Bette had been at the Planet having a rare breakfast with her sister, when she walked in. Looking better than she even remembers, with friends in tow. They’d been genial and greeted each other, Kit on the other didn’t hold back. She chastised Tina for her absence, at which point Tina and Bette made eye contact. It was brief, but heavy. Loaded with longing, blame, resentment but what they each knew was that the longing and love was overriding all feelings. After the greetings and brief introduction to her friends, Bette left soon after.

Bette walked into the office, without acknowledging anybody, she locked herself in her office and put her head down on her desk. Unshed tears streamed. She cried for every single day that she didn’t have Tina in her life, what she messed up and how she couldn’t continue without her. Worst of all was, Tina wasn’t hers to have, nor dictate her life. Yes, she was the only woman Tina had been with and that didn’t make any good impressions on Tina because she returned to heterosexual bliss the second she could.

“James, please hold all calls today, I won’t be able to deal with them.” Bette finally decided to at least work while she was in the office. James could handle all calls and she did trust him.

After work she got home to find Shane at her doorstep with some beers and a whiskey bottle.

“Good news sure travels fast.” Bette said to Shane as she stepped out of her car with her bags balanced in one hand, and keys on the other to unlock the house.

She changed and came to the kitchen to accept an opened beer from Shane.

“The plan isn’t to get you drunk, but more to talk,” Shane assured her friend. “You must have something on your mind and you know I’m all ears and no voice.”

“You’ve seen the worst of me in the last four years and yes, it hasn’t ended up on some sleazy tabloid or lips of wagger mouths. That I’m grateful for, you’ve allowed me to be shameful without losing my reputation.” Bette clinked beers with Shane and winked at her as they made their way to the poolside to relax and talk.