Hey you Bettes voice chimed down the line

Hey Tina replied halfheartedly as she tossed another file into the reviewed tray on her desk.

Whats up? Bette enquired. The frustration in Tinas voice hadnt escaped her attention.

Youre gonna kill me, Bette Tina groaned as she rubbed her eyes wearily.

Why? Whats going on?

I have to go away Tina said quietly.

For how long? Bette asked cautiously.

Two weeks, maybe three Tina bit her lip, her brow creasing as she envisaged the unhappy expression on Bettes face.

Where to?

New Zealand Tina replied softly.

Jesus T, its half way around the ***** planet Bette whined I thought you werent going to have to do any of this *****, cant somebody else go?

The VP asked specifically for Greg and I to oversee this project Tina explained I convinced him to give us the chance and Im not going to risk blowing it for the sake of a few weeks away

Bette felt her heart drop through the floor. Tina going away was bad enough. The fact that she was going to be thousands of miles away with Greg Coulton had Bettes mind racing.

Tina closed her eyes tightly against the unsavory events that were about to take place. The silence was painful, she could picture Bette trying to calm herself when her instinct was to lay in full force.

Despite Bettes concerted efforts to convince her otherwise, Tina knew how much her wife distrusted Greg. Going away with him for a number of weeks would only serve to intensify Bettes concerns.

Tina swiveled her chair around and looked out the large window despondently. The downtown skyscrapers glittered in the darkness, while the view was stunning Tina wasnt seeing it.

Say something She whispered

I dont know what to say

Tell me what youre thinking Tina prompted. Bettes unusually calm responses werent easing her mind. At least when Bette was angry she was honest.

I dont want to say things that Ill regret later

Dont do this, Bette Tina pleaded.

How long have you known that you were going?

Tina took a deep breath, the question caught her off guard I found out last week that there was a possibility it would happen

And you didnt think to tell me? Bette replied, her anger evidently finding its way to the surface.

Tina swallowed hard upon hearing the tone in her lovers voice. Maybe Bette was right, maybe she should have mentioned it earlier. Either way she didnt have the fortitude to take on Bettes anger tonight.

It was right after that work function Tina tried to explain calmly You were touchy about Greg and I didnt want you to worry about something that might happen

So you left me in the dark Bette stated flatly, clearly she wasnt grateful for Tinas efforts to spare her any unnecessary concern.

I didnt want you to get worked up over it Tina replied in an unusually sharp tone.

And you didnt think that Id get upset that youre keeping things from me? Bettes voice grew louder, more insistent.

Tina shook her head and breathed deeply. She didnt want to fight, she was out energy and patience. Bette getting on her case wasnt going to improve the situation, it wasnt going to change anything.

Baby Tina said firmly Calm down. There was a two minute conversation about it in a meeting. I didnt think it would happen so I didnt mention it. I wasnt keeping anything from you. OK?

Bette sighed angrily in reply.

Jesus, Bette! I dont want to go, I have to go Tina whispered tersely. She glared out the window and waited for Bette to reach out to her. While it clearly wasnt appreciated, everything Tina had done was to protect Bette. She wasnt prepared to be punished for crimes that existed only in her lovers imagination.

Im sorry Bette eventually relented I just wish you werent going She whispered sadly.

Sweetheart, I know Tinas heart ached, Bette in all her vulnerability seemed so fragile. Tina wanted only to hold her in that moment. I wish I didnt have to

Youre not going to change your mind are you? It was more of a statement than a question. Bette couldnt help but hope that Tina would refuse the trip and stay home. Even after all these years she still loathed Tina being away for any reason.

Would you leave James in charge the week before an exhibition opens? Tina asked. Bette didnt bother to answer, Tina already knew Then you understand why I cant risk it either

When do you leave? Bette asked.

Tina bit her lower lip and shook her head, she had no good news to offer Thursday night She responded quietly.

Three days from now? Bettes voice rose in disbelief.

Yes Tina replied firmly. There was silence once again Bette?

Yeah Came the despondent response

Are you mad? Tina asked

No Bette whispered.

Then what is it?

Imafraid

Of what?

I wish I knew

Tina rolled her eyes Should I be worried? She asked

No

Are you going to talk to me about it? Tina pressed further.

Not nownot like this

When?

Maybe when you get home

Ill be outta here as soon as I possibly can Tina offered And Babe?

Yeah Bette whispered

I love you

Love you too Tina heard Bettes words and then heard the line go dead. She replaced the receiver in its cradle heavily.

***** She whispered, shutting her eyes tight and wishing things were different. Bette needed her now, she seemed to need her more somehow.

That big, bad woman of yours throwing her toys again? Tinas eyes shot open at the sound of Gregs voice. She turned around to find him leaning against the door jamb watching her.

How long have you been there? She threw him an accusing look.

Long enough to know that Ms Art Directors throwing a temper tantrum

No shes not Tina smiled despite herself.

Youre a bad liar, TK Greg teased.

Shes not Tina said with more conviction She isnt thrilled I only gave her three days notice about this trip, thats all

What, like shes never gone away at short notice?

Theres a big difference between Bette leaving and Bette being left Tina said, shaking her head Itll be fine

If you say so Greg replied, his disbelief evident.

And you shouldnt be eaves dropping on my personal conversations

Theyre not nearly as interesting as they used to be Gregs eyebrow raised as he broke into a sly grin

Why are you here? Tina asked, a little exasperated with Gregs playful manner. She knew it would take all of her tolerance to work Bette through her resentment when she finally got home. She had no reserves left for dealing with Greg or anyone else tonight.

Just thought you might want to grab a drink, maybe get a bite to eat somewhere? Greg asked I thought we could take a look over the details of the trip

Not tonight Tina mustered an apologetic smile I need to get home

Then what are you still doing here?

Thats a good question Tina sighed heavily, the long and largely unproductive day had sapped her of all motivation I might get going

Greg removed himself from Tinas doorway and headed back down the hall.

Give the lovely Bette my best He called out.

Tina raised her eyebrows I think not She whispered to herself.

TBC