Okay yeah that sounds greatIll see you at seven Tina. Bye.

Bette hung up and sat down on her bed. She was meeting Tina for their weekly dinner and she felt a familiar sense of excitement and comfort wash over her. It had been three months since Bette and Tina talked in front of the Planet that day and two months since Bette had finally accepted her place in Tinas life. The first few weeks were hard for Bette and she couldnt handle being around Tina and Melanie together. But as the weeks went by she learned to handle it and she was finally able to make amends with herself and get over the fact that they couldnt just go back to the Bette and Tina of old. Bette had apologized to Melanie for being so cold to her in the beginning and Tina was proud that Bette was able to do that. They had been having Sunday night dinners for the past month and Bette looked forward to them because it guaranteed her the chance to be alone with Tina. Bette never tried to overtly flirt with Tina or pressure her into getting back together with her, instead she just enjoyed Tinas company while still being the Bette that Tina had always known. There few times when their conversations would turn nostalgic or flirtatious they always allow themselves to get caught up in the moment for a second before quickly returning to the present.

Bette glanced at her watch and saw that it was a little after five. She walked to the bathroom and quickly turned the shower on. As she stood under the water she let her mind drift back to the old days when she first fell in love with Tina. She remembered how much fun they had in the beginning and how entranced she would get just by looking in Tinas eyes. Bette sighed to herself as she got out and toweled herself off. The past three months had been a complete change for Bette and she didnt even remember what her life was like before, back when she had jeopardized everything she believed in and broke her vow of monogamy. Bette knew that Tina was the only one for her and she never even allowed herself the possibility of trying to find someone new. No woman would ever live up to Tina and Bette still believed that someday, somehow Tina would be back in her arms. She understood that moving on was something Tina needed to do, but Bette had made a decision long ago that she would wait for Tina, even if that meant waiting forever.

Bette changed her clothes and ran out the house on her way over to Tinas. Tina was going to cook for them tonight and Bette was really looking forward to it. She hadnt had one of Tinas home cooked meals in almost six months and she was almost drooling at the thought of eating Tinas dinner. Bette made it to Tinas in record time and she didnt feel the nervousness she used to when she knocked on Tinas door. The first time she went to Tinas for their weekly dinner she had been so nervous she barely said three words all night despite Tinas attempts to lighten the mood. Bette felt embarrassed for being so awkward around her and after that she never felt the nervousness again. They were like old friends who shared a special bond and Bette was glad she had made the decision to get over trying to force Tina back into her life. Bette didnt know where she would be without her and she couldnt bear the thought of having to live without her.

Just then the door swung open and Melanie greeted Bette with a smile. When Tina and Bette first started having these weekly dinners Melanie was very jealous of Bette and didnt totally trust her alone with Tina. Melanie never told Tina how she felt though, because she knew that deep down she would never replace Bette. It wasnt her job. Her job was to live in the moment and remind herself that Tina chose to be with her. As the weeks went by Melanie became less and less guarded with Bette and she was completely blown away when Bette actually apologized to her.

Hey Bette.

Hey Melanie.

Come in, Tina should be done cooking soon.

Bette followed Melanie into Tinas house and her stomach growled when she smelled the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen. Cooking was one of the many things Tina was always so good at, thought Bette as she walked into the kitchen. Her stomach tightened for a split second when she saw Melanie and Tina laughing and joking together while Tina cooked. The second passed and Bette felt the calm wash over her again. Bette took a second to enjoy the sight of Tina and noticed that she had lost a little weight and her hair had grown a little longer. She is still beautiful, thought Bette as she greeted Tina. Tina gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek as she took the wine that Bette brought over and stuck it in the fridge. Melanie took that as her cue to leave and she gave Tina a gentle kiss on the lips before leaving.

Bye baby, Ill see you later.

Bye babe.

Tina turned back to the stove and Bette saw the faintest smile on her lips. Bette walked over to her and playfully leaned forward trying to see Tinas face.

Why Ms. Kennard are you blushing?

Tina laughed as she quickly turned away from Bette and wiped her face with her hand. Tina knew that it was the combination of being in Bettes presence and the kiss that Melanie gave her that caused her reaction but she would never tell Bette that. Tina had truly enjoyed the time she spent with Bette over the past few months and she knew they were on the road to some kind of reconciliation. Tina had never been happier just being with Melanie, but even though she was the perfect person, she just wasnt Bette. Tina had been amazed at the transformation that Bette had undergone in the past few months and Tina found herself looking forward to seeing Bette or hearing her voice on the phone. Tina was now the one who was torn because while she was so content with Melanie, some part of her always longed for Bette.

Tina turned off the stove and put the chicken and pasta she had made on two separate plates. She handed the plates to Bette and told her to go outside to the patio while she grabbed the wine. Bette took the plates and headed outside while Tina opened the fridge and took out the wine. She grabbed two wine glasses and headed outside to join Bette. They sat out on her little patio enjoying the warm southern California weather and each others company. Tina told Bette about the work she was doing and Bette filled her in on how her latest show went at the CAC. Bette gave Tina the invitations she brought with her to the farewell party the CAC was throwing for its latest exhibit and she made her promise to bring Melanie. Bette had truly accepted Melanie as part of Tinas life and Bette was going to be the bigger person in this situation. She was not going to whine and pout at the fact that Tina had moved on. Instead she embraced the situation and handled it exactly like Bette Porter knew how. She just wanted Tina to be happy and if she was then it was enough for Bette. They finished eating and were now just sitting outside and enjoying the night as they continued their conversation.

So I was thinking of going up to San Francisco after this exhibit is over.

To visit David?

Yeah, Kit hasnt talked to him in forever and she just wanted me to make sure he was doing okay.

How is Kit?

So so. She has her good days and her bad ones. I think shes confused as to what she wants right now, but overall shes good.

Eh the Porter women are tough.

Damn straight.

They smiled at each other and Bette could feel the love from Tinas gaze. It wasnt the kind of love that makes your head spin and your knees weak. It was the simple kind of love that makes you feel complete and keeps you warm on the cold nights. Bette wished more than anything for Tina just to reach out and hold her hand or pull her into her arms, but once again Bette had to remind herself that was not why she was there. Bette gave Tina a heartfelt smile as they sat there just staring at each other.

Tina felt the love in Bettes gaze as well but it had a slightly different effect on her. It reminded her of all the good times they shared and while it made her feel good to know where they were at this point in time, sometimes Tina had to remind herself that it was Melanie and not Bette who was her better half. Bette just knew Tina better than Melanie and she always seemed to know exactly what to say or do to make Tina feel special and when Tina was having a hard day Melanies arms would comfort her but Bettes words could make her feel better instantly.

Tina stood up to clear the table and Bette grabbed the wine bottle and empty glasses and followed her back inside. Tina put the dishes in the sink as Bette put the wine back in the fridge. It was times like this, when they would just do the little things, that made Tina wish Bette were back in her life. Bette turned to Tina and looked at her thoughtfully. Bette knew they were a million miles from where they had been at one point, but she felt that although their paths were different, they were pointed in the same direction. Tina looked at the clock and saw that it was almost nine and she wished Bette didnt have to go. The end of their evenings were always the most awkward for Tina and so many times she almost asked Bette to stay longer, but she always caught herself just in time. Bette walked to the living room to get her jacket and purse as Tina followed her to the door.

This was fun. Thanks again for dinner.

Anytime Bette.

So Ill see you and Melanie next Friday right?

Yeah yeah, dont worry well be there.

Okay. Bye.

Tina watched Bette walk away and she felt herself wanting to run after her. She was so amazed at the Bette she knew now and she knew that the more time they spent together the more she was falling back in love with her. Tina turned around slowly and closed the door behind her. She walked over and picked up the phone wanting to hear Melanies voice.

Hello.

Hey babe.

Hey baby, how was dinner?

Good. What were you doing?

Just grading some papers. I could come over if you want.

Sounds good. See you in a little bit.

Okay, I love you.

Love you too.

Tina hung up and sighed contentedly. She found herself torn as she thought about the wonderful evening she had with Bette and the equally wonderful woman en route to her house right now. I could never hurt Melanie, I love her too much. But why am I having these thoughts then? Tina walked to the kitchen to start the dishes before Melanie got there. As she was washing the dishes she kept thinking about Bette and if Tina really wanted to take another chance with her. She had given her heart to Bette twice and Bette had broken it both times, but maybe third times a charm. NoI cant go through that again. Tina shook her head as she painfully remembered the bad times with Bette and she felt herself putting the walls up around her again as a defense. I made my decision to be with Melanie and I know it was the right one, Tina told herself as she finished drying the dishes. Tina didnt know what was going through her head at that exact moment but she knew one thing for sure, she was really looking forward to Friday night.