“I suppose I could see where you might think you’re not a good match but I’ve seen the two of you together. I don’t think you realize it but there is definitely something between you.”

“I do realize it Peggy. I felt it from the first time I laid eyes on her. It’s like we were never strangers. Within hours of meeting her I was relaxing in her home, helping with dinner telling her all about myself and my family. Last night at the club we danced together for the first time and there was no awkwardness. I didn’t have to think about who was leading; we just fell into step naturally. Later in the evening we got into this heavy conversation about heritage and children and parenting. I got really intense and she knew just how to calm me down. You know there aren’t a lot of people that I let in like that. As much as I think I’m guarding my heart she’s slowly chipping away at it. I’m just afraid of how deeply she can hurt me.”

“I know you’ve been hurt in love before Bette but don’t cut yourself off from the possibilities of finding love again. Whether it’s the love of this child that Francesca is carrying or the love of a woman that seems out of reach right now promise me that you will be guided by your heart as well as your mind. You have so much love in your heart Bette; don’t let it die and wither away.

***

By the time Bette returned to the loft Tina was already settled in and had started on dinner. They’d spoken on the phone earlier in the day and Bette told her that she was running late. She and Peggy had gotten a bit carried away at the warehouse and the time got away from them. Bette was grateful for the distraction and there was nothing better than sharing her passion and love of art with Peggy.

“Hey you.”

“Hey Tina. Sorry I’m so late. Peggy got the shipment from her London mansion today and we had to unpack everything to check the inventory and make sure there was no damage.”

“Did everything arrive OK?”

“Yes everything is in perfect condition. So what can I do to help?”