Tina had once again allowed her mind to travel, and upon hearing the knock, looked up to see one of the subjects of her thoughts. She just stared for a moment, before realizing how awkward the situation was becoming, and finally invited Candace in.

Candace started, Hi, I had something I wanted to talk with you about and was wondering if you had a few minutes?

Of course, whats on your mind?

I just picked up some Chinese food. Would you care to have some with me while we talk? Candace asked.

Tina quirked an eyebrow, not quite sure where this was going, but realizing it would give her a different situation in which to observe Candace, and agreed.

They set the food up at the round table Tina had in her office and sat down. As they started eating, Tina asked, What did you need?

I was wondering how you like the renovations we are doing?

The work is coming along nicely and there is a minimum amount of disruption to the rest of the Center, so all in all, I think you are doing a fine job. Tina replied.

Is there something that we are doing that is not what you were expecting? Candace asked.

No, everything is as we discussed. Tina was starting to get curious as where these questions were leading.

Is there anything we are not accomplishing that you think we should be? Candace ventured.

Not that I can think of. It all seems to be going as planned. Tina replied.

Candace asked, Tina, are you uncomfortable with me being here and doing this job? If you are, I can still get a friend of mine to finish the work for you.

Tina took another bite of food and sat back. She looked at Candace and considered her answer. Suddenly, she realized that she wasnt hiding in that place in her mind. In fact, since she had been thinking of Candace as a mystery to unravel, she had not needed to seek out that plateau in her mind. When she thought about the actual affair or the fact that Bette had cheated, she had to go to that unemotional place. But, after having watched Candace for the past week, and being with her and talking now, where was that panicky feeling? Why did she not feel the need to escape into her own mind? Hmmm, interesting! she thought.

I cant really say that I am comfortable around you Candace, but I cant really say Im uncomfortable either. Confused maybe, because I do not feel the level of anger with you that I had felt, although there is still anger present. However, I thought we had settled this. You will be doing the work here, so stop trying to back out. Tina stated.

Candace was shocked to say the least. It was one thing for Tina to control her emotions enough for them to work in the same building, and to have civil conversations, but to calmly discuss her feelings? Where did this woman get her strength?

They had finished their lunch and gathered the trash. Candace had taken her drink and was heading out of the office when she turned and finally asked her real question, Why do you keep watching me while I work?

Ah ha! thought Tina, Finally the reason for this little talk.

To tell you the truth Candace, Im not totally sure of the reason myself. Tina continued, I have to leave town on business until Friday night. Why dont I think more about your question and we can discuss it Saturday night at milk. Say 8 oclock?

Candace mind went numb as her mouth dropped open and her soda crashed to the floor.