Surprisingly, the psychiatrist answered immediately.  “Bette?”

Bette was taken aback.  “Uh, yeah.”

“Caller I.D.  I’m in between clients, just taking some notes.  Did you forget something?”

“No, I ran into Tina on the way out.  She’d like to come in with me next session.”

“I’d like us to keep our individual session on Monday, but I can fit the two of you in tomorrow at eleven a.m.”

“Hold just a sec,” Bette’s hand lowered so that the phone rested against her thigh.  “Tina?  Can you go tomorrow morning at eleven?”

Tina nodded.  “Okay, Suzanne, we’ll be there.  Uh…uh, I was wondering about some of the things we’ve discussed and how…”

“Bette, the work that we do is confidential and private.  The only things that are revealed from those individual sessions will come from you.”

“Okay, thanks, Suzanne.  We’ll see you tomorrow.”

* * * * *

The next morning, Bette drove to Tina’s new place to pick her up.  Bette hoped that if therapy went well, they’d have lunch together and not have a self-conscious goodbye in front of the building.  Bette hoped that the session would be just the beginning for them.  On the way, they made small talk about the weather, the traffic, and work.  It was apparent that both women were anxious about what the next hour would hold.

______

After introductions, Bette took a seat on the sofa, a place she had never sat in the many sessions she had had with Suzanne.  Tina hesitated only for a moment before sitting next to her. 

“Tina, I believe I know what Bette’s goals are for therapy and why she wanted to do couples counseling.  Could you tell me what you hope to gain?”

Tina calmly asked, “I’m interested in knowing what Bette’s goals are.  Could she tell me?”

Suzanne looked at Bette who blinked in surprise at this instant confrontation, but she bucked up.  “I want to learn how to make a better relationship with you, be a better partner, and make sure that both of our needs are met.”  She smiled lovingly.

“I’m sure Bette’s mentioned to you her affair.”

Suzanne looked blankly at Tina who continued, “Yeah.  So, you know about that and maybe you know the reasons why.  I haven’t been made privy to that yet.  Last week, she saw the woman again and they left a bar together.  Do you know that?”  She didn’t wait for an answer, knowing she wouldn’t get one.  “What I want to know…” She stared directly at Bette.  “And this time I want the honest-to-God’s truth, did you do more than talk?”