—–

Bette has not moved – she is sitting reading a movie magazine with  her feet up – still with her cocktail by her side.  I walk up the path and sit down on the edge of the lounger.

“You alright ? “ she looks up and smiles at me

“When Helena told me about splitting up with Alana it was after some big event – we both got changed and drank coffee and ate candy – she was really hurting about Alana “

“You don’t need to explain anything “

“I know but I want to “

“Really Tina  – its okay – I trust you – I know that you wouldn’t be unfaithful to me “

“No I wouldn’t but its one freaking thing after another trying to undermine us “

“We just have to refuse to let any naysayers succeed “

“How can you be so calm ?”

Bette sighs and puts down her magazine and looks at me with a smile

“I know you Tina – I know that you wouldn’t do anything to destroy what we have – our marriage – our daughter – everything. Yes it hurts – I hate people saying things about you – I hate the fact that you have made mistakes. But I learnt very early on that I had to let you make your own mistakes and you will come back stronger for this – you will not repeat the errors that you have made. I hate more that we messed up with Helena as your Chief of Staff rather than this stupid thing about you and her. She is our friend “

“I really cannot believe how cool you are being “

“You would rather I was ranting and raving and throwing things ?”

“I would understand if you were “

“All throwing things does is make a mess and make you look silly. I am not going to throw things”

I lean over and kiss her – the kiss is soft and gentle and it feels really good. She eases away and grins “Nice “

“Get up “

“Are you giving me orders ?”

“I am “

“Okay “

We both get up and she puts her hands on my hips and we just stand and look at one another. She is the woman I love – I love her even if I have not shown her just how deep and true my love really is for her. I kiss her again – putting my arms around her neck and pulling her closer. The kiss goes on and I press my tongue into her mouth – she opens her mouth and the kiss starts to get serious. Her hands drop down to my ass and she squeezes it as the kiss continues and continues and continues. When finally we come up for air she grins at me