Later that night at the show, as soon as Bette could she brought Tina to her office to speak. She wanted to know what was bothering her. “I’m just tired Bette. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.” Bette gave her a look that said you can’t lie to me. Tina sighed and spoke. “Okay, Bette, fine. It’s Jodie, I don’t like the way she looks at you. All goo goo ga ga and all, I don’t like that.” She rolled her eyes. Tina was truly exasperated with Jodie but would not tell Bette the half of it, not wanting to stress her out.

Bette then explained to Tina: Jodi is a deaf artist, which is why she instinctively leans in close to be able to read lips. Tina is reluctant to believe, but eventually does.

 A smile crept on Bette’s lips. The protective nature of Tina had always turned her on. “Tee? You’re not jealous are you?”

 Tina shoved her “Am not!”

 Bette laughed and Tina gave her a stern look. “It’s not funny Bette. It’s just…” Suddenly Tina’s eyes were filled with tears and she choked.

 “Tina what is it? Are you okay?” Bette was alarmed and reached for her phone. Tina stopped her from dialing whomever she was about to dial. Bette was so protective of her these days. She loved it but calling 911 whenever she looked upset or ill was a little too much.

“I didn’t want to worry you.” Tina simply said and ended the call on Bette’s screen.

 “Huh?”

“Jodie.” She sighed.

 “I thought it didn’t bother you, Tee?”

 “Bette, of course it bothers me! I didn’t say anything, because I thought…I just feel like I don’t have a right to be jealous of other women.” She looked to her feet, shamefully. “I cheated remember?” Her head bowed down unable to lift her head out of humiliation. She looked up to Bette with tears spilling from her eyes. “I don’t deserve you.”

That was it for Bette. “Tina will you stop saying that?” Bette seized her hand in her two hands, and poured her soul from her eyes into hers. “Stop saying that. That you don’t deserve me!” How could this woman not feel like she had deserved her? Tina had so much love to offer and she was lucky enough to be the one receiving it. She lifted Tina’s chin, so she could look at her eyes again. Bette hated it so much when Tina cried. Her pain was hers like it had always been. She caressed the sides of her cheek and wiped away the tears. She spoke with absolute certainty, knowing that this was what Tina needed to hear from her.