Dumping and armful of groceries on the counter, Tina pressed the button on the answering machine, which flashed red.

“Hey, Tina, don’t make dinner. I’m bringing home something. I love you.”

The soft way Bette said I love you made Tina’s skin tingle in the familiar, comfortable way. How could Bette hurt her so much, but still make her want to kiss her sometimes? Tina decided that, just for tonight, she’d set aside her anger, hurt, and betrayal and just be with Bette. Just be as in love as they once were. Tina finished putting the groceries away and went to read.

A couple of hours later, Bette walked through the door with her arms full of something that smelled delicious, “Tina, I’m home. I hope you’re hungry, I got an extra order of Sesame Chicken.”

Tina stood to help Bette. She took half the bags and walked to the kitchen. Setting the bags down, Tina leaned over and gave Bette a soft kiss on the lips, “How was your day?”

Bette looked shocked at the surprise kiss, and at the tenderness that lay behind it, “Iuh, my day was great. How was yours?”

“I actually only woke up a few hours ago,” Tina said, laughing.

“Wow, you must have been tired!” Bette moved to the cupboard to get a couple of plates, “What did you do last night?”

Tina’s heartbeat quickened, “Oh, I just went out. Got a little crazy on the dance floor, had a few drinks. I was a little smashed, so I hung out for a while until I was okay to drive.”

“That sounds fun.” Bette said, knowing that was not the real story, or maybe not the entire story. Bette watched Tina take boxes out of the large, brown paper sacks. Tina’s long, delicate fingers seemed to consider each item she picked up, giving each it’s own special attention.

After they had dished up plates, they sat at the table and talked. Mostly, their conversation consisted of small talk, but it was an actual two-sided conversation, which is something they hadn’t had together in a while. Their conversation turned to a book the two had read and discussed frequently. Long after they had finished eating, they sat at the table and talked. The conversation slowly, cautiously, turned deeper then small talk. It seemed to them both that they were getting to know each other again.

They laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, free of thinking about the affair. Yes, it was still there, very much present in each of their minds, but they silently agreed to dismiss it, if only for tonight. There was a break in the conversation, and Tina jumped up,

“Oh, fortune cookies!” she said, going to the kitchen to retrieve the two little cookies. Heading back to the table, Tina tossed them both in the air and they both randomly caught one.

Bette cracked hers open, carefully pulled the paper out and read, “The winds are changing to your benefit.” She finished and considered it with a little ‘hmm’ noise.

“Hold to hope.” Tina read. She always got the fortune that wasn’t a fortune.

“In bed.” Bette said, with a smile.

Tina laughed, “That’s not usually what I hold to in bed.”

“I know.’ Bette said, with a little smile.

At that moment, everything around them froze and Tina felt it, the pull in her stomach. She stood up, grabbed Bette by arm, and led her gently down the hall to their room, “I need you.” Tina said.