“Am I that obvious?”

“No, not that obvious, but I know what flirting is Tina.”

Tina stared at Shane, not knowing what to say. Tina tried to remember the last time that she had been rendered completely speechless by anyone but Bette. Tina knew that she was supposed to be speaking but she couldn’t find the words. Her first thought was that she really should refine her flirting techniques. It really wasn’t good to be that transparent.

“It’s OK. I knew that you were with Bette, right from when I first met you, you talked about Bette. Don’t get me wrong Tina. I think that you’re an amazingly attractive woman. I would be lying if I said that wasn’t the truth, and I was flattered that you were flirting with me.”

“But you flirted back.” said Tina, suddenly finding her voice.

“Of course I flirted back. I’m not the one that’s in a relationship.”

“You can’t use that excuse.”

“No? I liked talking to you. You’re a beautiful woman. I think more beautiful than you think you are. Flirting with you is easy. The only thing that isn’t is that you tell me you’re in love with someone else.”

“I am.”

“And that’s fine. I never really expected you to up and leave someone that you’re practically living with. I just don’t want you to use me as the final test. Don’t push the borders of your relationship with me just to prove that Bette’s really the one that you want.

“I haven’t been doing that.”

“Yeah, you have.”

Tina had to admit that Shane was wiser beyond her years, and if they could get through this she would be an amazing and valuable friend in the years to come. Tina picked up her glass and took a sip of her wine. She had to admit to herself that no amount of wine was going to make this easy.

“I’ve never met anyone like Bette before. I don’t know where we’re going to end up but I do know that I want to see it thought until the end, whatever that end might be.”

“I think that you should do that. I think that you know that I’m attracted to you. I don’t think that I’ve made that a secret, and yet there was always something that was going to stand in my way.”

“Don’t you mean someone.”

“Well, yeah, someone.”

“It’s really hard to describe how I feel right now. Bette came before you, in fact I think that Bette’s always been there. Casting her shadow before I even met her.”

“You don’t have to put it into words. Just know that I understand.”

“It’s like….”

“Tina, it’s OK. You don’t have to.

“No, it’s like you’re a party and I’m like a school night.”

“That’s some analogy.” smiled Shane, but understanding what Tina was trying to say to her.

“I should go. I need to go home, speak to Bette. Tell he how much I love her.”

“Yeah, I think that you do, and Tina?”

“Yes Shane?”

“You know that this is the start of something else, don’t you?”

“I know. The start of a long and beautiful friendship.”

“I wasn’t going to put it quite like that, but yes. I think we’re going to be friends for a long time.”

Tina got up from the couch, as did Shane. Tina leaned forward and kiss Shane on the cheek. Shane smiled shyly at Tina. No words spoken but a bond had been formed between them. Shane would always be there for Tina, and in time for Bette too.

Tina walked towards her car. She wanted to look back but knew that she shouldn’t. Some things were better off being left behind. As Tina sat in her car she thought about where she should head to. She could go home or she could go to Bette’s. Tina turned the key in the ignition, took a deep breath and started to drive towards the woman who she loved.