“You not being my top priority is one of those things that is in the past. Suzanne and I examined some of the reasons that I felt it was alright to neglect you. I am not proud of having done so but I knew that you wouldn’t demand that I make you my priority. You shouldn’t have had to demand it. I should have done it because I loved you. Tina, I have been a spoiled brat during our time together and you often didn’t call me on my shit. Seeing you in your element at work, I doubt that will happen now. You are so strong and self assured but I think that since I was your first woman, you let me call the shots. I don’t see any new relationship being like that. I see you as someone who will not hesitate to call me on my shit and put me in my place when needed. I also think that back then, I wouldn’t have taken kindly to it but now, I am ok with it and would not lash out.”

“Thanks Bette. You’re right. I just accepted things because I didn’t have anything to really gauge it against. I lost parts of myself in our relationship and if any good has come out of us breaking up, I think me finding those parts again is a good thing.”

“I do too. I love seeing you in your element yet seeing you put it aside to be a great mom to Angie. You have many different facets to yourself and I want to get to know them all.” I sat back in my seat and picked up my cup. I held it in both hands and grinned at her. “You are an incredible woman and I am thankful that you’re in my life.”

“Thanks and the feeling is mutual. Can I bring up something that may upset you a bit?”

“Sure. I hope it doesn’t but we can talk about it if it does.”

“Hang on a second…I think I hear Angie stirring. Let me check on her and I’ll be back.” Tina went inside leaving me to my thoughts. I wasn’t sure what she could say that would upset me and I started to brace myself so my initial reaction would not be a typical Porter reaction. She came back out smiling saying that Angie was moaning a bit because her blankie had fallen off the bed. “She didn’t even wake up and looks like an angel.”