“Tina? Please….”

Tina took a deep breath and turned to face Bette once more. She had known the brunette for less than 24 hours. Why was she having this affect on her? She was in love with Sam wasn’t she? She had been with her for a year. She is uprooting her life to follow Tina to LA. Was this a crush? Was it more? Tina was so confused. She felt drained.

“I’m not really hungry, Bette. I left some of my files and notes in your office. Would you mind if I went to get them to review before the meeting with Phyllis? I just need to get my head around all of my points before I speak to her. And I want to have all the paperwork ready for her to look at as well. I’m sure she’ll need to take this to the board and I need to have all the information ready for them so it is easy for them to make a decision about this” Tina knew she was rambling. Trying to move her thoughts and the conversation away from what had almost transpired.

“Of course. You can work out of my office. Shall I order some food in?”

“No thanks, I’m really not hungry. And I have a lot to do before the meeting.”

Bette started to walk towards the Arts Building where her office was. Tina fell into step beside her then paused and turned to face Bette.

“You… you don’t need to come… I mean, if you’re busy… have other things to do… I’m just going to be reviewing and getting papers together so…” Tina was looking over Bette’s shoulder as she spoke, avoiding eye contact.

“Ok. Fine.” Bette turned on her heel and stormed back towards the car park. Furious and frustrated. She had never been tongue tied like this before. She had never felt anything like this before. 5 fucking days. Why couldn’t she just leave it alone for 5 fucking days? She got into the Saab and sped out of the parking lot, not really sure where she was heading, just needing to clear her head and get some distance between her and CU.

Tina watched Bette leave, knowing she had hurt her, but glad for the distance between them. She was only here for 5 days. And she had plenty on her plate in that time. Get the ball rolling on some locations, meet with the head honchos, and find a place for her and Sam to live. Sam… Tina shook her head and blinked back the tears that were fighting to surface. She had a meeting to prepare for. She turned and headed to Bette’s office.