and looked at the woman she was now living with.
“Its gone really well – I cannot believe that all my stuff is here and its only 2:30”
“I know – when I get the bill I will be adding some extra on top”
Bette smiled “I settled the bill “
Tina raised an eyebrow at Bette “You did ?”
“I said that I would and you are not going to argue with me . “
“Shane said that Lisa was determined to impress you “
“She did “
“In what sense ?”
Bette smiled “Not that way – its always handy to have another firm who can do some work for me. We talked business “
“The two of you don’t waste time “
“Cannot afford to in business. I do have a house clearance to do in January – I might use Lisa’s firm- plus it doesn’t do any harm to put some pressure on my current firm of movers. Strictly business babe “
Tina put the CD’s in place and walked across to Bette and put her arms around her
“I know “ Tina stroked Bette’s face “ I trust you “
“I know that “ Bette softly kissed Tina on the lips “How are you feeling ?”
“Tired and thrilled at the same time “
Bette nodded and kissed Tina again “This is right for both of us “
“It is “ Tina returned the kiss and for several minutes they kissed tenderly
“That was some last night living apart “ Bette said after they had hugged
“It was – amazing seeing as we were both tired “
“Its amazing how quickly we cleared the last of your stuff “
“Wanting sex and beer can do that “
“Speaking of beer – I want one – you ?”
“Yeah – can we sit down for a while “
“Yes “
Bette went and got 4 bottles of cold beer, the bottle opener and a packet of tortilla chips. She flopped down on the sofa beside Tina and handed her an open bottle
“Thanks “
Bette opened her bottle and looked at Tina.
“A year ago if someone had told me that I would be living with the woman I love – I just wouldn’t have believed them “
“Both our lives have changed a lot “ Tina agreed “ For heavens sake – I start a Masters degree in 6 weeks “
“Small matter of telling your mom as well “ Bette pointed out
“My mother ! that’s it – I knew there was something I didn’t tell you “
“Yeah ?”
“When Shane showed up she obviously had something on her mind. She said she had heard a rumour “
Bette nearly choked on her beer “Have they been outed ?”
“No – that’s what I thought. But it was something else “
“What ?” Bette offered the bag of chips to Tina who took a few and put them on her lap
“They have been seen around together “
Bette chewed a couple of chips and listened
“The word on the grapevine is that Emma is Helena’s lawyer “
Bette chuckled “Well briefs may have been involved “
“That was what I thought – the word is that Helena is going to be buying some clubs”
Tina looked to see what Bette’s reaction was
“What do you think ?”
“It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world “ Bette said
“I thought you expected her to go back to Peggy after a few months”
Bette yawned “Do you remember the day after you and Helena had both worked out on Peggy – the day before you and I went on holiday “
“Helena came to see you “
“Yes”
“Wasn’t it about her filling in for you ?”
“That was how it started “ Bette agreed “ But she did have her resume and she asked me to look at it. I said that given her skills – and she is very good with people and she does have the Peabody name and she does have money – I told her to find a business to buy “
“Did she take you seriously ?”
“She was really great when I started the gallery – in fact when I looked at the space that is now my gallery – well she was the one who saw what it could become. I couldn’t see it – I favoured a place about five blocks away from here. But the other place – my gallery had been a set of offices. Helena was the one who suggested what it would look like – so – well I don’t think Helena buying a club is a bad idea – she’s got a skill set that would make it a success “
“So you knew about this ?”