Chapter 15

So what did you think of him? Bianca asked as they left Dr. Foxworthys office.

Hes not Melissa thats for sure, Lena answered as she held the door open for Bianca.

You know, Bianca said as she turned to face Lena, We dont have to go to that couples meeting later on… if you dont want.

Thats very kind of you sweetheart, Lena replied as she pushed the lobby doors open and stepped outside. I think we should go… it cant hurt.

Okay. Do you want to grab something to eat?

As a matter of fact, I thought me might go to this place called Pinks – its on La Brea.

Pinks?

Yes. Im experiencing a craving, she placed her hand on Biancas stomach slowly circling Miranda, For a hot dog.

Bianca laughed out loud, Thank God its not anchovies, hot fudge and pistachio ice cream.

Lena looked blankly at Bianca, Anchovies and…

Dont tell me youve never seen the I Love Lucy episode…

Where Ricky starts to eat the concoction Lucy is having? She paused, Why yes. I do believe I have seen that one – once or ten times. Lena smiled.

Oooh Kundera…

Yes Montgomery.

They smiled at each other – for a moment forgetting the situation that brought them to Dr. Foxworthys office in the first place.

Shall we go?

Why not – I think Miranda and I would like a hot dog.

They walked to the parking lot and left.

* * *

Bette… Tinas on line one.

Thanks… hey Babe. Are you okay?

Im fine…

Is it the baby?

Were both doing fine, Tina replied smiling as she rubbed her stomach. It tickled her that Bette was always asking about the baby. They had both worked so hard on getting pregnant that it was a joy to see her happy. Shell never forget the look of wonder and disbelief mixed with love when Bette had found out she was… they were having a baby.

The feel of Bettes arms around her, the way she kissed her stomach. The tenderness she had never quite experienced before when they made love that night. It had been magical.

There was one thing Tina knew, Bette was going to make a wonderful mother. No matter what Melvin had said.

Bette felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. She wanted every thing regarding the pregnancy to go smoothly. She regretted the way her father had treated Tina and the news about the baby when they had dinner weeks ago.

How dare he say the hurtful things – the baby was not nor ever would be his grandchild. It was a biological impossibility. Bette had lost so much – love – respect – admiration for him that it seemed impossible for her to ever consider speaking with him again.

She had been doing every thing in her power to reassure Tina that this baby, their baby was a miracle and no matter what – the baby was as much a part of her as Tina.

Whats going on? Not that I dont like hearing from you. She asked as she went over the photos slides for her presentation.

I just wanted to remind you that tonights the night for the couples meeting with Dr. Foxworthy.

Bette rolled her eyes. She couldnt stand Dr. Foxworthy. She thought he was an *****. Tina…

Baby… I think itll be good for us, Tina replied hearing Bettes hesitation as she walked around the kitchen putting dishes away.

What time.

Pick me up by six-thirty otherwise well be late.

All right. Tina Ive got to go…

Dont work too hard.

Ill try not to.

Bette…

Yeah?

I love you, Tina whispered.

I love you too, Ill see you later.

Bye.

Bette frowned as she stared at the phone prior to hanging it up. She loved Tina, there was hardly a doubt about that, but there were times when she was by herself, when she questioned whether or not she was still in love with her.

Leaning back in her chair, Bette rubbed her eyes. She was exhausted. Going after Provocations was a bold move on her part considering the Board of Trustees had been adamant about showing the Impressionist in Winter… once again.

Didnt they have a concept of what art was about? Bette thought privately that none of the board members would recognize a true artist if they were bit in the *****.

Now all she had to do was get a hold of Peggy Peabody.

* * *

Im so glad we came here, Bianca said as she took a bite out of her second chilidog.

Lena smiled as she watched Bianca eat with such enthusiasm, Im glad you liked it, she replied before taking another sip from her drink.

They had been fortunate to find a parking space down the block, as they approached the small establishment, Bianca voiced her concerns. The line was indeed very long.

Lena had explained that the lines were always long and that if Bianca had patience it would be worth the wait.

What time is it? Bianca asked as she wiped her mouth – spotting some chili on her fingers brought them to her mouth and licked them clean. Umm… Lena? Lena?

Hmm, she replied getting lost at the sight of Bianca licking her fingers. Get a grip woman, she told herself.

Bianca was puzzled and followed Lenas gaze. What could be so fascinating about my… oh God.

Lena finally heard the question Bianca had posed through the haze shed found herself in by the innocent gesture on Biancas part. Im sorry Sweet… she stopped. Why is she moving her hand away… oh no. Why does this have to be so ***** hard? I apologize Bianca… I had no intention of making you uncomfortable.

Bianca looked down briefly, angry with herself for over reacting. Its okay… really.

Im just going to throw the trash away, Lena said as she got up from the table and walked away. Why does it have to be one step forward, five steps back?

This has got to stop, Bianca muttered to herself.

Would you like to go back to the hotel, freshen up a bit? We still have two hours before the couples meeting.

Im alright – unless you want to go back?

Why dont we just drive around?

That sounds like a plan. Bianca agreed.

Lena waited until Bianca had moved from the table before walking back to the rental car.

They walked in silence, neither sure of what to say to the other.

Lena opened the car door for Bianca, waiting for her to settle herself before closing it.

I will not let her slip away again, Lena told herself as she got into the car, and pulled out into traffic. Lena reached out and took Biancas hand in hers squeezing it gently before letting go.

What are we going to do Lena? Bianca thought.

* * *

Okay, Ill see you tomorrow and dont forget to follow up on that lead I told you about.

Ill take care of it Bette, see you later.

Tina honey.

Im here.

Im leaving right now, I should be home, Bette glances down at her watch. In about half an hour give or take a few minutes. She says into the cell phone.

Ill be ready. Love you.

Gotta go, you too.

* * *

Marina… you look like *****, Alice exclaimed as she sat down.

Thank you for stating the obvious, she said as she placed a cup of coffee she had gotten for her friend as soon as she saw her.

Whats wrong?

I need to see her.

Her? OH… her! Are you sure you want to do that?

Im not sure of anything anymore, Marina confessed. When I saw her yesterday…

Youre still attracted to her, Alice stated.

Yes. I have to do something.

Like what? Profess your undying love for her? Beg her to forgive you? Tell her you made the biggest mistake in your life and you want the chance to fix things? Make it up? Get over it Marina – its not going to happen.

You mean like you should get over Gabby? You let her walk all over you… Im… Im sorry Alice. I was out of line.

Nah – its fine. Gabbys a *****, I know it. Its just… the ***** is great, Alice grinned dreamily.

Marina laughed out loud. She knew a thing or two about great *****.

What are you going to do?

I wish I had an idea.

Well, youd better figure it out fast…

Why?

Alice gestured towards the door.

Jenny, Marina whispered.