“Yeah, I know what she did was awful but did you have to just fuck off,”

“For me, yes. My heart was shattered. I couldn’t trust the woman I love.”

“Love,”

“What?”

“You used present tense,” Alice said slowly, leaning forward as Tina moved towards the small window of her office that looked out onto the building behind. She licked her lips.

“I’m not talking to you about this Alice,”

“We missed you Tina,”

Tina felt tears sting her eyes.

“I’ve missed you all but there are so many things at play.”

“I know, I just wanted to see you for myself. Do you own this place?”

“yeah I do,” Tina whispered. “I’m so sorry,”

“I know Tina, she’s lonely you know,”

“Bette?”

“Yeah, since you left…well a lot has happened as you say and her life has changed but she pines for you, she’s been drunk, when she drank and all she’d talk about was you.”

Tina couldn’t speak. Alice decided she put her 2 cents in and she’d go,

“Maybe we could meet up.”

“Yeah erm, leave me your number,” Tina said softly.

Alice passed Tina her card.

“Don’t leave it seventeen years,”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Alice.” Tina smiled. Alice left and Tina just sat on the edge of her desk for a while. She knew a lot had changed over the years. she wondered why Alice was in New York but she didn’t have the right to ask. She sat for five minutes before just getting on with her work she had a lot to do.

****

Bette locked up the gallery at six, making sure the place was secure she decided to head across town to see if Tina’s store was still open. The cab pulled up and she paid him. stepping out she was impressive with the location. It looked like the book store was closed but the café was still busy. She opened the door and the noise of the chatter was broken by soft rock music. It made her think of Tina. the place was classy, with art on the walls that Bette knew at once was expensive. She took a deep breath and walked over to the counter. A young woman with brown hair and blue eyes was serving.