BETTES SIDE

Seven thirty finally rolled around and Bette was on her way to pick up Tina for their date. She was excited to see her, yet she couldnt get their previous conversation out of her head. Tina wouldnt do that just to spite me would she? I thought we were working things out. If she is seeing her I wonder how long this has been going on. Maybe thats why we havent slept together yet. This last thought made Bette sad and a little angry. Tina had made such a big deal about the need for honesty in their new relationship and if she was keeping Katie a secret Bette didnt know what she would do. She knew in all fairness she really couldnt say anything about who Tina spends her time with, but it hurt thinking that Tina may be settling the score between them since she thought they had gotten over that.

Bette arrived at Tinas town home and checked her reflection in the car mirror. She had made sure she looked perfect tonight because she wanted Tina to know that if she had to fight for her she would. Bette wasnt used to the feeling of insecurity when it came to Tinas affection but she had to know for sure what was going on.

She picked Tina up and they headed out to a local Japanese restaurant for dinner. Their conversation was light and easy, but Bette was a little distracted tonight because she wanted to ask Tina about her lunch date. Bette decided that they might as well get it over with otherwise she would spend the whole evening imagining worst-case scenarios. Bette wanted to spend the weekend with Tina and she couldnt do that and be unsure about what was going on between them.

So what are your plans this weekend?

I have to work. At the last minute Walter decided to drop a bomb on me so I am going in to meet with Katie and get some reports done.

Bette knew this was her opening to ask about Katie because if she brought it up again she would be all too obvious about her jealousy.

So youre spending tomorrow with Katie?

Tina gave Bette a back off look but Bette stubbornness got the better of Bette and she continued.

I mean youll be working with her all day.

Yes. Look Bette, its not what you think okay. You know all about her. She is just someone I work with.

I know but

No buts Bette. She is a friend and thats it. End of conversation.

Bette looked down at her food and thought carefully about what she wanted to say before she continued. Bette realized that for once her jealousy didnt stem from the thought of Tina being taken away from her but rather than Tina would chose someone else over her. This was a new concept for her to grasp and Bette was having a hard time telling Tina how scared she was.

I know shes just a friend Tina, but it just all seems a little too coincidental. First Valentinos, now youre working alone on the weekend together. Dont you think she has ulterior motives?

Bette could see by the look in her eyes that she had made Tina angry and she felt bad for verbalizing her fears, but honesty is what Tina wanted and right now she was being honest.

What if she does Bette? Does that bother you?

Yes, it does. Tina I dont want to lose you again.

Maybe you should have thought about that before.

So is that what this is? Are you settling the score? Because if this is payback Tina, I get the point. Im sorry about Candace but I thought we had gotten past that.

Tinas face softened a little as she realized how insecure Bette had become about their relationship and how much she treasured it.

Look I dont want you to think that Im doing this to get even with you okay. Yes Katie is a very attractive woman and if you and I were not together then maybe, but baby I love YOU. I want to spend my life with YOU okay?

Bette sighed and looked away. She felt so many emotions right now that she didnt know which one to go with. She was hurt that Tina took what she said so personally, and she was angry that Tina was being so open about how she felt about Katie. She was also happy that Tina emphasized her commitment to their relationship and deep down Bette knew Tina would never cheat on her. Still looking away she continued speaking softly.

Im sorry Tina. I know that it seems like Im being irrational about this, but I cant stand the thought of anyone else being with you.

Tina reached out and turned Bettes head back around so they were face to face. She caressed the side of Bettes face with one of her hands and placed a small kiss on her lips.

Hurts doesnt it.

Bette looked at Tina with understanding because she now understood what Tina must have felt like when she saw her and Candace together. Bette tried to look away again because she could feel tears forming in her eyes again but this time Tina didnt let her look away.

But babe, you are the only woman for me and you are the love of my life.

Bette smiled as Tina leaned in to kiss her again and as she felt a single tear flow down her face she knew once and for all that Tina had forgiven her. Bette knew that they were going to be okay, and for once she didnt have to worry about what Tina thought. She had the most amazing woman in the world and Bette had never felt more loved in her entire life.

TINAS SIDE

After that conversation they finished dinner quickly but they barely said two words to each other. Tina didnt know what was going through Bettes mind and she surely didnt know what was going through hers. She knew that she loved Bette and that what she had said about Bette being the only one for her was true, but she knew this was something that Bette would never forget. Tina thought that one day if the issue of infidelity ever came up again Bette would throw this back in her face.

Tina didnt know why she was feeling so guilty, she hadnt even done anything with Katie for goodness sake. Tina was slightly angry at Bette for jumping to conclusions about Katie, but she knew that if she were in Bettes position she would probably do the same. Tina knew that trust was such a hard thing to build up, especially since it had been ripped from them so quickly. Why should she have to gain my trust again? She should be worrying if I will ever trust her again. Tina realized that trust works two ways and if she was going to be allowed to trust Bette that Bette would have to be assured that Tina had no motives for revenge.

They left the restaurant and walked arm in arm back to the car enjoying the warm autumn evening. As they drove back to Tinas place she decided that she should ask Bette about making plans for next weekend.

Babe, are you busy next weekend?

I dont think so. Unless some unforeseen tragedy happens at the CAC I should be free. Why?

Well I was thinking maybe we could take a trip. Up to San Francisco or maybe to Sonoma Valley? Just spend the weekend together?

Tina saw Bette smile at this and she was relieved. She didnt want Bette dwelling on the Katie situation and Tina was glad that Bette had let it go.

Sure baby. Anything you want.

Great. Ill make reservations and flight arrangements. What time can you get off on Friday?

Just tell me when and Ill be off.

Tina smiled and settled back in the seat. Things were finally going smoothly and she hoped that next weekend would prove to be a turning point in their relationship.