She allowed the words to sink in before continuing. “I was fresh off two very public failures, so I was determined not to get that third strike. Too bad it was against a woman. Figures it’d be a formidable opponent.”

There was an edge to Barbara’s tone and that confused Bette. Her hands rubbed together in anxious anticipation. “Are … are you going to stay in LA?”

Barbara nodded. “This is home now. Like I told you the other day, maybe after the circus is over, I’ll take a nice, long vacation.”

“No chance of you going back?”

The resulting chuckle rang out loud. “Some days I think yes, and some days I can’t imagine spending another second there. But until this mess is cleared up, I’m still stuck in DC.”

“Can’t be that bad. I mean, you lived there for a better part of the decade.”

She groaned. “Yes, in celibacy. Do you know how many DC women are still in the closet? They should rename that place to Deep Closet!”

Bette watched Barbara in amusement. Somehow, the conversation had helped settle her nerves. The hold on her heart began to loosen, and her shoulders dropped a little. “You’re a godsend.”

“I’ve heard more creative from less attractive,” Barbara tried to freeze her smile, though she didn’t need to bother.

They regarded each other in silence, allowing the time to adjust their thoughts. Bette’s gaze shifted nervously to the house, her body relaxing visibly when her gaze landed on Tina. The blonde was trying to look busy, but it was obvious she had been watching them.

“Bette,” Barbara reached out and rested her hand on Bette’s knee. “I admit, before I came to LA, I had not planned on anything long term. Then after I’ve spent time with you, I realized what a stupid mistake that was. It was a Hail Mary, but I did it anyway.”

Tina tried her best to look away, but to no avail. All her focus was trained on Bette’s knee. Her fingers curled into a tight ball, and her legs began to move her forward. Just as soon as Tina took a step, the two women spotted her.

Barbara withdrew her hand slowly. They waited with bated breath, wondering what Tina would do. Before she could reach the threshold, the shrill of her cell phone broke the stalemate.

Cursing, Tina checked the caller ID, only to find Angus’ name on display. “Is everything ok?”

“Angelica’s temperature has been going up,” he answered calmly.

“Did you call Doctor Matthews?” Tina tried to catch Bette’s gaze, silently willing her to come over.

“Yup. He can squeeze us in at 5:30. Can you get there in time?” Angus knew it was moot to ask.

“We’ll meet you at the clinic,” Tina hung up and headed straight for Bette.

Angus stared at the phone, puzzled. “We?”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Tina didn’t bother to hide her worry. “Bette, we need to go. Angus is taking Angie to Doctor Matthews’ office.”

Bette flew up from the lounger instantly, almost towering over the blonde. “What’s wrong?”

Tina dug in and stood her ground. “Her temperature went up. Doctor Matthews can see us at 5:30. Come on, we better hurry.”

She turned to the still seated Barbara, but the woman waved her off. “Go. Your daughter needs her moms.”

Bette nodded; she knew they’ve said all that was needed. She took Tina’s hand and hurried toward the house. It was both strange and comforting; they would be embarking on a new path together.

Barbara watched them walk away, biting down the bubble of jealousy at the sight. She took one last look at the house, and then turned to leave. Let the real race begin.

 The End