Two days had passed since Bette and Tinas last conversation. In that time Bette reluctantly returned to work knowing she needed a distraction from her personal life. James had already given her the news that whatever went on between Tina and Candace seemed to have ended on a positive note and that gave Bette a little peace. Curiosity still consumed Bette about Tinas visit, but she decided to wait for some kind of fall out instead of prematurely opening the door by calling Candace.

In Bettes office
James, can you come in here please, Bette spoke through the intercom.

James came in. Whats up boss?

Have a seat. I need to talk to you for a minute, Bette leaned back in her chair.

James was a little nervous. He could tell Bette was about to get personal and while he knew they could talk about anything, he still felt awkward. Uhm, sure. Whats going on? He tried to sound aloof.

Do you think I treated Tina unfairly? Bette asked sincerely.

James adjusted himself and looked away. He really didnt want to answer that question. He knew how many times Bette had cancelled lunch and dinner dates with Tina. He knew how many times Bette had been so distracted by work that she forgot she had a personal life. The worse thing he knew was that hed seen the interaction between Candace and Bette while the construction was going on. And hed worked with Bette long enough to read her body language. While he had his suspicions, he said nothing.

What do you mean by unfairly Bette? James asked. More importantly, why are you asking me this?

Were friends arent we? James nodded. Well, I need a friend to talk to, Bette continued, now feeling a little uncomfortable. Im sorry, maybe this was a bad idea.

No, Im the one who should be apologizing, James leaned forward. I was the one who called you about Tina remember? Bette nodded and made a face. I guess Im indirectly involved, so go ahead.

Bette thought about how she wanted to approach the conversation. She sipped her coffee to buy some time. Bette put her cup down, got up, and motioned for James to join her on the couch.

Okay, this isnt going to be easy for me, so be patient okay?

Sure, James patted Bettes hand.

First, can you answer my question about me being unfair toward Tina?

James sighed, he really didnt want to answer that particular question, but had to. On occasion yes, James looked down.

Uh, huh, was all Bette could say.

What I mean is, James wanted to clarify his statement. Bette, youre an aggressive and shrewd business woman, which takes a lot out of you at times. You work long hours, travel, you take work home, and never quit until the fat lady has not only sung, but come back for an encore. They both laughed. That puts a lot of pressure on a person, James paused.

You mean Tina?

Yes, James affirmed and Bette nodded. Bette, Tina quit her job with your blessing and encouragement when you wanted to start a family, which gave her a lot of free time. Im sure she found ways to fill her time, but when you were supposed to be home, you were often here, or you took the work with you. Ask yourself where she fit in?

So, if I understand you right, youre saying I put work first too often?

Yes, sometimes, James was trying to be delicate. I know you may not want to hear this Bette, but also think of how many times you couldnt talk to her because you were on a call, with a client, or worse, when you put her on hold so long that the call bounced back to me?

Sadness began to fill Bettes eyes and she averted eye contact, fearing she might cry. Twice in two days Bette heard how shed messed up and hated it. It wasnt so much that the truth hurt, it was the fact that she failed to see what was so obvious to other people.

Anything else? Bette asked as she braced herself for another revelation.

James got up and paced. He hoped that what hed already said would suffice, but it was apparent that Bette was doing some soul searching and he was along for the ride. *****! He thought.

I know about Candace! James revealed in a soft voice as if he was ashamed by his admission.

Bette jumped up and walked over to James. You know what? Bette questioned in disbelief and shock. How? When?

Oh God Bette, I hoped to never have this conversation with you, James confessed. I kind of figured it out and filled in a few blanks from your behavior lately he continued, still pacing.

Bette staggered back to the couch and sat down. Im so embarrassed! Bette whispered as she buried her face in her hands. Please sit down James, we need to finish this conversation.

James resumed his place on the couch and waited for Bette to look up before continuing.
Go ahead, I need to know what you know and what you think of me now.

Okay, James shrugged his shoulders. I watched how you and Candace interacted and it seemed a little too cozy for someone you barely knew. Youre not typically that hands on with the contractors, which struck me as odd. You also had some strange absences and they seemed to almost coincide with Candaces absence, James stopped sensing Bettes discomfort.

No, go on, Bette encouraged even though the words were stingy the very core of her eardrums.

Anyway, I tried not to read into anything, plus there was already so much other ***** going on. Anyway, opening night, I saw you look at Candace and the way you touched her hand strengthened my suspicions. Bette, I played down those suspicions though, until I heard about your hand,

My hand? Bette looked at her hand and remembered the pain, the blood, and the stitches. How could he have ever known that? She thought.

Face it Bette, youre popular and people talk. Theres a nurse, Maddy, who hangs out Windriders and shes a huge art fan, so she told me she saw at the hospital. At first she didnt make a big deal about it, but after a few drinks, she said that you were with someone other than Tina, Bette gave James an intense look. Shes seen you and Tina at shows and in magazines, James spoke softly.

Okay, okay, Bette put her hand up to stop James from continuing. Yes, its true, I cheated on Tina and I had hoped to end it before anyone found out. I guess its too late for all that now, Bette leaned wearily back into the couch. I wish I could all go away, Bette sighed.

James felt bad for Bette. So whats going on with you two now? I guess its safe to assume Tina knows?

Yes, she knows. She left and I dont know if shell come back, Bette felt the tears welling in her eyes, stood up, and walked to the window. She didnt want James to see her cry.

Im sorry Bette. I wish there was something I could do to help you through this. Im sure its not easy for you, James consoled from a distance. Is that why she was at Candaces?

Bette shrugged. I have no idea why she was there, but honestly thats the least of my worries. Its been a month now and I dont know what to do. At first she was bitter, angry, and would barely speak to me. Now, it seems like shes moving on, but her things are still at the house, Bette spoke without thinking about the revelation. She told me that she needs space and I need to find reasons for what I did. She was actually really polite about it, Bette half smiled as she heard the softness of Tinas voice in her head. Amazing really, because if shed cheated, I would have packed her stuff up, shipped it to her no questions asked, and would be unwilling to reason and forgive. But the one eating crow and I want her back. I want her forgiveness and for her to work this out with me. Is that fair?

James got up and walked over to Bette. He turned her to face him and looked deep into her deeply saddened eyes. Bette, youre going to have to face her whether you want to or not. This isnt work where you can cancel a meeting; take a business trip, take a leave of absence, or whatever one does to avoid the inevitable. This is life were talking about. Your life! Shes been a part of you for many years now, and if you dont relent in some way, its going to be worse than losing a bid at an auction. And we both know how you hate when that happens, James chuckled, making Bette chuckle too. Just so you know, Im not blaming you Bette. I dont know what could have led up to this and its not my place to ask. All Ill say is that I hope you both can work it out.

Thanks, Bette tried to smile. But youre right though, and Im so afraid James, Bette confided. What if she doesnt take me back?

As much as thats a fear, you still have to face it anyway. Your personal and professional lives have always run a close parallel, but as I said, this is something you have personally built. Its not something you can easily walk away from. You didnt back down from Provocations, so why back down from this?

And with that, James excused himself from Bettes office and walked out. Bette picked up the paperweight that Tina had bought her many years before, which had a sentiment, Tina thought of engraved in it Though things may weigh you down, know that Im always there to lighten the load – Tina. Oh Tina, I wish I could turn back the clock and undo what I did. I owe you that, Bette thought as she toyed with the paperweight. In seven years weve built and somehow torn down the love weve wanted for so long. Baby, I hope its not too late, Bette continued toying with the weight for a few more moments before mustering the courage to pick up the phone.

Hi! Its Bette, Bette waited for a reply.