“Devastated” came the reply.

“I try to tell myself that I don’t care and that she deserves all the pain that she’s going through but all I really want to do right now is get on the next plane out of here, take her in my arms and tell her everything is going to be OK.”

“I’m sorry Tina, I’m sorry for all of this. I want to help but I don’t know how to do that. Bette’s inconsolable and you’re on the other side of the world.” By now all Shane could here was the quiet sound of Tina crying on the other end of the line.

“Don’t cry Tina. I hate it when girls cry.”

“Shane, I’m so sorry. I call you and then all I do is end up crying. I just don’t know what to do. She calls me every night and I just ignore her call like she’s a complete stranger to me. It’s like I won’t know how to talk to the woman who knows me inside out and I’m so scared that if I couldn’t make it work with her then what hope would I have with anyone else.”

“If she’s been calling you every night you have to give her marks for persistence if nothing else.” said Shane hoping that this would lighten the mood.

“Well, you know Bette, when she wants something she doesn’t give up until she gets it. I know from personal experience and Shane, stop trying to distract me from my own self pity.”

“Look, I know I’m not really qualified to give you advice. As you know when the word relationship is mentioned I have a tendency to go running in the opposite direction but maybe you should give her a chance, if only to explain why she did what she did. Then at least you could let go of the conjecture and rumour that was flying around before you left.” Again there was silence on the other end of the line while Tina considered her friends advice.

“Thank you Shane. I never thought of it in that way. I guessed that if I spoke to her she would use it as an opportunity to justify her actions and I don’t want to here that, ever.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about that. If there is one thing that Bette knows now it’s that you can’t defend the indefensible. So you’re thinking about speaking to her?” asked Shane hopefully.

“Maybe. I don’t know. I need to think about everything, but I’ll let you know. I can’t thank you enough Shane. For listening, for being there.”

“Any time Tina. You know you can call me any time right?”

“Yeah I know Shane. I need to get back to my dinner. I abandoned my assistant in the restaurant by herself and she’s probably wondering where I am.”

“OK, bye Tina.”

“Bye, Shane.” Tina hung up the phone and walked back into the restaurant. She could she Kate looking up at her expectantly.

“So did you talk to Bette?”

“No, but I think I might.” replied Tina.