A Single Mom Meets Someone New Ch 109

Bette walked into the lecture hall with James. The students went silent. Gillian sat next to Grace in their usual middle of the room seats. Gillian could tell Bette was not okay with anything. She watched Bette the entire class, afraid that if she took her eyes off of her for even a split second Bette would collapse or something. 

Bette wrapped up class earlier than normal. 

“You coming?” Grace asked. 

“I’ll catch up with you after practice. I wanna talk to Bette.” Gillian gathered up her notebook and bag. 

“Okay.” Grace said treading lightly as she had been for the past week. 

Gillian walked down to the front of the lecture hall and waited for Bette to finish talking to  one of her TAs. 

“I’m glad to see you paying attention for once.” Bette said. 

“Are you okay?” Gillian asked. 

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Bette said picking up her briefcase. Gillian didn’t respond just waited for Bette to continue. “I’m fine I promise.” Bette lied. 

“I’m sorry I reacted the way I did the other day and that I’ve been acting like a brat lately.” Gillian figured this was as good of a place as any to talk to Bette. 

“I understand. I probably would have reacted the same way if I was in you’re shoes.” Bette said. 

“Even so, It doesn’t excuse my behavior.” Gillian said. Bette’s phone vibrated in her pocket. “You can take it. I’ve got to get to practice anyway. Are you going Alice’s thing tonight?” Gillian asked. 

“I don’t know.” Bette said. Gillian knew that was code for I don’t want to see Tina just yet. 

“Oh… I guess I’ll see you later then.” Gillian said and walked away. Bette watched her until she disappeared. Bette fought the tears back she was afraid she going to lose Gillian over all of this. 

*********

Bette walked into her office and sunk into her office chair. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and called back the person she had ignored earlier. 

“I was in class when you called.” Bette said. “No not really. I mean we did just not about that… No, I’m going to. It just wasn’t the right time or place… No, I’m not going to just do it. Things are rocky enough. I am not about to just capsize an already sinking boat…I know. I love you too. I’ll talk to you later.” Bette ended the call and dropped the phone on her desk.