In the end, both women grudgingly decided to delay the school pick a few days. Tina lobbied for her choice, the one closest to her home, while Bette decided she liked the new option a little better than her initial pick, the overpriced playschool, according to Alice.

As they left the school parking lot, Tina offered, “Think of all the traveling Angelica would be doing if she went to that school, Bette. It makes no sense when both schools are so similar.”

The tall woman blinked. “Why don’t we let Boo decide for herself?”

She turned in her seat, the safety belt restraining her movement. “And when you say ‘we,’ you mean I get to take her around the schools.” While you go traipsing around town with Barbara Grisham, no doubt.

“Of course not! I will be there every step of the way,” Bette answered incredulously. “Nothing is more important than my daughter. And her education is top priority.”

Tina bit her lip hard. She somehow managed to get Bette to spend more time with her and Angelica; it was a sweet, small victory. Still, she maintained a straight face. “I’ll get my assistant to get in touch with your assistant and we’ll get it scheduled.”

“God, do people still say that?” Bette mocked her ex-wife.

“All the cool kids are,” Tina shot back playfully.

Bette raised one eyebrow; this feeling was too familiar. She stepped out of her car without another word, hoping it would help her regroup. They met at the curb, the silence engulfing them into a bubble of their own.

Tina stepped closer to her ex-wife. She longed to caress the face she had loved for so long. For once, she hesitated whether courting Bette was a wise move. The woman was used to being alpha; this would be a new journey for both of them.

“Thanks for joining me for lunch,” she offered a small smile.

“I needed the distance from the craziness, no matter how briefly it was,” Bette acknowledged.

This time, Tina’s smile was bright, her eyes sparkling with hope. “I’m glad I could be of service.”

Bette walked Tina to her car, bidding her goodbye quickly. There was still much left to do and she wanted to get it done with as little distraction as possible. James wisely kept everyone at bay.