Tina and Adison decided to have coffee and breakfast together alone the next morning to catch up. They were sitting at a small table in a coffee shop that had the best coffee in the area

This place is really cute, Tina. It kinda reminds me of that place near school we used to go to all the time and study. Remember?

How could I forget? There arent too many local coffee shops around anymore since Starbucks took over the world. Its too bad, really.

Tina started to put blackberry jelly on her whole wheat bagel while Adison sipped her coffee, looking at the local paper. After Tina had then placed cream cheese on top the jelly, she began to eat.

Still like that cream cheese and jelly thing? Adison smiled.

No other way. While taking a bite, Tina smeared jelly on her chin.

You, um have some jelly – Adison reached over with a napkin. Let me get it. She looked away quickly and started to read the paper again.

Addie, maybe we should talk about what happened when I visited you. Adison remained quiet but looked at Tina, letting her know to continue with her thoughts. Im sorry for the way I acted. I was drunk and got carried away in the moment.

So you didnt mean it?

No, I wanted to kiss you I guess but not because I liked you. It was just because I felt lonely and confused and you were right there. Youd been such a close friend for so long. It meant nothing, Addie. Im with Bette and I dont want it any other way.

Adison didnt respond for a moment, gathering her thoughts. You know, Tina, I can see how happy you are with Bette. You and I… were at different places in our lives now. Thank you for your honesty, I appreciate it and for trusting me with it. She stopped before continuing. Looking at Tina across the table she gave Tina a half smile. Its no good lingering on what could have been… but you and I wouldve made one ***** of a scene, dont you think?

Tina didnt know how to respond. Sure, she had thought about Adison in more than a friend type of way, but thats not what she wanted now. One main reason she ran to D.C. was because of feelings that had never been dealt with – feelings that she never understood until Bette had kissed her. After coming out to herself, Tina looked at the past in a different light and realized there were so many repressed feelings and desires. At the time, those things were simply close friendships but nothing more. Tina thought it was normal to want to kiss her friends, cuddle in bed together, spend every moment she could with them, and even go to the bathroom to discover a wetness dampening her underpants. She could count on her hand the few friends that had made her feel this way and Adison was one of them… a significant one because Tina was older, in college during these feelings.

It wasnt meant to be, Addie. I love you dearly, but everything happens for a reason and theres a reason Bette stumbled into my life so unexpectedly. I belong in LA with Bette. You belong in D.C. to finish that law degree so you can start a life of being an environmental lawyer and helping those who need you. Youll find someone along the way.

Tina squeezed Adisons hand and saw hurt in her eyes, but also understanding surfaced.

I know, Tina. You deserve to be happy. Thank you for being a good friend. We dont ever need to talk about this again… but lets keep it just between us, ok?

I can handle that.

Once they had finished several cups of coffee and breakfast, they headed out.

Hey, want to see Bettes gallery? Tina asked.

Sure. Sounds like fun.

Tina turned around the car and drove to the Bette Porter gallery. They walked inside and Tina led the way to Bettes office. Knocking on the door, Tina could hear Bette was on the phone.

Come in! Bette yelled, cupping her hand over the mouthpiece.

When Tina and Adison walked in, Bettes face lit up. She held up a hand, motioning to keep quiet and shed only be another minute.

This place is really cool. Adison whispered. Howd you manage to snag such a successful and sophisticated woman?

Lucky I guess. Tina giggled and Bette hung up the phone.

Nice to see you again Adison.

You too. This is a great place you have here. I really am impressed.

Are you into art at all? Bette motioned for them to sit down.

Well… no, actually. My specialty is law but I still appreciate art.

Everyone has their niche.

Bette, hope you dont mind that we stopped by. I wanted to show you off a little more to Addie. Tina winked at Bette.

Its no problem. I could use the break anyway.

Bette took notice of Adisons green eyes, never missing a beat. She looked so intense behind all her humor and it seemed as if she could see right inside of Bette. She felt intimidated by her. As she watched her and Tina interact, she saw a closeness between them and realized they must have been very good friends during school. Bette craved to know more about Tinas past, everything about her but was glad to learn something new every day.

Tina watched Adison and Bette talk and sat back to listen and observe. Both women were extremely passionate about what they did. Bette with her art and her gallery and Adison with her aspirations to practice law in order to be a voice for the environment and the less fortunate. Tina felt blessed to have friends who exuded such conviction and passion for their careers and goals. She observed Adison, with her short red hair, messy and sticking out. Tina remembered when Adison had cut all of her long hair off, Adison saying it was time for a new start at life. She now wore corduroys with a white t-shirt and dark blue birkenstocks. There would have been a day where Adison would have made fun of Tina for wearing the same outfit but now Adison is more laid back, more herself. Tina smiled, understanding that when Adison finally came to terms with her sexuality, it must have been a freeing process, allowing her to be more herself, in all different ways, including dress.

What do you think T? Bette looked at her.

Hm? What?

Did you hear anything we just said? Adison asked.

Sorry, was in my own little world. What was that?

Bette and Alice are going to meet us at ten tonight, ok?

Great. Ready to go then?

Adison and Tina headed towards the door followed by Bette.

See you guys tonight.

They waved goodbye and headed back to Tinas.


Later that evening, Tina and Mandy took Adison and Dana around the city a little bit to show them around. After dinner, they headed out to a local ***** bar/club to meet Bette and Alice. Tina wore blue jeans with a little white t-shirt that had a number seven in blue on the back and a blue soccer ball in the front left corner. Adison wore jeans as well with a small collared black polo shirt. Her bright red hair looked like fire next to the black. Both women look adorable and Bette thought so when they walked in the door.

Holy *****, who is that woman with Tina? Is that Adison? Alices jaw dropped.

Sure is… looks like quite a feisty one, doesnt she?

Wow… and hot. Youre not jealous?

Tina has eyes for me and me only. Bette stood up and waved, watching the three women join the table. Tina couldnt take her eyes off Bette and leaned across the table to kiss her. Alice rolled her eyes.

Hi, Im Alice. You must be Adison.

They shook hands and everyone ordered some drinks. As the night continued, they enjoyed casual conversation until someone at the door caught Tinas eye.

Is that Liz… and Tesa?

Yes. Adison said as she waved them over. Tina looked at Mandy, shocked and speechless, confused as to what they would be doing at a ***** bar. Tina hadnt talked to them since she came out.

Terrified, she said, Why are they here?

I invited them, silly. I havent seen them in forever, not since you guys all moved out here and I thought it would be fun. Adison smiled as they walked up to the table and exchanged hugs.

This should be interesting. Mandy whispered to Tina.

Tina clenched her jaw, standing up and turning around to head to the bar.