“I’m not sure how to respond to that,” Bette replied ruefully.

Barbara let out a frustrated sigh. “I just want you to know that, Bette. We’re both too old for games and there’s too much on the line.”

She accepted the words with a nod. “And I think I’ve told you my answer from the get-go.”

“You said you don’t know where you stand with Tina.”

“And I still don’t,” Bette said. “I want to create a stable family for Angelica, but I am no longer in love with Tina. My dream of having a family with her doesn’t hold true anymore.”

The senator could hear the pain in Bette’s admission. All the conversations she had with Bette began to add up.

“No matter what, we will remain in each other’s lives, but that doesn’t mean I want her back,” Bette continued. “Eight years is a long time to get over.”

“Let me help you.”

“I’ve …” Bette stammered. “I’ve always had to do things on my own. Even with Tina, I always took care of things.”

Barbara reached for her hand, tugging her closer. “You don’t always have to be the strong one.”

She leaned back in her seat, her gaze resting on their joined hands. Her thumb began a slow caress of Barbara’s hand, tuning out the rest of the world. Bette realized she was content to sit here with the senator, with no words exchanged.

As she allowed the idea to sink in, she chanced a look at Barbara. The woman was watching her intently, offering a smile when their eyes met.

“Thank you.”

Barbara tilted her head slightly. “For what, Bette?”

“For saving me from myself.” When she saw Barbara’s questioning look, Bette continued. “Ever since Tina … left, I’ve been on auto pilot. Functioning, but not living. My only focus was on Angelica and nothing else. My friends … well, they’re at an impasse how to help me.”

Bette shrugged. “Until you came along.”

She leaned in close, mirroring their position so long ago in Barbara’s D.C. apartment. She stayed just a hair’s breath away, slowly licking her lips as Bette closed in. Her eyes fluttered close at the contact, reveling in the taste of wine on the brunette.