Tina was sitting at her desk staring blankly at her computer screen. It had been one week since Melanie broke up with her and one week since she told Bette she needed time to figure out what she wanted. She had let seven days pass but she was no closer to understanding what she wanted then when all this happened in the first place. Tina let her mind wander as she barely looked at the work in front of her. I miss Melanie. I wish I could just call her or see her face. But I miss Bette too. I want to try again with her but I dont know if I can. How did I end up in this position? Things were going so good and theyre all gone. Again. Why am I so scared to give my relationship with Bette another shot? Tina sighed as she glanced at the clock. It was nearly six and she knew she should just go home but she didnt want to go home to an empty house. Tina wished that Bette would just call her or try and see her, something, anything to let her know that she didnt make a terrible mistake in asking for time. But Bette hadnt done those things. She was giving Tina the time and space she asked for and it was making Tina miserable.

RING RING RING

Tina Kennard.

Hey Tina, its Al. Listen, Dana and I were going to rent some movies and have a video marathon at my place if you want to come.

No its okay. You guys have funbesides dont you want to be alone?

I spend enough time with her as it is, come onI know youre still sitting at work pining over Bette anywaysit will be good for you.

Tina laughed as she listened to Alice try and talk her into coming. Alice had been such a good friend through all of her ups and downs lately and she really didnt know how she would have gotten through any of it without her. Tina glanced at her desk one more time before giving in.

Okay okay. What time?

Seven thirty.

OkayIll be there.

Greatsee you then.

Tina hung up and sighed to herself. She knew that she should probably be spending the evening trying to figure out how she managed to ***** up her life so much in the past week, but she didnt want to depress herself even more. Besides, Alice and Dana were always good company and she could use some lighthearted fun. Tina grabbed her bag and headed out the door to run home and change before heading to Alices.

***
RING RING RING

Hello?

Bette, its Dana.

Oh hey Dana. Whats going on?

Nothing much. Alice and I were going to have dinner at her place and we were wondering if you wanted to join us. Shane will be there and I thought it would be nice if the four of us had a quiet dinner.

What about Tina?

I dont know. Alice said she would call her.

I dont know Danethings are a little shaky between me and Tina right now and I dont know if I want to intrude.

Well youre not reallybecause its our dinner and Im inviting you, my friend, to join us.

Okay. What time?

Seven thirty.

Okay..do you need me to bring anything?

NopeAlice has everything under control.

Okaybye.

Bette hung up and looked at her watch. It was almost six thirty and she decided to get a little more work done before heading over to Alices. I hope Tina is there. I really want to talk to her. Bette had spent the past week trying to keep herself as busy as possible so that she wouldnt think about Tina. Every time she did she felt like crying and she understood exactly how Tina must have felt when Bette asked for the same thing. I never needed time apart from her. I just needed to get my head clear, how could I have been so stupid? Bette turned back to her work and didnt look up again until it was seven fifteen. She hurried out of the CAC and jumped in her car taking off to meet her friends for dinner.

***
Dana pulled Alice into her arms. They were snuggled on Danas couch and the rest of the pizza they had ordered was sitting on the table.

You dont think theyre gonna get mad at us do you?

Probably. But then well just point out how everything worked out and they cant stay mad at us forever.

***
Tina was just pulling up to Alices house when she saw Bette parking her car. What is she doing here? thought Tina as she got out. Tina thought Alice had said it would be just her, Dana and Alice, but Tina wouldnt mind Bette being there. In fact she was happy to see Bette. Bette was just getting out of her car and when she saw Tina she froze. She is beautiful, thought Bette as she slowly walked over to Tina.

Hey.

Hey Bette.

They looked at each other for a second before Bette motioned towards the stairs. Tina followed her up the stairs and stopped when they got to the door. She reached out for Bettes hand and Bette turned quickly at the feeling of Tinas hand in hers.

Bette, I just wanted to say something.

What?

Im sorry. I didnt mean to blame you for Melanie breaking up with me. Its just been a crazy month and I think I kind of took my frustration out on you.

Its okay Tina. I understand.

Bette gave Tina a small smile and Tina squeezed Bettes hand before letting it go. Bette knocked on the door and after a little while she gave Tina a confused look since no one had opened the door yet.

I wonder whats going on.

Yeah, Alice said her and Dana would be here.

And I wonder where Shane is.

Shane?

Yeah Dana called me and said that her, Alice and Shane were having dinner here and asked me to join them.

Alice called me and said her and Dana were going to watch movies here all night.

Tina gave Bette a smile when she realized they had been set up. Bette still looked confused and at that moment she felt her phone vibrate. Bette opened it and when she read the text message she had an even more confused look on her face.

The key is under the mat.

Bette looked down and lifted the welcome mat up. Sure enough there was a spare key there and Bette used it to open the door. When she finally stepped inside she understood what was going on. The apartment was dark except for the candles that were spread out all over the room. There was a fully cooked dinner for two sitting on the stove and the kitchen table was set with two place settings. There were roses on both chairs and a note on the table. Tina walked over and read the note aloud for Bette.

Sorry guys, Dana and I couldnt make it. Enjoy the dinner and there are movies on the coffee table. – Alice.

Bette gave Tina a look before walking over and looking at the movies. They were all romantic comedies, all Tinas favorites, and Bette knew that Alice had taken it upon herself to play matchmaker tonight. Just then Alices phone rang and Bette picked it up knowing it was Alice.

Hello?

Bette what are you doing picking up my phone?

Very funny Alice, what is going on here?

Let me talk to Tina.

ALICE.

What Bette? Let me talk to Tina.

Bette held the phone out for Tina and had an exasperated look on her face. Tina laughed and reached for the phone.

Hi Alice.

Hey Tina. So did you guys get everything?

Yeah it looks great.

Good. Well have fun tonight and I want details tomorrow.

Tina laughed as she hung up the phone and turned to Bette. Bette was looking ready to walk out the door when Tina stopped her.

Bette

Bette turned and looked at Tina with tears in her eyes. Tina became extremely concerned at Bettes sudden change of mood and she quickly walked over to her.

Baby whats wrong?

Tina I didnt want it to have to come to this. I didnt want to have to be set up by our friends. It wasnt supposed to be like this.

Oh Bette, it doesnt matter. Come on, Alice and Dana went through all this trouble. Lets at least have dinner and talk okay?

Bette sighed and let Tina lead her back into the apartment. Bette didnt know if tonight was real and she had no idea as to what Tina was thinking at that exact moment. Tina seemed to be happy about this, but Bette didnt know how long that would last. All Bette knew was that she loved Tina more than she would ever be able to explain and not knowing how she felt was killing her.