No. Im sorry, she wraps her arms around me. I should have thought about your feelings before I ever asked for advice. I didnt even know if you felt up to giving relationship advice. Tears are flowing from her eyes now as well.

I hope I can help you. A knock at the door interrupts me.

Ill be right back, Alice says, standing up.

Alice, I hear Bettes voice. Whats wrong?

Uh, InothingI was just talking to Tina.

Can I see her, she asks. I dont know if I can deal with another emotional conversation right now. I dont want to come in unless Tina says its okay. Shes concerned for me?

Its my place Bette. I decided who can come in. Besides, Alices voice trails offI think shes whispering something to Bette.

She walks in and stands before mein all her arrogant glory. How could she possibly think she has the right to come here and think Ill talk to her? I notice Im inadvertently glowering at her. I follow the lines of her bodyher meticulously pressed suither perfectly matched outfitright down to her shoes. Looking back in her eyes, I try to gauge why shes here. Did she come here to beg me to come homeor to tell me she understands that Im moving on? Why, Bette? Why did you come here?

Ive met someone, she exclaims. The statement sears a path straight through my heart. Before you get the wrong idea, shes flusteredmeanwhile, my head is spinning never mind its too late for that. But let me just explain. Its a man. A man? Bette Porter with a man? Its notsexual. Hes more like a friend A friend. Why is she trying so hard to make sure I know hes just a friend? This mana priest approached me about hosting an art exhibit at the CAC. A friendship with a priest? Thats more far fetched than her in a relationship with a man. I dont know if all priests are like this or not buthejust his presence made me want to talk. I think it was a combination of all this pent up emotion, coupled with the fact that me bottling up my emotions is what got us into. She doesnt finish the sentence. What was she going to say? Anyway, hes helped me realize some thingsabout myselfthings that contributed to my infidelity. Infidelity? Hearing those wordstakes me back to that nightthe painthe agonythe violent passion that erupted between us. Tina, I came here for two things. Shes no longer looking me in the eye. First I need to apologize. Its up to you to accept it, but II wont blame you if you dontI just need to say the words. You need to say the words? And thats supposed to make ME feel better? She looks back up into my eyes, Im sorryfor not trusting in youin your strengthin your love. My heart is breakingbut not because Im hurtingbutbecause shes hurtingI still have this intense desire to make her day better. She turns toward the window. The second thing I came here for T T? You lost the right to call me that when you bedded another woman. She turns to look at me and corrects herself. Tina Shes nervousshes having trouble maintaining eye contact. Shes like a timid child. My heart is melting for herI just want to make her feel betterto give her back her confidence. Can you everfind it in your heartI meanwill youpleaseforgive me. Forgive? Is she asking for herself? Does she think Ill just tell her shes forgiven and thatll be that? I rub my forehead with my handtrying to think about what to say. Can I forgive herever? Shes leaving. Tina thinkwhat did Dan Foxworthy say? you need to tell her how she made you feel