Previously…

Bette: Why Ms. Kennard are you flirting with me?

Tina: (enjoying the friendly banter) Yes, Ms. Porter, I
believe I am.

Bette: Hmmmm my, my what would your girlfriend say to
that?

Tina: Well, I’m not sure. I guess we’ll have to go home and
ask her.

Bette: (feigning shock) Well If you were my girlfriend,
I’m not sure I’d like it if you were flirting with someone else. In fact, I
might be a tad jealous and protective.

Tina: (giving Bette quite a smoldering gaze) Well then, for
both of our sakes, let’s hope that MY girlfriend is a little more understanding
and realizes that I only have feeling for one person and that’s her.

Bette: Hmmmm I’m sure she could say the same about you.
I’m sure that she truly appreciates your grace and beauty and would love to
show you just how much.

Now it was Tina’s turn to feign shock and disbelief.

Tina: Now who’s flirting with whom?

Bette: (in that deep, smoldering voice) Let’s go home

A comfortable silence fell over the drive to Bette and
Tina’s house. After months of silence between the two, this occasion seemed
bearable for them. The silence wasn’t because of an argument or disagreement –
it wasn’t because of anger-it wasn’t because they couldn’t endure speaking to
one another. The silence was because Bette and Tina were content with what had
transpired that evening. As Tina navigated the all too familiar, but much
missed, route home, Bette proceeded to take Tina’s right hand into her own and
gently caress Tina’s fingers with her own. Bette marveled at how perfectly
their hands melded together when they entwined their fingers with each other’s.
Bette saddened slightly as she caught a glimpse of Tina’s left hand resting on
the steering wheel. Absent was the ring that had been displayed so prominently
as a sign of their commitment to each other up until the night of the
Provocations opening. That fateful night that had caused so much pain for not
just Bette and Tina, but their close circle of friends – their family – as
well. Somehow, Bette would make it up to all of them, especially Tina.