Armed with new information that she was still processing, Tina made her way out of the office toward home. She called her mother on the way to ask if Angie could stay with her and the aunts for the night. As always, her mother was more than willing to have a sleepover with her granddaughter.

She arrived at the house with a bag full of groceries for Bette’s favorite meal. She knew it was a small gesture but she had made up her mind on the way from her office that she had to end this standoff with Bette. Peggy had eased some of her fears about Bette’s slaying but she also made her realize that maybe it had just been an excuse. She knew deep down that Bette could take care of herself. Her real fear stemmed from what she had experienced in her life. Being on the brink of losing those she loved the most; more than once. First, with her mother and then with her father leaving them and finally with Bette

She needed to work out those issues but for now she needed to repair her marriage. She showered with Bette’s favorite body wash. She dressed casually in a shorts and a tank top and put the finishing touches on their dinner keeping it warm in the oven.  Tina looked at her watch and took a deep breath deciding she should pour herself some wine.

“Hey.”

Tina missed the glass and spilled the red liquid all over the counter. She turned to find Bette standing in the doorway to the patio.

“Shit! Bette, hi. You scared me.”

“Sorry.” Not knowing what kind of evening was ahead, Bette decided to avoid it all together. “ I’m gonna go take a shower.”

The brunette walked out of the room somberly as Tina called out after her.

“Um, I made dinner. I’ll fix you a plate.”

Tina closed her eyes and sighed not getting an answer from her wife. Bette walked into the bathroom massaging her aching neck. That was the spot on her body that stress enjoyed occupying the most. She looked down to find fresh towels and her favorite pajamas waiting for her. She smiled through her frown and wondered if she had been too hard on Tina.  She knew she shouldn’t have walked away from her at the gallery. After all, she had come there to talk to her even though the conversation was three years too late. It must have been difficult for Tina to keep all of that to herself for that amount of time just to allow her to do what she loved to do. She took her shower and changed, emerging slowly from the bathroom and walking back into the kitchen.