Tina looked at Bette and quietly uttered.

“Babe, I didn’t realize you were ready for that kind of commitment.  I feel like such a jerk.  Babe, if you’re ready, I’m ready.  I don’t care where we live.  The thought of spending tonight apart was so painful… Bette I want us to be…I don’t know… connected…Really connected Babe, I want us to be forever.”

T, I love you so much… sometimes it actually hurts…not in a bad way …it’s like this pressure in my chest…it’s like my love just keeps growing and when I least expect it we connect in a brand new way and I love you more and when I recover I’m stronger and more in love with you than before.” 

Bette paused, lowered her forehead to Tina’s and sighed as tears rolled down her face.

“Tina, I love you so much and…and I want forever too.”

Bette leaned in and captured Tina’s lips in a searing kiss which led to them grabbing and touching each other frantically and bringing each other to several intense climaxes on the couch and then on the floor and finally they lay spent and entwined in each other’s arms on the floor.

Tina looked up at Bette and quietly said.

“So does this mean you’re not mad about the interview?”

Bette let out a soft chuckle and pulled Tina tighter.

“Apparently not T, apparently not.”

“Are you sure?  You know that speaking purely professionally…which I might add is kind of difficult at the moment… I have loved every moment of working with you.  You’ve taught me so much and you believe in me Bette and it’s changed me.  It’s made me so confident…so strong.  Bette, tonight, oh God…it was amazing.   There was a moment… I heard myself talking to all of these people, Bette these incredibly imposing looking people and they were listening Bette, I was so out of my element but they didn’t know that, they were listening and commenting, Bette…it was so surreal and real at the same time.  I couldn’t believe that it was me… and when Peggy offered me an interview.  Bette I didn’t think, all I wanted to do was share those feelings with you.  Thank you for giving me the confidence and love to become this person.  Babe I love you so much.”

“Oh Tee, it’s all you…you’re incredible at whatever you do.  I’ve been watching you at the Gallery lately, I know you’ve been getting bored, there’s only so much to fix at the Gallery.  I probably should have brought it up sooner but the thought of not being together every day, well it wasn’t the most appealing thought, but in the long run it’s probably better for us too.   I figured in the long run we could probably look at expanding or a partnership, but frankly…I know we have a good balance but me being your boss could lead to problems down the road.  So personally it’s probably for the best.  But boy professionally, the Gallery will definitely not be the same without you.”

“Well it’s just an interview, I probably won’t even get the job, but I guess it tells us that I should start keeping my eyes open.”

“Well, let me tell you this Ms. Kinnard, I have known Peggy Peabody for a very long time and she is a woman who takes about two seconds to size someone up and if she’s invited you to interview she’s already decided that she wants you for the job.  I’d be surprised if they’re even interviewing or there is even a vacant position.  I guarantee that she either moved or fired someone before she left the meeting. T you must have knocked her socks off at that meeting.”

Tina leaned on her arm and looked up at Bette.

“Well, even though I think you’re a bit biased, Thank you…Bette, I can’t tell you how it feels for me to have you in my corner.  I love you so much.”

Tina leaned in and captured Bette’s lips in the softest most tender kiss.