Bette pulled into the parking lot where Candaces office was. She looked down at the invoice and tried to gather her thoughts before heading inside. Get yourself together Bette. You know exactly why you are here. Bette got out of the car and slowly made her way towards the door. She pushed open the door and walked in to the little office with her heart beating a mile a minute. Maybe shes not here, thought Bette, but sure enough, there sitting behind one of the three desks in the room was Candace.

Candace looked up at the sound of someone entering and she greeted Bette with a small smile. Actually Bette couldnt really tell if it was a smile because it was gone so fast. Bette walked over to Candace and stood in front of her desk. Candace sat back in her chair and stared at Bette as if she was trying to figure out who she was.

I thought you never wanted to see me again?

I got this in the mail so I thought I would drop the payment off.

Bette held out the invoice but Candace didnt reach for it. Instead she smiled at Bette, this time it was a genuine smile, and was quiet a few seconds before continuing.

You could have just mailed it.

I know, but I wanted to see you, I mean I wanted to talk to you about something.

Bette was stumbling over her words, and she felt very uncomfortable at how the situation was playing out. She had meant to go see Candace to get a few things straightened out, but Bette got the impression that Candace thought she was there simply because she couldnt stay away. Candace motioned for Bette to sit down but Bette shook her head.

Lets go next door to the coffee shop.

Public place huh? Must mean its bad news.

Candace smiled and stood up. Bette held her breath as she took in the sight of Candace and she hated the fact that she could feel her body responding. Bette turned and walked towards the door and Candace followed. They went next door and after ordering their lattes they took a seat near one of the two full-length windows.

So you wanted to ask me something?

Bette paused before continuing. She knew that she shouldnt be sitting there with Candace, after all this was a conversation she could have had over the phone.

I just want to know why.

Why what?

Why you did what you did even after you knew I had a girlfriend?

Candace took a long sip of her coffee before answering. Bette thought she might have made her mad, but Candaces answer surprised her.

Why did you do what you did even though you had a girlfriend?

Bette looked down and played with her coffee cup. She knew that Candace was right and it was something she had been asking herself a lot the past couple of days.

I dont know why. Honestly. Every part of me knew it was wrong, but for some reason I just couldnt help myself.

Bette felt her face growing red as she tried to verbalize how she felt about Candace. She knew she wasnt doing this because she was trying to win Candace over, but instead she was doing this because she needed to convince herself that no good could come of it.

Bette, is that really why you came here? Because you wanted to know why I didnt think twice about coming on to you even though I knew about Tina?

When Candace said Tinas name it sent a chill through Bette. This isnt right, thought Bette. How can she sit here and have this conversation with the one person who she sacrificed everything for.

Yes Candace, I want to know why you went ahead and violated what Tina and I had?

Violated? I dont think I was the only one who was violating that situation.

Bette was getting angry and she could sense that Candace was only going to get more defensive. She knew it would be a bad idea to continue with this conversation, but the longer she sat there talking to her the more she realized how much she missed and loved Tina.

Im not blaming you for what happened between Tina and I, but Im not blaming myself entirely either. Candace, why didnt we just stop it before it got out of hand?

This last sentence was more of a cry for help than an accusation, and Candace smiled at Bette before she continued.

Because you felt what I felt. Something was there and it wasnt going to be denied. But we had our fun and now its time for you to get on with your life remember?

Bette looked at Candace with anger in her eyes but after hearing her answer she couldnt help but laugh. Bette felt a sigh of relief when she realized that Candace understood her situation.

I know.

It was fun while it lasted.

At this last remark both women started laughing and it was a laugh that is usually only shared between lovers. They sat there, as two people who were so alike, yet so different, and Bette knew that Candace could see the same thing. They finished their conversation and even had another cup of coffee before Bette declared it was time for her to get back to work. As Bette left the coffee shop she couldnt help but feel as though things were already starting to get better. She had made amends with Candace and she had proven to herself once and for all that she could leave her behind.

Bette got into her car and drove back to the CAC. When she got there James nearly flew out of his seat trying to stop Bette from going into her office. Bette looked at James like he was crazy and when she got to her office door he tried once more to stop her from going in.

Bette wait, dont.

James, what is going on? Move. I have work to do.

As she slid her door open the door to her office, Bette looked around but nothing seemed wrong. She gave James another, I think youre crazy look and walked to her desk. There on the top of her paperwork was the envelope with Candaces work address on it. On the address was a hand written note that Bette immediately recognized. It was from Tina.

Bette, I know. I thought you were serious when you said you loved me and you wanted to work things out. Guess I was wrong. Goodbye.