Bette did not answer. She set her wine glass down and played with the napkin by her plate. Sighing she softly asked, “I do that too though, don’t I, Tee?… I don’t …. ask permission. I didn’t today. I like being in control too….”

“Bette, honey. You are comparing two different things. You are not Jodie. Today was a speed bump, a hiccup, a mistake. You are human Bette Porter, are you not?” She turned Bette’s face, so she was looking at her. “You are allowed to make mistakes, yes?”

Tina reached for Bette’s hand and placed in between both of her hands. Warm, comforting. She kissed the tips of Bette’s fingers. Where was Bette going with this?

“Of course, I am human Tee. But I have been reckless. Yes, I have. I was reckless with you, reckless with us. And today was more than a setback, it was a return to that…version… of me that acts thoughtlessly. I think I should make an appointment with my therapist…”

“Well, ok! OK. If that makes you feel better. You are not a cyborg Honey, with versions of you floating around the world. You are one person, with good traits mixed in with other qualities we are working on. Together. But so am I. And your good parts far, far outweigh the other parts Baby” Tina joked, trying to get Bette on a different track.

Bette took a sip of wine and looked at Tina. Her smile was gone, her face worried, upset.
Tina continued, trying a different tactic. “We are fine, Baby…I want to talk more about how to bring that snake Lerner down…I just need more evidence and then I have her…” she took a sip of wine, looking at Bette who was still so quiet.

Bette spoke quietly, “I need to make a therapy appointment so I can figure out why I slipped up. I haven’t been in awhile and I think I need a refresher. This is too fucking important. You are too important to me. Today, when you said you didn’t feel important…I…well, I got scared. Will you come with me?”