Chapter 38 – Catching Up

So you two are going to try to be friends? Shane asks as she navigates traffic. She had just picked Bette up from therapy. Shane had struck out with Rachael again but at least this time Rachael had hesitated a full minute before saying no. Bette had been trying to convince Shane that she was making headway when Shane changed the subject.
Yeah, shes going to call me sometime this week and were going to lunch on Thursday. You know her shelter is really close so well probably meet at a restaurant around there somewhere. Bette responded. Bette really didnt want to talk too much about Tina. Her whole session with Rachael had been about Tina and how Bette felt about having her in her life in the present instead of just her memories.
Well? Shane wanted more
What do you mean Well? Friends, this is a good thing. I really think I can do friends and still stay true to myself. Bette said with conviction trying to convince herself and Shane at the same time. Bette wasnt ready to reveal more. She and Tina had spent the better part of the afternoon just talking about their lives now. It had gone nice and easy and they both enjoyed each others company. Bette had been really interested in Tinas work and what she had been able to accomplish in her short time at the shelters. Bette was proud of how Tina had pulled the whole job thing together. It actually sounded like Tina had some real characters working for her. Bette wanted to meet this Cindy chick just so she could visualize her better. Tina had related some of her antics which left Bette in tears she was laughing so hard. Bette had shared with Tina how she had worked through some of her roadblocks with painting. Describing to Tina some of the many failed canvases Bette had stacked for repainting. Bette let Tina in by sharing her college painting experiences. Bette laughed now about how imperfect those attempts had been and how humorous those struggles now seemed. If Tina seemed surprised by Bette revealing the image that wasnt perfect she didnt let on. Bette still gets the feeling she is talking about another entirely different person when she relates her college failures. Bette shared some of this easy conversation she and Tina had enjoyed with Shane.
So its good with Tina? It sounds like you guys spent a lot of time catching up. Shane asked.
Yeah real good, Im not ready for any heavy stuff and she didnt bring it up so I think well take it as it comes. Bette relayed.
Are you comfortable with that? I mean at some time you guys have to put some closure on the whole past relationship thing, dont you? Shane was trying to get Bette to admit she still had feelings more than just friendship for Tina but to no avail.
I dont know, Im just going to take it a day at a time. You know put one foot in front of the other and see where it takes me. Bette related. So where you taking me for dinner? Im starved.
Shane felt like she would drop it for now but she saw the hope in Tinas eyes and knew Tina would be asking for more soon.