“Like I said, Alice,” Bette cut her off and glared at her. “It’s no big deal.”

Bette glanced at Tina and quickly looked away. She tried to mask her disappointment but Tina could see the hurt in the depths of those chocolate pools.

Alice finally got the hint and stopped talking. She looked from Bette to Tina back to Bette and slowly sipped on her straw waiting to see what was going to happen next. Tina knew not noticing Bette’s efforts was definitely a big deal. She wondered what else she’d missed lately. She was sure there had to be more. Bette wouldn’t be acting like this otherwise. Tina had been distracted for weeks consumed by her current film project and on edge. Tina realized this was Bette’s attempt to reconnect. And she didn’t even fucking notice. Tina continued looking at Bette. Bette continued looking down. Alice continued looking between the both of them.

Tina sought out Bette’s leg under the kitchen table unbeknownst to Alice. She wrapped her delicate fingers around the place just above her knee and squeezed, pleading with her to forgive her or at least look at her. Tina remembered feeling Bette’s thigh muscles tense under her touch. Tina also felt Bette try to subtly pull away. Tina squeezed a little harder and pulled her leg back towards her.

Baby, I’m so sorry, Tina’s soul whispered.

Bette’s soul didn’t respond. Tina’s heart sank. She hated when Bette was upset. She hated it even more when Bette was upset with her.

Tina’s thumb made tiny circles on the outside of Bette’s knee, needing to touch Bette as much as she needed air to breathe. Bette tried to pull away again. Tina squeezed harder.

Baby, please…, Tina’s soul attempted again.

Bette stopped trying to pull away. Tina smiled and kept drawing circles with her thumb. She then strummed her fingers on the inside of Bette’s thigh and lightly scratched up. Repeatedly. Tina felt Bette’s muscles relax.

You’ve been aloof, Bette’s soul finally spoke up.

I know.

Bette exhaled.

I miss… us.

Tina stopped circling her thumb and strumming her fingers. She caressed Bette’s leg a few times. Then slid her hand dangerously high up Bette’s thigh. Tina squeezed, pulled the thigh towards her and waited for Bette to look at her. Tina knew she would. She always did.