“Incoming,” Alice said just as the woman put her hand on Bette’s shoulder. Bette tensed under the stranger’s touch but no one could tell.

“Hello,” said the woman.

Bette looked up over her left shoulder and saw a blonde with piercing blue eyes looking down at her, smiling with perfectly white teeth. She was tall and had soft features. Stunning.

“Hello,” Bette responded.

“I would love to buy you a cup of coffee.”

“I already have a cup of coffee,” Bette said nodding to the drink in front of her.

This did not deter the blonde.

“My name is Claire.” She extended her hand hoping the brunette would take it.

“Hi Claire,” Bette said shaking her hand. “I’m Bette.”

“Yes. I know who you are. You’re kind of famous.”

“Famous?” Bette laughed.

Taking that laugh as an invitation, Claire squeezed her way between Dana and Bette. Bette’s patience was wearing thin. She shot a dagger at Alice.

“Since you already have a coffee, maybe…”

Bette interrupted Claire before she could finish her sentence.

“Claire, I know it took a lot of courage to walk over here and I’m sure you are amazing. But I just want to enjoy brunch with my…” Bette paused for effect. “friends.”

Claire looked at the group around the table and back at Bette. She was about to try again when Kit stepped in, “Okay, Girlfriend. Let’s get you some waffles.”

“And for the record Claire, I am not on the market,” Bette stated firmly. “Could you pass that along to everyone? It’d mean a lot to me.” Bette winked at Claire.

Claire nodded and followed Kit back to the other side of The Planet.

Shane, Dana and Alice all glanced at each other. Bette did not miss this exchange. Although Tina broke her heart, Bette’s heart still longed for the blonde. She did not know when she’d see Tina again but she knew she wasn’t ready to move on in any capacity. Her heart was too fragile. She’d put the walls back up that night at the Harborview restaurant. She was unsure if she’d ever be able to let them down again…not even for Tina.

She wanted Tina back but she was also scared. Bette was all definitions of the word heartbroken.