At Bettes apartment

Oh, God, Im sorryits so lateIm sorry I called, she heard Tina say, sounding thoroughly flustered. No, please, its fineplease dont hang up, Bette held her breath and listened intently. When she heard Tinas quiet breathing, she continued cautiously, I told you could call anytime. She heard Tina chuckle softly and she smiled to herself. I dont even no why Im calling, Tina whispered. Bette waited a few moments before speaking, I would love to see you again, Tina. She could hear Tina sighing and muttering under her breath. Tina, I understand the difficult situation youre in right now, believe me I do, but I justI really need to see you again, Bette continued. Why? Tina asked softly. Bette bit her lip; the question stumped her momentarily. Because I would like to get to know you better, Bette said slowly. What she wanted to say was that if she didnt kiss her again she would explode, but she thought that might be too intense for Tina right now. Tina sighed loudly again, wracking her brain to figure out what to do.

Bette waited patiently for Tinas answer, gently touching her lips and remembering what it felt like to kiss Tina. Maybe we could meet for coffee or something, Tina said quietly. Bette rolled her eyes in relief, and sat back into her armchair. They quickly discussed possible locations for their meeting and when they finally agreed, Tina immediately wished Bette a good night and hung up. Bette hung up the phone with a smile and rubbed her face, trying to wipe it way, but was unsuccessful. She had a date tomorrow at three oclock with what was probably the most adorable woman she had ever met. She suddenly felt wired and unable to sleep so she went into her bedroom to decide what she would wear to work, and eventually to her meeting with Tina.

At a small caf

Tina waited nervously for Bette at a table in the back of the caf. She was slightly paranoid, intermittently looking around the entire place, afraid that someone she knew might see her. She had left work early and turned her cell phone off. When her days got too stressful, she would do that and head for the beach to relax by herself; Eric was used to it by now, so if her phone was off he didnt worry too much. Its not lying if he makes the assumption, she pondered as she stared into her latte. Just then she sensed someone standing in front of her and lifted her eyes. Hello, there, Bette said as she took her seat across from Tina. Tina was speechless for a few seconds; seeing Bette always seemed to have this effect on her. Hi, she finally managed to say with a small smile. She noticed Bette already had a drink; apparently she had been so absorbed in her thought she hadnt noticed Bette walk in. Im sorry Im late, Bette said after taking a sip of her coffee, I got stuck on a call from New York, and then you know how traffic is. She added some sugar to her coffee and looked at Tina, hoping she would say something.

Tina just nodded with a smile and drank some more of her own coffee. So how was your day? Bette asked out of desperation. It was fineyou know how it is, Tina said looking around distractedly. ActuallyI dontwhat exactly does a development executive do? Bette continued, arching an eyebrow. Tina raised her eyebrows; she was surprised that Bette remembered what she did and a little relieved that it was an easy topic to talk about. She launched into a lengthy explanation of what her job entailed, including a few anecdotes about celebrities she had met. Bette seemed impressed and listened attentively, barely taking her eyes off Tina. Well, thats the long and short of italthough I guess it was a little on the longer sideIm sorry, she finally ended with a chuckle. So you really like what you do? Bette asked, Tina seemed comfortable talking about her job, and she wanted to keep her that way. Oh, yeah, its a lot of funstressful at timesbut lots of fun. Tina leaned back in her chair for the first time since she sat down, and smiled sweetly at Bette, So did you dream of owning a gallery when you were a little girl?

They continued chatting for two hours, sharing funny stories about their childhood and adolescence, about their families, and about their schooling and careers. Tina was on her fourth cup of coffee and Bette was on her third, when Tina glanced at the clock on the wall and then at her own watch, *****! Ive gotta get goingIm meeting she stopped abruptly when she realized she was going to mention Eric. Bette got up and gathered her things, Ill walk you to your car. Tina decided not to argue, and instead led the way out of the caf. As they walked down the sidewalk, Tina realized Bette walked close enough so that their arms brushed ever so slightly. Are you free later this week? Bette asked as they reached the passenger side of Tinas car. UhI Tinas voice trailed as she looked at Bette. She wanted desperately to say yes, but couldnt ignore the pangs of guilt which were assaulting her as she thought of having to meet Eric.

BetteI had such a great time right nowbutI just cant do this she sighed and leaned her back against the car door, holding her head in her hand. She couldnt believe it, she was crying. Bette noticed the shaking of her shoulders and began to rub them gently with her hands, Hey, its okayits okay, Bette said as she gathered Tina into her arms and held her close. Tina sunk her face into Bettes shoulder, and through her tears, couldnt help but notice how sweetly she smelled, and the way Bettes hair tickled her forehead. Bette turned her head and kissed Tinas hair, then her forehead, then framing Tinas face with her hands, kissed her forehead and her cheeks which were still wet with her tears. She was surprised that Tina didnt pull back, but she was even more surprised that she was actually doing this at all, in public, on the street. Tina sniffled quietly and looked into Bettes eyes. I really want to see you again, Tina, Bette whispered, pleading with her eyes. Tina suddenly smiled softly, Why? she asked through a shuddering breath.

Bette smiled back and pressed her forehead against Tinas as they both chuckled quietly. Tina pulled away slightly and looked at Bette, her face a little more serious, Ill call youI promise. Bette gave her a piercing look, searching for some more concrete confirmation. Tina gave it to her by reaching around Bettes neck and pressing her lips to Bettes. Bette moaned softly in spite of herself and wrapped her arms around Tinas waist, holding her tightly. And as quickly as she had begun to kiss her, Tina stopped, pushed Bette slightly and ran around to the drivers side. It wasnt until she saw Tinas car speeding away that she finally came to. She knew she was smiling like an idiot, but she didnt care.

At Tinas apartment

Tina sobbed quietly as she heard the front door close softly. She had told Eric that she had met someone else. She didnt get into details; she felt she was hurting him enough, suddenly saying she wanted to break up with him. He seemed completely shell-shocked and left without saying a word. When she called him over, Tina thought it seemed like the right thing to do, but now she was awash with guilt. What if she had made a huge mistake? She barely knew Bette, had barely had a conversation with her, and as great as it was, was it anything to break-up with your boyfriend over? Tina got up from the couch and started pacing nervously. She didnt know who to call, the situation was so surreal, she could hardly deal with it; how would any of her friends handle it. She sat back down wiping her tears away, I broke up with Eric over Bette, she said to herself aloud, over Bette. A smile involuntarily spread across her lips as she repeated Bettes name. Should I callshould I tell herwhat if she freaks out when she hears I did this maybe all she wanted was a fling with me or something? But Tina couldnt convince herself of that, something about the way Bette treated her, the way Bette comforted her when she almost broke down earlier that day.

At Bettes apartment

Oh my God, Bette, you have no idea how cute this guy was Alice stopped abruptly when she noticed Bette was staring off into the distance, while she absentmindedly uncorked the bottle of wine. Betteearth to Betteif youre not gonna listen to me, the least you can do is give me something to drink in a timely fashion. Alice bristled, stuffing a steamed dumpling into her mouth. Bette poured two glasses of wine and sat down on the couch, opposite Alice, who was sitting on the floor. So are you gonna tell me whats got you so preoccupied? Bette swirled her wine, No, its just work stuff. She sat up and started her own dinner. Well, maybe you should come hang out with us tonight, unwind a littleLord knows youre wound mighty tight. Bette rolled her eyes at Alices comment as she chewed slowly. Tina said she would call, but she didnt say when. Bette wanted to be completely available if and when she called, after that kiss on the street, Bette had to see her again. Bette! she heard Alices voice bring her back to reality, do you wanna come or not? No, no I cant, I need to look over some proofs before tomorrowthanks though.

The phone began to ring, and Bette dove for it before Alice had a chance to reach it. She got up from the couch quickly and walked toward the short hallway before answering it. When she heard Tinas voice, she noticed she sounded agitated, Tina, are you alright?
Well, not really, I was wondering if we could meet, I just need to talk to someone, Tina said quietly. Absolutely, Bette replied; she made her back into the living room and started gathering her things, where do you want to meet? Tina mentioned the same caf they had been at during the afternoon and hung up quickly. Bette placed the phone on the counter, and turned quickly to Alice, Im sorry, Alice, I need to goyou can stay and finish. Alice slowly got to her feet and gave Bette a knowing smile, Alrightwho is shedo I know her? Bette just sighed as she opened the door, Yes and noIll talk to you later.