Shane, who had been mostly quiet throughout the conversation, also noticed the tension between Bette and Tina.  She had been aware that her friend had developed a straight girl crush even though it had never been brought up.  Shane hadn’t seen the danger until today; but now, now she could see that it wasn’t a simple crush, Bette felt something more for the blonde.  The skinny brunette had known the gallery owner for nearly five years now and truly adored the older woman, looking up to her like a sister.  She liked Tina and just hoped that the blonde wouldn’t hurt her friend. 

Silence settled over the four top, broken by the sound of Tina’s cell phone.  Bette grimaced as she caught a glimpse of the name that popped up on the caller ID. 

“Hey babe,” said Tina, as she answered.  Bette felt her shoulders sink a little at the term of endearment slipping from the blonde’s lips.  Tina excused herself from the table to take the call in private, further fueling Bette’s jealousy. 

“So…Bette…”

“Don’t Alice,” said Bette, cutting her off, knowing the lecture that was coming.  Bette had in fact given it to Alice years ago when the young blonde had tried to pursue a straight girl.

“It just seems like you seriously like this one.  It doesn’t seem like just another flip for you.”

“So then why tease me about it in front of her?” 

“I wanted to see how she would react.  I just think you need to be careful, that’s all.”

Bette stayed silent, knowing Alice was right, but afraid to speak her thoughts aloud, especially after being witness to Tina’s reaction to their encounter, which was less than favorable.

“What do you think Fatty?” Alice turned to Shane for her input.

“Uh, I think that Bette knows what she’s doing, and if she’s going to…proceed then she’ll do so cautiously because she knows the potential danger.  She knows the risk, and if she thinks that Tina’s worth it then she’ll be prepared to explore that, too.”

Bette smiled in gratitude at the young brunette, loving how her friend gave advice without actually giving it.  She understood the underlying tone of Shane’s answer and knew that her friend was sending out a caution warning and encouraging her to go for what she wanted.