***

Tina was dealing with it, the best way she knew how – by keeping busy the next day and keeping troubling thoughts at a mental arm’s length until she was less emotional.

She was doing a good job of it until closing time, and she was standing outside the store after locking up with nowhere to go but home, where she’d be alone with nothing left to do but think.

She could put it off a little while longer, however. She would eat at a restaurant tonight. Tina didn’t mind solitude but she hated eating alone. She walked to one of the quieter seaside restaurants and got a table for one, glancing around the room to see if there was anyone she recognized. Thankfully there were only a few tables occupied around the room by people she didn’t know.

Shortly after she had placed her order she pulled a book out of her bag and started reading. Tina had a tendency to get engrossed in her books, and didn’t notice that someone had been seated at the next table until they spoke to her.

“Hello again.”

Tina looked up from her book and had to come back into reality to recognize the woman from the bookstore. The dark haired one.

“Oh – hello.”

“Come here often?”

“No.”

“I do. Try the crab cakes.”

“Next time. I already ordered.” Tina noted the page she was on and closed the book.

“Can’t leave work behind?” The woman asked, nodding at the book Tina pushed aside.

Tina smiled. “I just love reading. I love books.”

“Yes, I figured. Most people who work in bookstores do.”

“By the way,” Tina said rummaging in her bag for the envelope. “I have your change.”

The woman’s brow furrowed. “It was meant to be a tip.”

“I didn’t feel comfortable…” Tina trailed off. “I mean, I didn’t think it was right to take such a big tip. Or something. Anyway…” Tina held out the envelope.

The woman paused before taking it, then reached out her hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever been given back a tip before. Back in New York this never would have happened. It’s kind of awkward.” The woman opened the envelope and peeked inside.

“Sorry. I just thought -”

“I know. You maybe don’t like owing anybody anything, or it would have bothered you too much to keep it. I don’t mind. I’ll take it back on one condition.”

Tina raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“You eat dinner with me. I hate eating alone, and I have been since I moved here.”

Tina smiled. How could she say no?

“All right. I have a condition of my own.”

The woman took the seat across the table from Tina and asked “Yeah?” as she situated herself.

“You tell me your name.”

Her new friend smiled and held out her hand. “It’s Bette. Bette Porter.”