They sat at the best table in the house. Bette often went to this particular restaurant and knew the staff well. They talked about everything except Jess. They both flirted openly, touching each others hands. Neither one of them had been had been able to stop smiling since Tina opened the door three hours earlier. They had completely lost track of time. Then Bette’s phone rang

“Hello, hey honey, Is something wrong? Good. Why are you calling me? Oh Goodnight sweetheart I will see you in the morning. Goodnight.” Bette hung the phone and look at a confused Tina. Bette smiled at her. She knew she needed to say something but what. She could feel the tension building.

“That was my daughter Jessica.” she said calmly. She waited anxiously for Tina’s reaction.

Tina pushed the food around her plate trying to absorb what she had just heard. Bette did the same. The awkward silence grew until Tina couldn’t bear it anymore.

“You have a daughter?” Tina asked with a shaky voice. Bette reached for her wallet.

“She is seven.” Bette handed her a picture of her and Jess at the park. Tina took the picture and examined it closely. She kind of smiled when she saw a little girl with a little lighter skin that Bette and Blue eyes but she had Bette’s beautiful features. Her hair was brown and put back in pig tail French braids.

“She cute.” Tina handed the picture back to Bette and took a sip of wine. Bette took the picture back and looked at the picture, smiled, and placed the picture back in her wallet. The awkwardness was beginning to lift.

“She is at home with the babysitter.” Bette said trying to break the silence still unsure how Tina felt about Jess. Tina could tell that Bette was still nervous. The waiter brought the check. Bette paid the bill and the two of them walked quietly back to Bette’s Car.

Bette’s Car

Bette couldn’t stand the silence anymore.

“Did I screw up by telling you about Jess before?” Tina looked at Bette.

“No, you just caught me off guard.”. Bette sighed in relief and smiled at Tina. They were both smiling and talking just like before. Bette pulled up in Tina’s driveway. Tina started to get out when Bette stopped her.