As they drove back to Tina’s hotel, they talked about their lives, passions, and dreams. Tina was struck by how much they had in common, despite their different backgrounds and experiences. They both shared a love of art and culture, a desire to make a difference in the world, and a sense of determination and resilience that had carried them through difficult times.

By the time they reached the hotel, Tina felt a connection and closeness with Bette that she had never felt with anyone else. As they said good night, Bette leaned in and gave her a soft, lingering kiss on the cheek.

”Sleep well, beautiful” she said with a smile.

Tina felt her heart skip a beat as she watched Bette drive away. She didn’t know what the future held, but it felt full of possibilities.

The following day, Tina woke up feeling more energetic and hopeful than she had in weeks. She decided to take a walk on the beach, hoping to clear her head and think through her feelings.

As she walked, she noticed the little things she had missed before – the way the sand felt between her toes, the salty breeze on her face, the sound of seagulls cawing in the distance. It was as if the world had come into focus again, and Tina was seeing it with new eyes.

Her thoughts drifted back to Bette and the feelings she had begun to develop for her. It was scary and exciting at the same time, to be vulnerable again after so much pain. But there was something about Bette that made Tina feel safe and understood, as if they were kindred spirits on a similar journey.

Over the next few weeks, Tina and Bette kept running into each other on the beach. They would chat, share stories, and sometimes even go for walks together and share a kiss or two. Tina looked forward to these chance encounters and felt a warmth in her chest whenever she saw Bette’s smile.

But she also felt conflicted. She enjoyed the connection she had with Bette and the potential for something more. But she wasn’t sure if she was ready to start a new relationship so soon after her breakup with Eric.

She tried to think about how it would be to let Bette go, to never see her again, and it felt so painful she couldn’t breathe. 

Tina took a deep breath and a sense of clarity come over her. She couldn’t predict the future, but she could take control of her present and make choices that felt true to her.

A few days later, after going over again and again about what to say, Tina decided to take a risk. She called Bette and invited her to meet her for a drink at the bar inside her hotel. 

She didn’t know if she was making a mistake, but she was all in.