Bette got out of the elevator and walked left down the hall that led to Candaces apartment. The drive over was one of the longest and at the same time one of the shortest drives shed ever taken. Lost in her thoughts she didnt even realise when she pulled up outside the building. Yet in that short time, she had managed to make the decision of giving Tina her space. She knew that she should respect Tinas wishes now, even though she didnt seem to respect her during the last few months.

With the decision of giving Tina some space, Bette also decided that she should also move on. From the sound of Tinas message, it seemed that shed made the same decision.

Bette made her way up to Candaces apartment and lightly knocked on the door. A few seconds later Candace opened the door. Bette fronted her hurt by flashing her million dollar smile and leaning in to kiss her.

Hey.

Im glad you came. Please come in.

Bette hung up her coat and they both made their way into the lounge and sat down.

So how have you been? Im sorry about what happened with Tina.

No youre not. But thats okay. Im here arent I?

Candace snickered.

Guess so. Do you want a drink?

Nope Thanks.

What do you want then Bette?

Bette arched her eyebrow and looked at Candace. That was all she needed to do. Elizabeth Porter was back on the market again. Candace knew that if she wanted to hold onto her she was going to have to fight for every minute of it. She leant in to kiss Bette, who swiftly moved her lips to Candaces ear.

I want you to ***** me.

Then let me.

No words were exchanged for the remaining of the night and into the early hours of the morning, when Bette found herself lying in Candaces bed, in Candaces arms. She slowly made her way out of the bed and picked up her clothes which were scattered around the apartment while getting dressed. She walked to the coat rack and picked up her jacket. As she picked it up, Bette noticed a white paper fall to the floor. She reached down and picked it up remembering that her father had given her the envelope before she left. She walked back into the lounge and sat down on a couch.

Guess I can open this now.

Bette hesitantly opened the envelope and stared at the rectangular piece of paper she held in her hand along with a note. Bette was momentarily in shock.

What is this for?

She unfolded the paper on which Melvin had scribbled his note.

Darling,

I know times are tough now, but you will come out of these rough times stronger than before. Things will get harder before the get easier Elizabeth. Life, Labour, Love – there is never an easy road.

The cheque enclosed is for one thing Elizabeth, and believe it should be sufficient. I realise the importance of art in your life, and I know how much you would love to have your own gallery. For you Bette, my first gift is giving you the means and location to open your own gallery. I will show you when I am in LA next week.

My second gift is going to require much more work on your part. I have opened a fund, which will be enough for you to raise my grandchildren. I assumed there will be more than one. I know you & Tina will make wonderful parents, together.

I have seen the love you shared with Tina and I have faith in believing that the two of you were meant to be. Fighting for Tina is not going to easy Bette. But I know how you love her – so fight for her.

I will see you soon Bette.
I love you.

Bette sat there, in Candace’s apartment, tears streaming down her face.

What the ***** am I doing here?

She got up a walked into the bedroom where she scribbled a quick note, lay it on the pillow beside Candace, grabbed her coat and walked out with Candace waking up to the sound of a closing door.

Candace sat up in bed immediately.

Bette?

No answer. She looked beside her and noticed the note Bette had left for her. She picked it up and read it.

‘Sorry. Its over. Bette.’

She crushed the note in her palm and threw it aside.

Shell be back.

***

TBC