“Bette?,” she called out, in surprise, breaking off from her discussion with her colleagues. 

Bette turned to look at her, still laughing at something she and Adam had been talking about. 

“Hi, T!,” she answered, waving at her. 

Tina turned to the two men on either side of her.  “Maybe we can pick up on this later?  Umm… Bette’s here, and…” 

One of them nodded, “Of course, Tina.  Let’s talk tomorrow.  We don’t have to get something back to William on this until close of business tomorrow anyway.  Enjoy your evening!” 

They waved at Bette also, then turned to walk in the opposite direction, towards the elevators again, to take one down to the basement parking facility. 

“Hi T,” Bette greeted her again, and tapped Adam on his forearm to excuse herself, and began to walk towards Tina. 

They met at the midpoint between them, “Hi baby,” Tina responded as she opened her arms to hug Bette. 

“Mmm… you smell good, Bette,” she whispered.  She drew back, and laughed lightly, “What’s this?” 

“For you, T,” Bette said, giving the rose to Tina and then leaning over to kiss her quickly.  She was drawing her head back when Tina caught her chin.  “Not so fast, baby,” Tina said softly.  She pulled on Bette’s chin, and laid a hot, searing kiss on her, unwilling to release her even as she felt Bette start to withdraw. 

Finally, she drew back, as they heard Adam call out, laughing a bit, as he said, “I guess I’ll just go.  You two enjoy the rest of your evening!  It was nice meeting you Bette.” 

Bette staggered back, eyes questioning Tina’s, as she waved back absentmindedly at Adam. 

“Wow,” Bette exclaimed.  “I should surprise you more often…” 

Tina shook her head, and bent to sniff at the rose. 

“This is beautiful, Bette. Thanks,” as she looked at her wife, eyes filled with emotion, and hooked an arm through Bette’s to lead them towards the bench where Bette’s things sat.  She continued to sniff on the rose, smiling as they walked. 

Bette blew out a breath, “Thank goodness… at last, a flower that you like!” 

Tina laughed lightly.  She knew Bette had been trying so hard the past few days, and all throughout the weekend, probably feeling that she’d needed to make up with Tina, following their disastrous meeting with Marissa and Wendy.