“I got the gist of the conversation but what all did she say to you?”

“She came by last night when you were here. She saw another car in my other spot and thought that a neighbor was using it until she got to the door and heard another voice. When she heard you she decided not to knock.  She said that she just needed to see me and figured that she could get a couple minutes since she knew that Angie was here. She again told me she loved me and that letting go was hard. She accused me of breaking up with her to be with someone else and that person is already getting time with Angie when I never would allow her to even meet Angie. She then went off about you and I seeing one another. She was crying and saying that I broke her heart. Shit. Bette, we only dated two months and she is acting like we had some great love affair.”

“Shh T it’s going to be ok” I said as I pulled her into a hug. “Shh…give her a little time. I don’t like the sound of her coming over unannounced. Promise me that you won’t leave only the screen door locked like yesterday. I would feel better if you kept the deadbolt on until she has time to get a grip. There is no way that she can misunderstand your intentions. You laid it out to her. It’s going to be ok.” She put her head on my shoulder and I continued to hold her until Angie came walking out not quite fully awake. I let Tina go, kissed her forehead and walked over to Angie to take her into the bathroom and away from seeing her Mommy crying. I heard Tina go into her room. Angie did great on the potty and I sent her back to her room to deposit her blankie since she is only allowed to have it in bed. While she did that, I went to check on Tina who was coming out of her room looking much better.

“Thanks Bette for being here and for taking Angie away before she saw my tears. I’m sorry for breaking down like that. She got me so angry that I either had to laugh or cry and the tears won out.”

“I’m glad that I was here. I hope she heard you.”

“Yeah me too. Would you like to stay for dinner now that I’ve taken your whole afternoon?”

“Thanks T but not tonight. I’m going to give Angie a kiss and go. She comes to me tomorrow and you’re out of town for a couple days so spend some time with her. You know you’re going to miss her like crazy. Call me before you to go to sleep?” As much as I wanted to stay, I was getting way too comfortable and needed to put a little space between us. It was a good thing that I was feeling so comfortable and had to think that Tina was too but I was a bit overwhelmed with the last 48 hours and needed a little time by myself to just think.

“Definitely. Go kiss your daughter goodbye.” We walked to where Angie sat at her little table looking through a book. I hugged and kissed her telling her I would see after two more sleeps. She was much more interested in the snack that Tina offered her but walked me to the door. I hugged her again and then hugged Tina before I walked out the door somewhat upset about Shana but sending out silent thanks for a perfect weekend.