Curious, Bette raised her eyebrows in question.  “What’s wrong?”   

Her fingernails lightly stroked an imaginary itch on her left cheek as she continued to ponder Tina’s scrutiny. Nervously, the brunette reached to flick strands of hair away from her face with an index finger. 

“Nothing,” was the reply.  Tina tried to fill the silent gap.  The words selected not necessarily timed well.  “I’m sorry.”

The woman standing paused to swallow while the one who listened visibly tensed.  The concern impressed a wrinkle between Bette’s eyebrows just above her nose.  Prompted by the worry that something had gone amiss in the modest time they were apart. 

Trying to placate and enlighten, the blonde shook her head slightly. 

Breathing out a mouthful of air, the tip of Tina’s tongue peeked to wet her upper lip.   She stumbled through the words but knew it was important to share what had been going through her mind as her gaze rested on the darker woman who sat quietly, completely lost in thought.

“I’ve missed just watching you.”

Bette responded with quiet relief.  “Oh.” 

Her upturned mouth preceded the small smile that appeared on Tina’s face as the special moment passed between them.  The women smiled at each other openly.  The gentle stare lasting for a good minute or two.  They looked on as if hypnotized by the moment completely free of disquiet. 

Finally,  Tina shifted her gaze to look through the windowed panes that led to the garden.  It was filled with sunshine.  She squinted as the pool’s surface flashed a glare in her direction.

“It’s so beautiful outside.” 

Circumspectly, Bette stood.  She took a handful of steps closer to her once girlfriend so she too would have an unobstructed view.  With hands in the pockets of dark trousers she’d slipped on earlier that morning she glanced back and forth between the view of their backyard and the woman who stood in front of her.

“Care to sit out there with me?” The more formally dressed woman invited unassumingly. 

It had been ages since they shared time outside in the morning – on a weekday at that.  Obviously many months had passed since the younger woman had done so.  Reminded today of how much her attachment to this house meant.  In turn, it would be a chance for Bette to enjoy a respite outside without having to simply tend to chores.  An experience she would welcome readily.

Tina cast her eyes back on her companion.  Alleviating the remaining tension left from the weight of the morning’s discussion, her face brightened. 

“I’d love to.” 

They had time, even if only for a short while.  To enjoy their house.  To sit together on this day.  To take pause and just be.