“Bette I would never ask you to be in an open relationship with me. I know that if or when I come to you it has to be all or nothing. That’s why I need time to sort things out. I don’t want to lose you Bette even as a friend. I certainly don’t want to cause you pain but I have to be true to who and what I am. I just hope that you can accept that.”

“I wouldn’t want you any other way Tina.” Bette assured her.

Tina felt physically drained as the emotionally exhausting day finally took its toll. “Will you please hold me Bette?” She asked in a small voice. “Sure. Come here.” Bette answered as she made room on the lounger for Tina to lie down beside her. They lay on their sides with Bette spooning Tina from behind and bringing her as close as their bodies would allow. The tears fell silently as Tina relaxes in Bette’s embrace drawing strength from the strong arms that enfolded her. They lay in that position for a while, neither saying a word. Tina felt safe and comforted in a way that she’d never felt with anyone else. It was Bette’s natural protective nature that gave her that feeling and she didn’t want it to end. Bette held tight until the tears subsided.

“Are you OK Tee?”

“Tee … you know that’s the second time you’ve called that?”

“Is it?” Bette feigned innocence but she remembered the exact conversation where she’d referred to Tina as Tee. It was on Saturday night at the Planet after Tina found out about Bette adopting Alex. Bette was explaining how right everything felt. Tina turned in the lounger to face Bette and caught the blush on her cheeks. “OK I remember I said it at the club on Saturday. Sorry. I guess I just get caught up in the moment sometimes. I won’t do it again.”

Tina liked to see Bette a little flustered. “Tee … I like it. I think it’s endearing that you have a pet name for me.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I do. I don’t mind if you want to call me Tee.”

”Good. I like it too. So are you OK?”

“Yeah I’m much better now. Thank you for being such a good friend Bette. I really don’t deserve you.”