“It’s good, will go great with the pizza.” Bette says and smiles. The waitress fill up both glasses and put the bottle down.

“So, you’ve decided on pizza?” The waitress asks.

“Yes, the chicken Lorenzoni. But without the mushrooms. She’s allergic to it.” Tina says and looks up at the waitress.

“Okay, I’ll tell the chefs. A big one? Or two small ones?” She asks. Tina looks at Bette questionably.

“Big one?” Bette asks back. Tina smiles.

“A big one.” Tina confirms to the waitress.

The waitress leaves and they’re alone again.

“Have you ever been seriously ill after eating mushrooms?” Tina asks concerned.

“Two times. The first being when we found out I had the allergy. I was about 10 years old. Dad and his girlfriend at the time had a dinner party with all the food in the world. At least it seemed like that to me at the age of 10. And there was at least 20 people present.” Bette says and chuckles. “Well, I was told to take whatever I wanted, I’ve always liked soups, so I chose the mushroom soup. It smelled so good.” Bette says and smiles, remembering the time. “I sat down at an empty table and started eating. After about 5 spoonfulls of the soup I started to feel sick. And I felt like choking up. A woman noticed it and called for my dad. After that I don’t remember anything until I woke up in the hospital two days later.” Bette says.

“Oh my God. You were that sick. What about the second time?” Tina asks even more concerned.

“That was only 5 years ago. It was a party at work, they had ordered in food. Somehow I managed to get some in me so I choked up and blacked out. I woke up at the hospital the next day. I was told later that it was almost minced and put in with the minced meat in the lasagne I ate. So… but I’m okay, got a few days off work for the last one.” Bette says and chuckles.

“Hey, don’t laugh about that. It’s serious, you could’ve died. And then we wouldn’t have met.” Tina says, squeezing Bette’s hand softly.

“I know. I’m sorry.” Bette replies. “Can we maybe change the subject?” Bette pleads.

“Yeah. Good idea. But it’s good that I know.” Tina replies.

“Yeah. It is. So… Alice called earlier, while you were getting ready. She’s found an apartment for me in West Hollywood. It’s a two bedroom apartment, close to the Planet and close to Alice and also Dana.” Bette says and smiles.

“That’s great babe.” Tina says and looks a little sad because of it.

“Hey, what’s the matter? Not sad thoughts tonight, please?” Bette asks.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help it. 4 months is a long time.” Tina says almost in a whisper.

“I know. But I’m sure it will go by so fast that you’ll think then that today was yesterday.” Bette says and smiles.

“I hope you’re right.” Tina says. They lean in and kiss. The pizza arrives and they enjoy the meal and light conversation until they’re ready to go three hours later.

They’re outside waiting for their taxi. Bette putting her arm around Tina’s shoulder, holding her close. “ What do you want to do now?” Bette asks, kissing Tina’s temple softly.

“Can we just go home?” Tina asks turning her head so she’s looking right into Bette’s eyes.

“Sure.” Bette says and smiles.

“I just want you by myself tonight, I want to hold you and kiss you without interruptions.” Tina says.

“I’d like that very much.” Bette replies just as their taxi arrives to take them home.