“You wish you never met me? That’s what you wanted to say right?” it was meant to come out angry, but it came out in a hurt whisper, Bette’s voice breaking as she said it.

“No, no, that’s not. I wish a lot of things, Bette, but that’s not one of them. I’m glad I met you. I wish it was under different circumstances, I wish it was easier. I wish your girlfriend wasn’t such a good friend of mine.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Bette…”

Bette stayed silent for a second.

“And Sam? Your girlfriend? What do you wish about her?”

“I wish she was here” Tina said it before thinking and regretted it immediately as she saw the hurt she caused Bette by her words. She looked down at her hands.

“I didn’t mean that. I didn’t.”

“Ok”

“We’ve been together for a year, she’s given notice at her company, she’s found a new job here, she’s starting over… for me.”

“Ok”

“Bette!” Tina was exasperated by Bette’s one word responses.

“What? What do you want me to say Tina? What do you want me to do? I’m breaking up with Alice. I told you that. I have been thinking about that for a while. She’s not right for me. And I’m definitely not right for her. I can’t make your decisions for you Tina. I can’t. I’m sorry I tried to kiss you. I’m sorry. Forget it ok? You have your plans with Sam. It’s fine. Look. I don’t have much work to do here, I feel like a run. Here are my keys. The whole gang will probably be at the planet. Come by when you’re done. I’ll stay out of your way I promise.”
Tina had listened to Bette speech unable to tear her eyes away from the brunette’s lips. Did she want to continue with her plans with Sam? Would she have been sorry if they had kissed? Did she want Bette to stay out of her way?

“No”

Bette had already reached the door to her office and was about to open it when Tina uttered the word. She turned to face the blonde, confusion on her face.

“Huh? No what?”

Tina stepped towards Bette, standing as close as she could without contact. Bette shivered at the closeness, unsure of the messages she was receiving from Tina.