“We can do another day,” Bette offered.

“No!” Tina almost yelled. “No, that’s fine. Is 8 OK?”

“That’ll do. Do you want me to go pick Angelica up? I have an early Wednesday this week.”

“If you could,” the blonde answered simply. “I’ll call if I’m running late.”

“We’ll wait for you,” Bette chuckled. “Well, maybe not my Boo, but I’ll wait for you.”

Tina’s heart triple-timed. “That’s all I ask of you.”

Just like that, the tension returned. The ensuing silence was deafening, yet they reveled in it, allowing the words and the moment to sink in.

“Tina,” Bette’s voice was strangled, catching her by surprise.

“I’m sorry, I’ve said too much,” Tina replied, dejected.

“Maybe I should go. You’ve had a rollercoaster weekend,” Bette tried to hide her pain.

“Yeah,” the words were left unspoken. Tina knew things were going too smoothly. “Do you want me to bring anything?”

“Just bring yourself. I’ll head to the store after work Wednesday,” Bette replied flatly.

“Bette,” Tina started nervously. “Do you… do you have any doubts?”

A soft sigh greeted her. “I don’t know. I want to try being friends again, at least spend more time with you and Angelica together. But…”

“One step at a time,” Tina said to the woman.

“Yeah, something like that,” Bette breathed a sigh of relief. “Wednesday can’t come soon enough.”

“I know what you mean,” the blonde smiled. Bette never was a patient woman. “I’ll see you Wednesday then.”

“Give Angie a kiss for me,” Bette said. “Good night.”

“You too,” Tina replied, wanting to prolong the conversation. “Don’t work too late.”

The resulting chuckle was awkward, yet it was heartfelt. “I’ll try.”

“Good night, Bette,” Tina teased before she hung up the phone.

After ending the call, the brunette sat back in her chair. The headache from earlier the day came back in full force, rendering her to her knees. She ignored the pounding, focusing her attention on her work.

Massaging her temple every so often, Bette allowed herself to review the day’s events. The headache pounded harder as she remembered the quick rise and fall of her conversations with Tina.

She gave up any pretense of working and shut off the computer. Pouring herself a glass of wine, Bette sat down at the lounge chair by the pool. She leaned back, letting her surroundings engulf her.

It was a losing battle for Bette, the push and pull with Tina. Part of her wanted nothing more than to accept the woman back in her arms; it would be the easiest thing to do. She took a sip of the wine, letting the thoughts and the wine linger.

By the time Bette made it to bed, she realized just how much she had missed spending time with Tina. Before their downward spiral, they had enjoyed going out with friends, or even a night in. When they decided to start a family, all that had changed.

Across town, Tina just had gotten out of the shower. With a bathrobe on, she eyed the shirt on her bed, deciding to forgo her usual sleepwear and opted for it instead.

Wearing nothing but Bette’s shirt, the blonde climbed into bed and turned in for the night. The warmth from the simple clothing was like a welcome back, only the owner was nowhere near.

Not allowing the negativity dampen her spirits, Tina closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take over.

“Wednesday,” two hearts whispered, fluttering at what the future might bring.