Her head leaning on mine she suggested, “I’ll help carry?” 

“Funny Bette,” chastising her facetiously.  “Not practical I just said. There’s a ton of it.  Really.”

“Well I guess we’ll need a van or a trailer.” There was humor in her pitch while she mocked my reference to the tremendous amount of material.  “With four…maybe five burly movers.”

She drew in a lungful of air and my head moved with her chest.  Feeling and hearing the beat of her heart accentuated the intimacy of our closeness. 

After a brief silence she continued.  Her tone sensible, “Seeing as it would be costly to rent the equipment and hire the movers, we might as well pick up a few more things in your apartment.”

“More things?” I was content to pursue our easy banter.  My eyes closed as the steady rise and fall of her chest reassured me.  Rubbing the side of my face against her, I snuggled closer. 

“Yes…more things,” she answered matter-of-factly.

“Like your clothes, shoes, books, toiletries, bric-a-brac, furniture, clocks, plants, cutlery, pots and pans, unread magazines and any appliance that isn’t beyond human strength to carry.” 

“Although,” a sympathetic pause interrupted the list she randomly rattled off, “the next tenant won’t be too happy about that I’m sure.”  Bette went on. “Moving is troublesome to say the least but if you agree, a reward is in the offing.” 

She detailed the incentive, “I’ll relinquish all control over the thermostat to your frugal ways holding all complaints to myself.” 

That elicited a quiet laughter from us both.  We’d delighted in a comparison between her house and my apartment previously.  Bette was used to a cooler temperature than I preferred given the constant draft and fresh surroundings afforded by the open layout of her gallery. 

My contention of saving energy and lightening the utility bill was lost in her amusement.  Still, she’d always left a sweater out for me whenever I came over.  One I rarely used opting instead for the heat from her body next to mine.

“Say yes T.” Kissing the top of my head she breathed deeply then exhaled quietly before completing her offer.  The serious undertone of her voice had become distinct. “I’ll even help you pack.”

My breath caught.  I pressed into her for an instant before raising my head from the comfort of where it lay.  Turning to face her fully my bent legs were slightly raised and slanting toward her.  My left hand rested on her knee while the other was positioned at her waist. 

Swallowing exaggeratedly my heart must have missed a beat or two before it started hammering in my chest.  I was on the verge of exploding with elation but wanted to make sure I had heard correctly.  After all, there was a chance I misunderstood our relaxed exchange.

My inquiry though barely audible was teeming with hope.  I didn’t try to restrain its expression.  Looking at her directly I asked, “What are you saying?”

Bette said faintly if not diffidently, “My timing is a little wanting I know.”

She reached to caress my face with both hands. Her warm palms placed gently against my skin.  Our mouths were pressed together with care.  Releasing my lips she let the tips of our noses touch briefly.  Then she rested her forehead on mine and a soft breath graced my cheeks. 

“I never expected this,” she admitted with an emotive smile.  “You.” 

“Tina being with you, I’m…” her tone of voice was humbly solicitous,  “I’m so eager for more.” 

Restoring a modest space between us, unblinking she looked at me intently.  “I’ll continue to see you in my dreams but I want to know you’re next to me.”  She added, “Everyday.”

“Please don’t go T.”  Her gaze was penetratingly sincere. “I think you’re home already.”