“Professor Lerner is here to see you” James said

“Um” Bette wanted to fake a phone conference but knew it would be obvious to the deaf woman “Send her in James” she straightened her posture as she watched Jodie through the door.

“Professor Lerner” Bette greeted as watched Jodie sit in the chair

“Dean Porter” Jodie greeted back “I won’t apologize for what I said the other night” Jodie went straight to the point as she looked her dead in the eyes “but I will apologize for disrespecting you in front of your partner and your family” she said as she nodded

“I don’t see how you could have possibly developed feelings for her, you’ve only met each other a couple of times” Bette shook her head

“People develop crushes after the first few seconds of introduction.  Some people call love at first sight” she noticed Bette’s frown “I’m not in love with her” she reassured then professor shook her head trying to find the right words “she’s different” she simply said then continued “I know she’s in love with you”

“I know that” Bette said matter-of-factly

“You have nothing to worry about” Jodie added

“I’m not worried” Bette scoffed

“I meant about me going after her” Jodie told her.  The professor had a knack for reading facial expressions and body language since she couldn’t hear verbal responses.  With Bette she was definitely reading that the dean felt she was threat to her relationship.  “I may have a different perspective on relationships, but that is one thing that I am not”

“What’s that?” Bette asked curiously

“A home wrecker” Jodie told her then carefully asked “So, are we okay?” a hint of hope in her voice

“Yeah I guess we’re okay” Bette nodded “You would’ve just ended up breaking her heart” Bette watched the professor get up from her seat and turned to walk toward the door.

“Maybe” she shook her then turned to face the dean “but I’d never cheat on her” and with that Jodie was out the door.

Bette and Tina pulled up to Hazel’s street.  Tina’s car was in the shop and they had asked Angus to drop the baby off as Bette drove Tina to work.  They both were able to get off work early to take Angie to her doctor’s appointment.  On the drive over Bette told Tina how her conversation with Jodie had gone.  Tina lovingly stroked Bette’s hand as she drove, happy with the way she handled the situation.