Youre home early Tina said, a little surprised to see Bette making her way through the front door.

All packed? Bette asked as she cast her eyes over Tinas luggage sitting by the front door.

Yeah but Gregs not due for another 45 minutes

Call him and tell him not to bother, Ill take you Bette offered.

You Tina laughed gently Want to take me to the airport?

Yeah Bette frowned, a little taken aback at Tinas reaction.

You who cant stand the airport Tina eyed her wife suspiciously.

What? You thought I wouldnt take you? Bette swallowed hard.

I thought youd still be at work Tina replied in an even tone. She picked her document wallet up off the dining table and began flicking through its contents After last night I thought youd be wanting some space

Bette frowned as she watched Tina thumb nervously through the documents.

T Bette sighed Im about to get more space than I know what to do with She moved to the table and retrieved the wallet from her wifes hands to stop her fidgeting. She placed it back on the table. Her hands came to rest on Tinas shoulders as she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her wifes temple I want to take you to the airport She murmured.

Tina shook her head By the time we get there youll be all worked up from the traffic. Then Greg will show up andwell thats about all he needs to do to get your back up. Youll either pick a fight or start sulking. The goodbye will be awful because youll be jealous and Ill be angry that youre making a scene Tina reeled off the scenario as if it were a foregone conclusion.

Bette opened her mouth to protest but closed it again and looked helplessly at her partner. Though loathed to admit it she knew Tinas prediction was probably accurate.

But I would love you to take me anyway Tina admitted. She watched as Bettes downcast expression was replaced with a smile of genuine happiness.

There was little conversation shared on the way to the airport. Tina left Bette to focus on the road and whatever else was occupying her thoughts.

Youre just gonna drop me at the curb, right? Tina asked as they neared the entrance.

No, Ill park and walk you over Bette replied, keeping her eyes on the road.

Baby, just drop me off Tina pleaded If you hang around youll be fighting traffic all night to get home

Its OK Bette dismissed her wifes concern, wanting to be with Tina for as long as she could.

Tina raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She knew Bette hated the airport and she had learnt years ago that her partner was not a fan of drawn out goodbyes. Over time the ten second curbside goodbye had become the norm.

Silence ensued as Bette drove into the parking structure and found a space.

As Bette pulled her key from the ignition Tina released her seatbelt and reached for the door handle.

T, wait Bettes voice broke the silence. Leaving her hand where it was she turned to face her partner.

Her eyes found Bettes and she waited for Bette to continue.

I know things havent Bette sighed as she searched for the right words They havent been easy the last few days. I haventIve not been very supportive about this She admitted.

Tina kept quiet, leaving Bette with the floor.

I know that this is important to you Bette acknowledged quietly.

I wish I wasnt going Tina admitted.

Youll call? Bette asked When you get there?

Uh-huh Tina nodded Soon as I can, Baby

We uh, didnt reach a decision on Big Sur last night Bette stated warily.

Tina fell silent. It had been the final issue to be tackled, left until last because it was the hardest. If the trip could be wrapped up in two weeks shed be home in time for their weekend getaway. If the trip blew out theyd each be spending it alone on opposite sides of the Pacific.

Hold the reservation and keep your fingers crossed that Ill be home on the 14th Tina replied hopefully.

You think?

Yeah. You should definitely keep the reservation Tina assured. She reached out and touched Bettes cheek hoping to soothe her lover in a way that words never could.

Bette sat silently nursing the ache in her heart which wasnt likely to let up any time soon. She longed to hold Tina, to tell her how much she loved her, how profoundly shed miss her.

An irrational fear clawed at her peace of mind and it refused to be quelled by all the reason in the world. Tina was going away with a man she distrusted immensely she had no choice but to let her wife go. This job was something Tina needed for herself and Bette knew better than to let her insecurities get in the way.

Tina glanced at Bette and took a guess at where her thoughts lay.

I dont want you to worry She whispered

Im not Bette replied. She turned to Tina and forced a smile.

I can see that Greg has been acting a little weird lately Tina conceded Hes probably nervous about the wedding and sees me as a safe target

What does that mean? Bette asked incredulously.

It means that beneath all of his show-pony antics he knows that I love you. He knows that Id never respond

You think? Bette mused.

I think he enjoys making you jealous Tina stated simply.

Ill take on Greg Coulton and his army any day Bette vowed as she reached for Tinas hand once more.

Yeah? Tina smiled.

Youd better believe it Bette smiled as she leaned in and kissed Tina gently Wed better get you to the terminal

Two hours later Tina watched as hotels and offices which flanked the airport whizzed by with ever increasing speed. She felt her body sinking back into the seat as the plane approached its takeoff speed.

Her right hand gripped the armrest a little tighter as the aircraft strained under the pressure. The engines roared and the fuselage shuddered as the jet finally took to the air.

The runway now left behind, she watched as the coastline appeared and then grew smaller as they continued to climb. Tina watched as familiar landmarks shrunk and slipped out of sight replaced by ocean and night sky, stars the only objects which disturbed the darkness.

As the City of Angels fell away behind them Tina breathed a sigh of relief, glad to leave it all behind for a while. She glanced over at Greg who was already playing with the entertainment system. She retrieved some paperwork from her bag and pulled out the tray table. The job was her focus now. Get the job done and get home again.