When Tina finally arrived at the restaurant, Trish was pacing up and down the pavement.

Sorry Im late. She said breathlessly. You been here long?

Your not, and no, I just got here. Trish Said. I lied about the time. I knew you would be late. She smiled, and grabbed hold of Tinas hand. Come on T, lets eat Im starving.

Trish dragged Tina through the crowded restaurant, until they reached their table.
They ordered their meals, and in no time the waitress came and served them their food.

So how was work Trish? Have a good day? Tina asked, tucking in to her grilled salmon, and ceasar salad.

Oh dont ask T. Sighed Trish, who was now pushing her food around her plate nervously, hoping Tina would change the subject, because she knew she couldnt lie to Tina, and she also knew she would have to tell Tina the news eventually anyway.

But I thought you loved your job, sis? Tina sounded concerned, she could sense, something was wrong with Trish. Youve worked so hard to get where you are today Trish, youre a brilliant art dealer, even . . . Even Bettes, a fan of yours. Thats why, you two get on so well. She said reassuringly.

Trish took a deep breath, and looked at Tina.

I do love my job Tina, she took Tinas hand in hers. I got offered a new job today . . .

Thats fantastic Trish. Tina interrupted, beaming at her. Why . . .

Let me finish T, I got offered a job in Los Angeles . . . the CAC want me to be the new assistant director, under Bette. Trish continued staring at Tina, bracing herself for Tinas reaction.

Tina leant back in her chair, and Trish felt Tinas body tense up. Tina knew this was a really good opportunity for her sister, but she couldnt help thinking that this was lousy timing and the Gods above must be having a laugh at her expense. And she couldnt help feeling that this was some elaborate plan by Bette to get her back. She tried to dismiss this thought, surely Bette wouldnt use her sister in this way, no, not even Bette would sink that low. Trish got offered the job because she was good at what she did. Tina was certain of that. But still, she couldnt help but wonder. However she was happy for Trish and put on a brave face.

Thats fantastic Trish, Im really happy for you, this is the break youve been waiting for, I bet youre Ecstatic. Tina added sincerely.

Trish relaxed a little, she knew Tina was thrilled for her, but she also knew it was lousy timing.

Thanks T, I know this couldnt have come at a worse time . . . She smiled softly and gently ran her hand down Tinas cheek. But this is something Ive been wanting for a long time and I just cant turn it down, please dont be angry with me? Trish started tearing up. She knew this would put Tina in an awkward position if her and Bette didnt work things out.

Hey you. She reached up and wiped the tears from Trishs face. This is not about me, you have to do whats right for you, so dont even go there, everything happens for a reason, maybe Im not meant to live anywhere else but LA, maybe this is Fates way of saying I should go back home to California. Tina smiled. Come on this is a celebration. She raised her glass to Trish and they clunked glasses. Congratulations Trish, now eat your dinner before it gets cold.

Thanks Tina, hey maybe we could get an apartment together while you try and work things out with Bette, what do you say T, a good idea or what? Trish nodded. She knew this would be helping Tina out and it would also be good for her because she didnt know anyone in LA.

Tina paused for a while before answering, maybe it was a good idea if they shared an apartment, she and Bette could try and work things out and well if worst came to worst and it didnt at least she would have her sister close by her and somewhere to live, when the baby came.

I think thats an excellent idea Trish. Grinned Tina. An in house, babysitter, sounds good to me.

Trish shook her head and grinned back at Tina.

Id want the going rate, you know, my services dont come free. Trish joked.

Tina swatted Trish over the head.

Its payback for all the times I had to take you with me when you were little, and I never got paid. Tina pouted. So when do you start at the CAC Trish?

Well believe it or not, they want me to start in a week . . . . I know thats quick but since Provacations they are really stretched and need someone straight away, they have arranged for an apartment for me to move in to, so all I need to do is pack, I only lease my apartment so thats no problem, so its full steam ahead. It looks like you and me are gonna be really busy this next week T, what with all the packing. But a week from tomorrow we will be in LA. Trish reeled off excitedly.

Tina laughed at how quickly Trish got all that out without coming up for air, and couldnt help notice how excited she was at the thought of moving to LA.

Wow, we are gonna be busy, Im really proud of you Trish. Said Tina, reaching out and wrapping her arms around her and pulling her in for a hug. And your gonna love LA.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mean while, 24 hrs earlier, in LA.

Alice stared at Bette intensely, with a look of disbelief on her face.
What do you mean you dont know if you want to? Alice couldnt believe her ears.

Bette lowered her head and stared at her hands.
Alice, theres nothing I would love more than to go and find Tina. Bette shot her head back up to look at Alice. But what if she rejects me, and refuses to talk to me again, I dont think I could take that face to face. She replied, wiping away the tears from her face.

So youre just gonna give up? Youre just gonna let Tina walk out of you life without a fight? Because if you do you are not the woman I thought you were, Bette Porter. Answered Alice.

Bette let out a small chuckle.
I dont think I am the same woman you know Alice. I dont even know who I am any more.

Come here you. Alice placed her arms around Bettes shoulders and drew her close.
Well who ever you are, I still you love you. Alice placed a soft kiss on Bettes forehead.
But you still need to go and get your woman, you two have way too much love between you, to just throw away this relationship, and dont argue okay, because I know Im right. Alice grinned.

Bette dropped her shoulders in defeat and smiled back at Alice.
Okay Alice, you win, I promise Ill start looking for Tina in the morning. Youre, right, I dont know what I was thinking. Its time I got my life back, one way or the other.
Bette withdrew from Alices hold and got to her feet. She motioned to the door.
Now get out of here, and let me get some sleep.

Alice jumped to her feet, kissed Bette on the cheek, and made her way to the door.
Alice turned to face Bette and raised her eyebrows.
You sure youll be okay Bette?


Ill be fine Alice. She nodded. Honest.
She gently pushed Alice out the door, and closed it behind her. She leant against it for a few seconds and slowly walked to her bedroom. She felt like she had been in a train wreck, she was totally and physically spent, all she wanted to do was lie down in her bed and pretend none of this was happening, but she could not get rid of the thoughts swirling round in her brain. She shook her head. What was I thinking, I cant give up on Tina, I cant give up on us, Alice is exactly right, we do have too much to throw away, Ive got find Tina, and weve got to sort this mess out once and for all. Oh god T, please dont let this be it, please dont let us be over baby.’

Bette woke up early, the next morning, after another restless nights sleep. She was kind of getting used to it now. She never could sleep soundly without Tina by her side. She headed for the bathroom, quickly showered and, dressed, grabbed a quick cup of coffee and was ready to find the love of her life. Bette knew it was no use ringing Tinas mom and dad, she hadnt been in contact with them for the past seven years, they didnt agree with Tinas and hers lifestyle and so Tina had cut off all ties with her parents.
The only other person Bette could think of was Trish, and she had pretty good idea that was, were Tina had headed, to New York to be with Trish. The problem was if she did call Trish and Tina was there, then Tina would become suspicious about Trishs job offer at the CAC, and think Bette had dreamed this up as an elaborate plan to get her back. Bette knew this wasnt the case, Franklin, had head hunted Trish because she was good at her job, but Bette had a feeling Tina wouldnt see it that way. She found herself between a rock and a hard place. She just didnt know what to do. Should she call Trish and risk Tina being suspicious? Or wait? If Tina were there, then she most likely would be coming back to LA in a week with her anyway, but then would Tina think that she didnt care if Bette didnt try and contact her? And what if Tina wasnt with Trish? Then she would have wasted time in trying to find her. So Bette did what Bette does best and took control.

Hello Trish . . .



TBC>>>>>