Gathering her courage, Bette padded out to the living room.  She had chosen her outfit carefully, wearing jeans and a form-fitting army green tank top.  It looked simple and it was, but only because Bette had torn apart her entire closet rejecting every item in turn.  She knew she had come close to losing her mind when she asked Angelica for advice.  She was barefoot too.  Why?  Because deciding on shoes would have taken much longer than she could justify to herself.

            And for all of that worrying, Tina didnt care.  Bette could have been wearing a trash bag.  It never mattered to Tina.  Seeing Bette, she smiled that smile, the one where her eyebrow raises and you can practically see the anything-but-innocent thoughts behind her eyes.  I can smell dinner, but where is it?

            In the oven, Bette answered gesturing back over her shoulder and shifting her weight awkwardly. 

            Did you cook? Tina asked slowly, warily.  It would be really bad if Bette cooked.  She set her briefcase down on the couch next to her.

            No, no, Bette answered quickly.  Im just keeping it warm.  I wasnt about to ruin tonight with my stunningly awful culinary adventures.

            Tina looked at Bette for a moment, gauging what was wrong.  Bette, are you ok?

            From now on, if Bette felt it she was going to say it.  She promised herself.  Im really nervous, Tina.

            Tina didnt laugh.  She smiled sympathetically and approached Bette steadily.  And thats ok, babe.  She brushed Bettes hair out of her face, smoothing her fingers through it.  There is no pressure tonight.  Its you and me and we know we love each other.  I think sometimes we just have to remember that we really like each other too.  This cant go wrong, babe, because youre safe with me.

            Bette smiled tentatively, grateful, not sure she deserved to be safe with Tina, wondering if Tina felt safe with her.  Hungry? she asked.

            Starved, Tina responded.  Ill go get changed if you put out the food.

            Bette agreed.

            Dinner was simple.  Once Bette relaxed they discussed their days.  Bette told Tina about trying to choose an outfit.  Bette was absolutely convinced that Angelica had a natural eye for fashion.  She clearly preferred the Jill Sanders suit to the Tahari.  The kid had an eye for quality and design.  Tina laughed but couldnt help agreeing.  Clearly, their daughter was above average in nearly every way.