Maybe too easy?  A little disappointing how she just seems to be resigned to this.  Perhaps she really just wanted to disentangle from me rapidly, comprehensively. 

Shortly after we were ushered out of the conference room, we found ourselves awkwardly facing each other by the entrance.

Not really expecting an answer she said, “Well that was relatively bearable don’t you think?  I hope you’re all right with how things went.  I’m sure you’ll need time to take everything in and decide what to do.” 

She pressed on, ” Um, you should take as much time as you need but at least entertain getting the initial payout immediately so you can get your own apartment.  I’m sure you’ll want more privacy…soon.”

I saw it then, in her eyes the almost unmistakable hint of  — jealousy? I’d previously witnessed it especially when we started dating.  Her uncertainty regarding my disposition toward her very telling with the covert glances rendered my way during social gatherings. 

Especially when mixing with men who expressed interest.  Those questioning looks faded over time as it became clear that we’d become a couple then all but vanished after the first declaration of my love for her, my interest only in her.

Jealous.  Did she know about Helena? 

Jealous or not she must have heard from someone.  Was this why she wanted the rapid and complete disentanglement through this settlement offer? 

My brain had been processing too many thoughts recently, not to mention an overload from today’s events leaving me unable to grasp the entirety of implications.   Maybe I was just delusional at this point.

Accompanied by a shy smile, she tilted her head slightly saying, “Right.  So I guess you’ll or I’ll call you about finali—” shaking her head then sighing, she rushed on “rather, you could call Cole directly like he suggested and let him know and he’ll brief me?”

I know she’s trying so hard – to not apply pressure, her effort not lost on me but the unsure, tentative Bette was slightly disarming.  Still, I couldn’t resist wanting to elicit more words and prolong my exposure to her voiced thoughts. 

I simply nod not realizing I didn’t provide a preference in answer to her query.