They met in the lobby bar where they were both staying for a drink and conversation before dinner.  The reception to Bette’s gesture was so positive that she was certain that they would spend the night together with no further effort needed on her part.  Bette was uncertain if she still wanted that.  She decided to go with the flow and see what happened.

            Once they were seated at a small table in the bar with glasses of wine Jodi raised her glass to toast Bette.

            You surprise me.  Jodi signed after taking a sip of wine and meeting the brunette’s eyes. 

            A good surprise I hope. Bette signed back. The joy Jodi felt radiated in her eyes.

            Very good Jodi replied. It’s good to see you.  I wondered if I would ever see you again.

            I tried to talk to you before you left in such a hurry.  Bette responded her expression changed as she reflected on her unsuccessful efforts.

            True. Jodi nodded.  I was not receptive. I thought it was best to just end things as they were. I don’t do relationships well.

            Me either.  Bette admitted with a smile.

            You did eight years, an expert if you ask me.  Jodi smiled back at her.

            Then I crashed and burned so I’m no expert.  Bette clarified thinking of Tina.

            So you came all this way with an extraordinary gift to say goodbye? Jodi cocked her head to the side as she waited for Bette response.

            Bette looked startled then frowned not sure how to respond to the question.  She glanced at Jodi briefly then shied away from her gaze.

            I am very good at reading people and I see that you came here with one intention and now have another.  It would break my heart to fall further in love with you only to lose you.  Don’t break my heart Bette.

            I don’t know what happened Bette floundered wanting to respect Jodi’s request and sort through her own dawning recognition at the same time.

            Tina happened again right?  Jodi offered.

            Bette just looked at her for a long moment before nodding. 

            Who sent me that message you or her?

            Tina.

            So what are you going to do to get her back?

            I have no idea Bette admitted. I don’t suppose you want to help me with that?

            No I don’t. Jodi replied. She used her voice to say “I think Tina is more than capable of helping herself.” 

            “Tina wants someone else.”

            “Don’t fool yourself Bette; Tina wants you as much as you want her maybe even more.”

            “I wish that were true.”

            “It’s true.” Jodi signed emphatically.  “I said I won’t help you get her back and I mean it.  I can’t believe you came all the way here with such a beautiful gift only to break my heart.”  Jodi shook her head in disbelief. 

            “It wasn’t the plan.” Bette offered weakly.

            “I know.”  Jodi just looked at her for a long moment.

            Bette held her gaze.  I’d better go. She roused herself.  I need to make arrangements to go home.

            Home… home is wherever Tina is isn’t it?  

            Tina and Angelica, Bette clarified both to Jodi and to herself.