While her instincts told her to just roll over, it’d be gone soon enough, another part of her had to let herself wonder who could be wandering around in the back yard.

Curiosity winning, Bette carefully let herself out of bed and turned on the outside light. There, holding something, waited Tina. She gave Bette a slight wave, but the smile that graced her face made getting out of bed worthwhile.

“I thought you had a premiere.” As she opened the door, Bette took in Tina’s wardrobe. Tina was dressed for an evening out. The green dress was flattering to coloring, and the way the bodice was cut to accentuate the woman’s bust was certainly appreciated, also.

“I decided to pass.” Tina followed Bette’s lead into the house. “I realized the reason I was so excited about this one was that you would be going with me.”

Tina’s words made Bette’s heart flutter. The two of them had not been dating long, but the fact that Tina had invited her to come to a work function as a date said a lot to Bette about the other woman’s comfort with their relationship.

“So,” Tina continued, “I thought, why not stop by, see how you’re doing.”

With that, Bette felt a cool hand on her forehead. “And you are not doing well.” Tina held up the bag. “Chicken soup?”

Bette could feel her eyes tearing up, and wondered if it was just from the fever. She gave a nod.

Tina gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “I’ll bring you a bowl. You get back to bed.”

All Bette could do is nod and follow the other woman’s advice. She was feeling weak standing. The talk of food reminded her that she hadn’t eaten all day.

Yet here was Tina. Bette smiled and returned to the bed. Normally, she would have fretted about the way the room looked slightly disheveled. But tonight, she knew that it didn’t matter.

And, for Bette, that in itself was amazing.

With the fever, she was drifting a bit, but there was also a comfort. Tina made sure she had some soup and drank more water. She put cool compresses on Bette’s forehead and made her as comfortable as she could be.