“You never put up with my shit.”

“What?” Tina chuckles at Bette’s audacity but doesn’t argue … “Right. Okay”.

“Do you really think I’m running from her?”

“Yeah. I think you’re running. You’re scared. She’s as accomplished as you are. She’s as opinionated. She’s as powerful. And you guys. You have this incredible energy between the two of you. You could feel it from 10 feet away. It sucked. It was really hard for me.”

“That energy you perceived wasn’t attraction Tee. It was polar opposites trying to live in the same space. We disagreed about everything. We had nothing in common. I don’t even know why I put so much effort into trying to make it work. It’s not like we really … I don’t know, it was never just easy.”

“What do you mean never easy?”

“Well we don’t share the same values, Jodi and I.”

“But you’re in love with her right?”

“I adore her, and I respect and admire her but …”

“But what?”

“I’m not in love with Jodi Tee. What Jodi and I had doesn’t even compare. It’s important for me to be with someone that works with me.”

“Do you think you and I share the same values?”

“Of course I do. I mean I think that’s why we were able to parent together when things were the most acrimonious between us. I mean what we had was so fucking rare, Tina. It was so good. I just got scared. I don’t know why when I have something good I feel compelled to destroy it. I understand now why you ran away from me. I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done Tee. This is all my fault.”

“Look, I’m not so pure and innocent, OK? I was awful when I left you to be with Henry. I was flailing. Look how I treated you. I used Angelica against you. I was a vindictive bitch.”

“I deserved it.”

“No … no you didn’t. I won’t lie to you Bette. There were times when being in a relationship with you was hideous. You could be very cruel, but you didn’t deserve what I put you through.”

“I said and did some awful things Tina. I tried to take Angie away from you. I accused you of dallying in the world of alternative lifestyles. I was totally insensitive to your feelings.”