Bette had softened and become so much more contrite and vulnerable after the affair but one of the things that brought Tina home was her believe in Bette’s strength of character and her convictions. The mocha beauty always appeared to most of the world to be alpha and in control but Tina could always see through that. She knew how hard it was for Bette to cover up the panic she felt inside, and how much having Tina had steadied her fears. Bette’s affair had broken them but not irreparably, and Tina couldn’t pretend to be an innocent bystander in their demise.

That morning while that had breakfast, Tina told Bette how it ended with Helena outside of the bathroom at the banquet hall and the venomous way in which she’d retorted. She shared her concern that Helena might do something to get back at Bette, finally acknowledging that the woman she’d been sleeping with for months was a vindictive bitch. Bette assured Tina she could take care of herself. She did however ask Tina not to contact Helena and if Helena threatened anything at the center that she should report it immediately to the Director Oscar Vazquez.

The couple also talked about Melvin. They could not believe how sociable he’d been at the event. He and Kit had been seated at a table with several of Tina’s colleagues. He’d engaged in prolific conversations about social services and by the end of the evening had agreed to come by the center to see the work they were doing for himself. He talked about his philanthropic endeavors in the legal field and even suggested since they didn’t have a legal program at the center that perhaps he could give them some tips on getting one started with a local law firm.

As they said good night many of Tina’s friends were congratulating him on becoming a grand-father, and referring to him as Tina’s father-in-law once they learned he was Bette’s father. Those closest to Tina couldn’t help but notice that she and Bette were back as a couple. They knew about Helena as it wasn’t any big secret but they also hoped that she wasn’t going to be a permanent fixture. They loved Bette and though they didn’t condone the affair they knew Tina wouldn’t be happy with anyone else.