“You know, I can’t cook to save my life.” The mocha woman admitted, her dark brown eyes lighting softly. She could at least extend the olive branch of small talk, it couldn’t hurt.

               “I’ve heard.” Begging she wouldn’t wish to take back her words Helena’s expression contorted into something rather sheepish, Tina talked about Bette more than Bette probably knew. It wasn’t a look of shock written on the face across from hers but it was clear that the reply was an unexpected one.

               “I’m curious as to what else you might have heard,” Bette’s voice held a tone of dark humor, she couldn’t help but wonder if Tina swapped facts with Helena of her like she had to her of Helena. “If it’s any consolation, I’ve already heard you’re a fabulous cook.”  She watched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow rise on the Brit’s face. Her comment had achieved its desired effect and it looked as though the same thought she had just pondered settled in Helena’s mind as well.

               “Tina liked to make me jealous and all she ever had to do was talk about you.” Before Bette even had the chance to doubt what Helena had just softly admitted, she saw evidence of uncertainty in Helena’s eyes. If it was anything Bette knew to be true it was her judge of character, the woman wasn’t yanking her chain.

               “Tina likes to do little things like that, she likes to evoke a reaction to get what she wants,” As the dean spoke she reached for her glass of wine. “It works.” The women’s forks lay forgotten on their plates as the conversation began to get interesting. Helena leaned back in her chair, her legs crossing and an arm draped comfortably over the back of her seat. Bette also relaxed against the back of her chair holding her wine in hand; the smile she wore parted her lips reveal two rows of white teeth. By now the alcohol was warming her insides enough that her mind relaxed. She still understood that embarking on the Tina conversation could be an unwise choice but now was as good a time as any. Bette didn’t honestly know what she was getting herself into but on the other side of the table her company saw it as a stepping stone, they were opening up and exploring; building trust.