Tina bit her lip, her tears threatening to fall, again.

“Well, at least you know how it would tear me up, if that hole in your heart….” she began to say, softly.

“T… I’m careful now.  Really careful.  I’m seeing a specialist.”

They looked at each other in silence.  After a few minutes, Bette continued, “And actually, I want to see Dan.  Maybe with you next time, if you don’t mind?,” she asked, cutting into Tina’s train of thought.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dan checked his watch, while Tina continued to tap out a message on her mobile.  His office had agreed to an appointment for Bette and Tina to see him at 1:30 pm, but he had been hesitant about taking the appointment, because this would only give him about 15 minutes to type out his case notes for the 12:15 session with another couple.

He smiled at Tina, shook his head.  I’ve been down this path with this couple before.

Tina smiled back at Dan, apologetic.  “She’s trying to figure out the financing for the place we’d really like to get.  It’s a beautiful place…”

Tina stopped, as Bette rushed into the room.  “Really sorry, baby.”  She bent to give Tina a long kiss, lingering face-to-face for a while longer as they drew apart.

She turned to face Dan, who was smiling warmly at her.  “Very sorry, Dan.”  She moved closer to him, arms open.  Dan stepped towards her, smiling as they hugged.

“Lost some weight Bette, “ he observed lightly.  Otherwise, she looked great.  Her eyes were bright, smiling, and clear.  Her love for Tina palpable.  He no longer sensed the tension that had existed between the two, when they’d last seen him, more than a year ago.

He had studied his notes about them the night before.  Looking at the two of them interact, he found he’d need to probably turn the page on those notes, and start a new page.

“Alright you two.  If I remember correctly, on one of our last sessions, or probably the last one wherein wewere all sitting here together, I’d asked you to think about what it was you each wanted.”

They were seated close together, Tina leaning into Bette, whose arm was slung lightly across Tina’s shoulder.  The blonde’s head rested against the brunette’s shoulder, tucked on the side of Bette’s neck. They were smiling blissfully.