“I wonder why Tina. You left her after an eight year relationship for a man.”

“Okay I know that. You don’t have to remind me every time we see each other.”

“I’m sorry; I’m still not used to seeing you with a man. It’s just weird.”

“You know—I have to go to work.” I began to grab my things and got up from the table. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye.” I walked away from the table and walked out of the Planet.

****

“Bette—,” I looked away from my papers on my desk and saw James at my door. “Tina is here to see you.”

“Let her in.” He nodded and walked away from the door. Tina walked into the office, and I smiled softly. “Hey, I’m surprised to see you here.”

“I thought I come by and just say hi.” Tina rubbed her hands together.

“You can sit down.” I laughed softly as she took a seat.

“I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry if I pushed so much on you the other day. I just wanted—,” I shifted in my seat.

“Tina—it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize.” I smiled at her, and she smiled back.

“Well—I was wondering if you would want to have lunch or a drink with me. I mean—if you want to, it’s totally up to you. If you don’t want to I will understand.” Tina stammered aberrantly.

“Tina,” I chuckled. “I would love to.”

“Really?” She smiled.

“Yes, we can catch up on some things. I mean—we can talk as friends.”

“Friends—just friends. That’s all she wants.” I smiled at Bette and nodded. “Yeah, so how about noon? Are you busy?”

Bette shook her head. “No—Jodi and I were suppose to have lunch, but cancelled because she has class so we can have lunch.”

“Okay. How about noonish at the Planet?”

“Yeah, I’ll meet you there.”

“All right,” I got up from the chair and smiled. “Bye.”

“Bye.” Bette smiled her radiant smile that could light up the whole room. God, I miss that smile. I walked out of her office hoping that we could start over once again.