Tina tried to accomplish a few unfinished items at the office, but that wasnt really what she wanted to do. What she really wanted was go home, relax, think about her therapy session, and think over how to tell Dan about the events of that horrible night. She knew she had to go over it with him, and answer his questions about her emotions and what factors she thought played into events that had finally culminated in the breakup of the relationship between Bette and herself. Tina knew it wasnt just the affair. That was just the end result for Bette and the final straw for her. She had to get past this and start healing, or the relationship was over.

Tina dreaded the talk that was coming with Bette. She had totally blown up at her the last time she had attempted it. She realized that she just wasnt really ready for the conversation at that time. She had not really dealt with anything except her loneliness and the fact that her whole world had changed. She had wanted her life back, with Bette. So she had been willing (or had thought she was willing) to forgive just to get back to normal and familiar. What she really wanted was painless! She wanted the pain to leave. Maybe with time, and more therapy, it would.

Tina looked at the clock and realized she had to head out or she would be late meeting Cindy. She put a few more things to rest and lost track of the time. She was almost fifteen minutes late when she finally headed out the door.

Cindy had arrived ten minutes early at the Planet. She decided to get a seat in a more remote area in the back and watch for Tina to arrive. They could talk quietly in the back until they decided what they were going to do tonight.

Her plans went awry when Tinas friends started showing up and spotted her. First Shane arrived, came up to the table, said hello, pulled up a chair and started talking to her. Then Alice arrived with Dana, spotted them and came over and sat down. Marina came over with coffee for everyone and also pulled up a chair. They all started chatting to each other and to her. Cindy was starting to feel a little weirded out. Maybe she should have suggested Tina meet her somewhere else.

Ivan and Kit walked in next, came over and pulled up another table and chairs. Kit joined the group as Ivan went to get them some coffee. Soon Jenny strolled in with Robin, and sure enough they also joined the group. Cindy didnt even know half of the group, and had only met the rest of them, except for Dana, a couple of times. So much for some quiet time with Tina! Where the ***** was Tina anyway?

Alice asked Cindy, Is Tina going to be meeting you here?

Cindy replied, I think so, she was supposed to be here twenty minutes ago.

Are you sure? Ive never know that girl to be late. Stated Kit.

Cindy was starting to get a little upset. Who were these people to just join in at her table and take over. The next thing you know, Tinas ex would probably come in and join them too! She looked over to the door and let out a big breath of relief. Tina was just coming in.

Tina walked into the Planet and saw her group of friends sitting with Cindy. Thats nice, she thought. They are making her feel welcome. They are not aware of my decision to cool it with Cindy and work on my marriage. They are trying to support me in my decision to see Cindy. She couldnt ask for better friends.

Tina walked over to the table and greeted everyone.

Girl, you look good! Kit said as she got up to hug Tina. Everyone else agreed. Tina pulled up a chair and soon everyone was chatting back and forth.

Cindy asked Tina, Do you think we could go get something to eat? Im getting kind of hungry.

Tina didnt really want to leave with Cindy. She was enjoying the camaraderie between everyone and said to Cindy, Im starved too! How about we get something here? The food is great!

The whole group agreed and Cindy was not too thrilled about it. She had wanted to share some time alone with Tina and things just were not working out the way she wanted them to. Tina wasnt even sitting next to her. But other than cause a scene, she agreed and everyone ordered something to eat.

An hour and a half later, dinner was done and Tina still didnt seem to want to leave. Cindy was really getting frustrated.

Tina, could I talk to you for a minute? Cindy asked.

Sure. Tina replied looking at her.

No, I mean alone.

Oh, ok.

They both got up and walked out onto the patio.

Cindy turned to Tina and gently rubbed her hand down Tinas arm. I was hoping we could have some time together. It is hard to start a relationship with a group of people joining you on your date.

I know, but I was so happy that my friends had accepted you, I though it would be nice to spend the evening here with them.

Arent we going to spend some time together? Alone?

Tina started fidgeting. Look Cindy, Im not sure I want to move so fast. She started to say.

Tinas phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and looked at the number. It was Bette!

Excuse me just a minute Cindy, she said.

Tina turned and walked a few steps away. Answering the phone, she said, Hi Ba.. um Bette.

Hi Tina. I was just calling to see how you were. Is there anything you need?

No Bette. Im doing ok. Are you ok? You arent still at work, are you?

Im fine Tina. I was just thinking about you and needed to know you were ok. And yes, I still am at work and I have to get back to it. Ill talk to you later. Take care of yourself.

You take care of yourself too. Bye.

Even though Tina had talked low, Cindy had still caught most Tinas part of the conversation. As Tina turned back to her, Cindy said, Tina, I dont think this is working out. I think we should cut our losses and just remain friends. I have to go. Ill see you at the gym. Goodnight.

With that Cindy walked through the Planet and out the door. She didnt even say goodnight to the group of friends who were sitting slack-jawed watching her march out.

Tina came back to the table. She had this incredulous look on her face.

What happened? Whered Cindy go? The questions started flying at her.

Tina said, I just got dumped. She started laughing. She didnt ever pay for her portion of dinner. Her laugh was infectious and soon everyone joined in.

Tina was laughing so hard that tears were running down her face. And the funny part, is that I was going to dump her! The laugh party was going strong now.

God it felt so good to laugh!