“I just…” Tina’s voice trailed off. “To get advice about my career from Bette is a bad idea. She’ll throw it back in my face, telling me I shouldn’t be playing the game if I can’t afford to lose.”

Shane was shocked. “Do you honestly think Bette will do that to you?”

“No,” Tina whispered. “That’s what makes it harder.”

“Because she’ll give you sound advice?”

“Because she will put others ahead of herself, and she has their best interest at heart,” Tina closed her eyes. “Especially ones she loves.”

“So what’s the problem?” Shane frowned.

The blonde swallowed hard. “It would be so easy to fall into her arms and not let go. But I know I don’t have the right to do that anymore.”

“Sounds like you haven’t moved on,” Shane said pointedly.

Tina lowered her head. She didn’t need Shane to point out her lingering feelings for Bette. She squeezed her eyes shut a little tighter, hoping the move will help chase away the turmoil within her.

“Hey, look at me,” the brunette reached for Tina’s hand.

“I fucked things up big time, and now when things get rough all I want to do is climb into her arms and never let go,” she shook her head. “No, I know it’s not possible now.”

Shane forced a weak smile, not wanting to add salt to the woman’s wound.

“Besides, she probably has a line of women waiting for her,” Tina said.

“They mean nothing to her, and I think you know that,” Shane replied calmly.

Tina said nothing, knowing the woman was right. “We both walked away from each other, but I had to drive the dagger into her heart and keep twisting it.”

“But you two put that aside for Angelica, that has to count for something.”

“I just wish I didn’t do any irreparable harm to her,” Tina’s whisper was coupled with tears trickling down her cheeks.

“There’s nothing love can’t heal,” Shane gripped the hand in hers a little tighter.

Beyond the tears, a smile formed on Tina’s face. “Thanks Shane, you’ve been a good friend.”