There were a few stumbling blocks along the way and Tina felt unsure of herself and sometimes doubted the decision shed made, but with encouraging words from Brodys wife, whom Tina had become good friends with, she continued her path. Brodys wife, Kenya had been a housewife for years having given up her career in support of Brodys, in addition to her infidelity caused a rift in their marriage, so she could easily identify with Tinas situation. Their friendship was accidental in the making, but one that they each found it refreshingly candid as well as supportive. Tina became more aware of herself and blamed Bette a little less each day. In fact, Tina actually saw something positive in Bettes cheating and sent her a gift thanking her making a better and stronger woman.

Bette was working hard at the CAC as well as continuing to nurture and develop her relationship with Rayne Bryant. Unforeseen events in Raynes Entertainment Company forced the meet and greet to be rescheduled, but the two maintained constant contact with each other in order to stay on top of their plans. Bette was busier than shed ever been and having something that meant so much to her aside from Tina made all the long days and nights worthwhile. James was also instrumental in keeping Bette on her toes and on point. It even came down to a competition where they placed wagers on who would win at enticing Rayne Bryant into accepting a romantic gesture, because neither knew her sexual preference and they equally found her attractive. James had the upper hand because he threw Tinas name up as a deterrent for Bette to lose. Bette tried to use Katey as Jamess deterrent, but because they were only dating, it didnt stick. They both looked forward to one day being able to tell Franklin what he could do with their positions at the CAC, so the more they taunted each other, the harder they each worked to ensure their deal and partnership with Rayne paid off.

Bette and Tina still spoke and worked hard at rebuilding their friendship and in time found themselves in a really good place with each other. Tina helped Bette acquire a small and temporary space to pull off an impromptu art show and Bette helped expose Tina to some additional ventures where she could work as a consultant. There was some occasional issues with their residual feelings, but they were able to handle it and not yield to lust. They spent time with the rest of the gang and they all were able to feel comfortable with and around each other again. There was some anguish here and there, but every circle of friends has that.

Time marched on and continued to fly whether people were having fun or not. Bette and Kit resolved their issues with Melvin and became a happy family. Well, as happy as they could be, change didnt come easy with Melvin. After some serious convincing, Kit even got him to apologize face to face with Tina, which almost caused a notable seismic tremor in California.

Bette and Tinas life as a couple was still hanging in the balance and they agreed to remain more than friends and less than lovers until they fully dealt with their individual problems as well as their marital ones. Counseling only took place when they hit a roadblock that neither could get over. Kit became a very good mediator and it also helped her in maintaining her sobriety because she realized that her life was not nearly as bad as she thought it was.

The months that passed became more bearable for everyone one and they were all excited about being invited to Bettes big shindig.