“Eric, would have rather I say former lovers?” Ha. I’m not sure if it’s guy thing or what to downplay the importance when women are together. I mean, unless you are privy to the details of that relationship or are in it, you have nothing of value to contribute. I hope he feels like ass for that asinine comment.

“Of course not.” Perfect.

“Look, I can’t speak for Tina. But I can’t take much more of these fights with either of you about the looks you think that Tina and I giving to one another. Or asking if the other is going to be where we’re going. We’ve done nothing to warrant suspicion from either one of you.”

“Right.” Eric says staring daggers at Bette. This interaction reminds me of the first night we all hung out and there was some unspoken mistrust between the two of them. Usually, Eric started with a comment or a look and Bette would quickly acquiesce. It’s frustrating because no one knows what that’s about. Not even Alice. Anyway, if someone doesn’t step in, they’re likely to continue whatever weirdness they’ve got going on.

“I think it’s a good idea, Bette.” Bette looks relived and I smile over at her. Which in itself felt like a dangerous act. Especially now.

“I don’t know. I mean the two of you hid your relationship pretty well last time.” Grace interjects. Right on cue. Maybe from now on, we should take bets on how long it takes for one of our partners to bring up that fact that Bette were getting together without everyone knowing about it. Thankfully, Bette explained why it wasn’t the same before I had to. She really was doing a great job running the show. She almost commanded the room. She must have practiced this presentation for hours.

But I should say something because it really is a great idea. “Look, what it comes down to is do the two of you trust us enough to sit and talk privately while we work some stuff out?”

Eric says he can trust me, but doesn’t say anything about trusting Bette. While Grace isn’t sure of any of it. Alice was right, everyone can see that Bette and I are not finished. This isn’t going to work. We’re just going to go around and around until someone gives up.

“I have a proposal. What if for the first couple of meetings Tina and I meet at a public space so that if you guys want you could be present, but not around us. I mean if you feel the need to observe what we do, that’s the best solution I have.”

Ugh, that sounds like hell on earth to me. I don’t want to be watched like I’m in a fishbowl or worse, a reality TV show. “I don’t know, Bette. That seems…”

“That sounds great. Let’s do the watching thing. Yeah, Grace?” Eric quickly spits out.

“Ok wow. Yeah sure. That sounds fine.” Ok, I guess that I’m overruled then.

“Great. Good.” I hear Bette say. The room takes an uneasy silence to it. I can tell, no one is really happy about this. But I can’t think of another option that would have worked. Still, being alone with Bette to work out, what, coming together or processing and becoming friends? And with our partners watching? How can this possibly go well?