Chapter 4

They continue to date for a few weeks, getting to know one another better and both falling harder and harder for the other with each meeting. They have shared a handful more kisses but are otherwise taking things very slowly. They seem to naturally fit into each other’s worlds, and their friends are starting to mingle together easily as well. Bette’s friends have never seen this side of her, and Tina’s can’t believe how seamlessly she has slipped into this role, dating a woman. They might all roll their eyes when they watch them together, totally lost in one another, but they are secretly so happy for them both. They are also both extremely busy in their respective careers and are learning how to fit each other into their schedules, and Bette is leading up to her most significant gallery opening to date.

Bette’s house, evening. Tina knocks on the front door and can hear Bette’s quick footsteps approaching. Bette swings the door open suddenly and they both beam at each other before Tina launches herself into Bette’s arms and they get lost in a kiss full of passion and desire. Bette closes the door behind Tina and they fall against it, totally lost in their kiss and in each other. They eventually pull back and stare at the other. Tina holds her hand up to the side of Bette’s face and Bette leans into her embrace.

(Tina) That was too long without seeing each other

(Bette) I know, I’m sorry, work is just something else right now

(Tina nods patiently and smiles) Well we’re here now

(Bette) Come inside, I’ll get you a wine, dinner is almost ready

They walk further into the house, Bette retrieving two glasses from a cabinet and holding up two bottles to Tina

(Tina) White please

Bette opens the bottle and pours the wine.

They enjoy their dinner and then settle in on the couch, each with a glass of wine in their hand and the bottle between them on the coffee table. Tina sits with her legs folded under her, facing towards Bette and casually playing with Bette’s hair as the brunette leans back into the couch, a content smile on her face.

Chapter 1

Bette walks into the bar and scans the room for her friends. She notices the blonde immediately, politely smiling and shaking her head at a woman hovering by her at the bar. Pretty, beautiful actually. Her eyes continue over the room and land on Alice, Shane and Dana around a usual table, and she makes her way over, positioning herself at the table with the blonde in her line of sight.

(Alice) whaddup Porter?

(Bette) Hey Al

(Alice) You’re late

(Bette) Well I’m having a week from hell so frankly I’m surprised I’m here at all

(Shane) Well you’re here now. Happy birthday

(Alice) We got a round of birthday cocktails but I’m afraid we drank them, a couple of times actually

(Bette smiles)

(Shane) I’ll be back with another

Bette watches her friend approach the bar and hopes she doesn’t get too chatty with the blonde. Thankfully the blonde politely knocks back her friendly approach, and Shane returns with their round.

They chat and laugh as usual, Alice niggling Dana about some new crush and Shane regularly making eyes at various women sauntering past. Bette’s eyes are never far from the intriguing woman that seems to have her captivated.

(Alice) So are you going to go up to the blonde sitting at the bar, or just oggle her from here for the night?

(Bette) I don’t know what you’re talking about, and besides she seems to just want her own company

(Alice) Hmmm, yeah a few have struck out I’ve noticed. Even Shaney here didn’t get a look in.

(Dana) What’s her story do you think?

(Alice) I don’t know but we need another round. You’re up Porter, birthdays only get you so many free rounds. And besides it looks like she needs saving from that persistent redhead

(Bette sighs) Same again?

They nod and Bette makes her way over, leaning on the bar a respectful distance from the woman. The redhead has finally gotten the message and stepped away.

Tina looks to her left and scans her eyes over quite possibly the most beautiful woman she has ever laid eyes on. Their eyes meet and neither look away for several seconds. The barmaid approaches Bette and breaks the moment. Bette orders their round and patiently waits for the cocktails to be prepared, avoiding looking in the blondes direction. Finally she collects her drinks and turns and returns to her friends.