“No Tina she is fine actually we were playing with her doll Katie.”

“Dinner smells wonderful. You always were a great cook T.” said Bette with a small smile forming on her lips.

“Bette have you not contacted any of the gang since rehab?”

“No Tina I really don’t feel ready to go back to L.A. yet that is why I am inquiring about the jobs in Denver. I just feel like the temptation would be too great in L.A. right now for me to go back.”

“Bette they love you especially Kit and I am sure they are worried about you.”

“I have contacted Kit she knows I am safe and why I did not go home Tina. It’s fine really.”

The oven timer filled the silence in the conversation and Tina got up with Bette following behind offering to help.

Dinner was as delicious as Bette expected it to be. The conversation between them flowed free and easy after a nervous start at the beginning of the evening. When Tina excused herself to put Angelica to bed Bette realized how late it was getting and knew the evening was coming to a close.

“Thank you for dinner Tina but it’s getting late and I must be going. Please tell Angelica I said goodbye…she is delightful Tina.”

“She can be a handful sometimes when she wants her way.” Tina said with a chuckle.

“Thank you for coming by tonight Bette. I can’t remember when I have enjoyed an evening more.”

“If you are ever in Denver Tina look me up and thanks for your help with everything.”

Standing up she picked up her cup and headed into the kitchen. Tina followed closely behind and watched as Bette washed and dried her cup and sat it on the counter. As Tina stood there watching she remembered Bette doing the same thing years ago in the home that they had shared in L.A.

Going back into the living room Bette bent over to pick up her purse that was sitting on the floor to begin making her way to the door. Tina who was still watching Bette closely wondered if this would be the last time she would ever see her ex again.