“I know that you wouldn’t.”

“Do you think that Bette would try something?” He gives me a pointed look and shifts uncomfortably before continuing.

“I believe that Bette would do everything in her power to try to not have something happen between you both.”

“Wow. That was a very vague answer. Care to expand on that?”

“I’d rather not.” He shifts again, this time throwing his arms across his chest.

“Hey. Nothing has happened. And this behavior you think that Bette is capable of, she wouldn’t be able to try anything with me. Ok? I’m your girl.” I tell him stroking his arm. He visibly loosens up, unfolds his arms and begins to pull off his tank top.

“Do you mind? It’s just so hot.”

“Of course not.” I tell him. He makes sure to make exaggerated grunting noises and flexing every muscle when he pulls off his shirt. He’s goofing off, a sure sign that he’s feeling better about us. “Very mucho, Mr. Porter” I feign astonishment. He laughs for the first time in my presence in a long time.

“I missed this.” He says.

“What did you miss, babe?” I ask him running my hand up across the length of his thigh.

“Just being in your bedroom and laughing, feeling relaxed.”

“I’m glad that you were relaxed in New York. I was a bundle of nerves.” I say recalling the feeling of gratitude that I had a familiar face in him.

“I mean that we just talked there. Things didn’t seem so hard when we just honed in on each other. You know?” He stared deep in my eyes and I knew what he meant. Those late nights talks on the phone or in his hotel. I learned to care for him a great deal in those months. And it’s a feeling that I still carry with me. He didn’t wait for my answer, instead he leaned in a captured my lips with his own. He kissed me gently, never rushing, letting me set the pace. I kissed him in return and tugged at his pants. He pulled my shirt off of me with ease. Soon, we were naked and enjoying the feeling of reconciliation on this hot day. However confused I feel about being with Eric, in these moments it never feels wrong. I really like being physical with him and the moments that we’re together, I can really forget Bette.