***** Bette exclaimed under her breath as she heard the passenger door slam and watched Tina move swiftly towards the front door.

After giving her wife a solid head start, Bette slowly pulled the key from the ignition and followed inside, ready face the music.

Was it really that bad? Tinas frustrated voice questioned from the kitchen as Bette shut the front door.

Bette stopped and stared at the ceiling as if looking to find the answers, or at the very least some strength, before moving into the kitchen and consequently the line of fire.

After all of your functions in the last year, I thought you might have been gracious enough to do this for me without fuss Tina shot her wife a cursory glace before continuing to make coffee. Bettes silent treatment on the way home from the Alphaville function had only added fuel to Tinas fire.

Tina, I Bette faltered, knowing that she had indeed behaved like a child. Her eyes dropped and she sighed heavily, knowing full well that she was in the wrong.

This job matters to me Tina continued Couldnt you put my career first for one night?

The guy was an arrogant ***** Bette knew the justification lacked substance but it was the best she could muster.

Jim happens to be the VP of my department Tinas voice rose as she barely contained the urge to yell at Bette.

He was condescending and ignorant and…

And you couldnt help yourself Tina fired back You had to go and show everybody at the table how much smarter you were. Do you have any idea of how arrogant you appeared?

***** Bette said. She ran a hand through her hair and looked at Tina sorrowfully Tina, I

All you had to do was make polite conversation over a meal Tina continued, fixing Bette with a hard stare Why did you feel the need to turn it into some intellectual joust?

Bette said nothing, choosing instead to absorb Tinas angry glare, hoping her wife might better see her remorse.

Tina broke away, turning to retrieve the milk from the fridge. Bette grimaced as she heard the fridge door close with excessive force. Tina went silent as she poured the milk and stirred her coffee.

Honestly Bette, I dont know what the ***** you were thinking! She said quietly, her attention firmly remained on the mug of hot, swirling liquid in front of her.

With nothing more to offer in her defense, Bette retreated to the living room and sat on the couch in silence.

She didnt need Tina to tell her shed acted like an *****. She didnt need Tina to tell her that it was a selfish, stupid thing to do. Bette had picked a fight with someone who clearly wasnt her intellectual equal and that was a cruel and unnecessary thing to do.

At the end of the day her anger was nothing to do with Jim Hallon and everything to do with Greg Coulton.

It wasnt Jim Bette called out to Tina as she raised a hand and rubbed her eyes wearily. What had really gotten under her skin was Greg Coulton. From the moment they had arrived he hadnt left Tina alone. Bette tried to dismiss it, they were old friends who were enjoying the opportunity to work closely again. Still something about his approach disturbed her immensely.

She had tried to reason with herself, she tried hard to keep her jealousy under control. Despite her best efforts she lost that battle shortly after the main meal had been cleared. By this stage Bette was seething at Gregs hands incessantly touching her wife, not to mention his insincere manner. It was Jim Hallon who next decided to make conversation with the attractive Museum Director and for his efforts he bore the brunt of her frustration.

Tina silently entered the lounge room and took a moment to look at Bettes defeated body language. Yelling at Bette was like yelling at a mischievous puppy, despite the strong front portrayed her spirit could be so easily broken. Tinas anger dissipated as she gazed at her wife who seemed genuinely distressed over her own behavior.

Then what was it? Tina asked, any hint of anger gone from her voice as she sat beside Bette.

Is Greg still datingwhats her name? Bette asked, as her eyes remained focused on the floor.

Julie Tina replied Theyre engaged, I told you weeks ago

I dont understand why shed put up with the way he behaves, honestly its embarrassing

Come on, hes not that bad Tina defended her long time friend.

I watched the way he was with you tonight Bette replied. As her partner looked up, Tina caught a hint of something in Bette’s expression. It might have been fear but she couldnt be sure.

And how was he?

He didnt take his eyes off you and it didnt look like professional admiration from where I was sitting Bette admitted despite herself.

Babe, hes like that with any woman Tina replied taking a sip of her coffee.

No Bette insisted He acted like there was only one woman in the room and it wasnt his fiance

Wheres this coming from? Tina asked, surprised by Bettes persistence.

I just Bette faltered as she thought the better of it and bit back her comment

You just what? Tina looked at her partner expectantly.

I justI dont trust him Bette said, frustrated that Tina appeared ignorant to that which was so obvious to her.

I dont believe it Tina said quietly, her brow creasing with surprise Youre jealous

Bette opened her mouth but couldnt find the words. Her inability to deny the accusation confirmed Tinas suspicion.

I dont like the way he looked at you. He was practically undressing you with his eyes Bette admitted, her distaste obvious.

OK, that is crazy Tina dismissed the accusation Why are you being like this?

I watched him, Tina Bette countered, her resolve unfaltering.

Babe why are you getting so worked up? Its Greg, weve worked together forever.

Because Bette hesitated.

Go on Tina prompted, impatient for Bettes response.

Because I know how easy it is for those looks to lead to other things Bette regretted the words as soon as they were said. She could do nothing but watch as Tinas expression shifted from mild frustration to utter indignation.

Youre being ridiculous Tina angrily rejected Bettes remark Listen to yourself, Bette!

Im just saying Bette stopped mid sentence, wincing as she saw the resentment on her partners face.

Tina took a deep breath in an effort to avoid saying something she would likely regret.

I would never do that to you Tina replied in an even tone, her eyes fixed on her wifes, trying to ensure Bette got the message. Bette swallowed hard as she observed the anger in Tinas expression. She opened her mouth to try and make things better but Tina put her hand up.

Save it Tina whispered under her breath I dont want to hear it right now

Before either woman could utter another word Tina stood up and walked to the bedroom. Bette slumped back into the couch as she heard the bedroom door close.

TBC