Watching Bette drive, Tina noticed how firm she was grabbing the wheel, how her hands were totally in control, how her whole body was relaxed, lost in the car.

You love driving, dont you? she whispered.

Yeah chuckled Bette at Tinas question.

It shows Tina added, smiling.

Smiling, Bette turned to look at Tina, wanting to check her smile as she was sure she was smiling. Just then Tinas cell rang, startling both of them.

Hello? asked Tina, not recognizing the number.

As she was hearing the callers voice a big smile started growing on her tired face.

Hey, how have you been?…really?…you kidding me Tina chuckled at something the caller said. The laugh, so fresh, so refreshing, so pure, made Bette to shiver, turning her head to look at Tina for a second.

Yeahsurewhat?, there is no one else?…cmonokyeah, I miss you too (Tinas voice in a flirting tone that Bettes never heard before)..okcall me tomorrow okciao

Sighing, with a big smile still drew on her lips Tina hung up.

Bette, waiting for Tina to share the call, or even mention it tried not to look at her. But Tina, lost in the memories was totally unaware of Bettes curiosity.

Whats Boo? Bette asked, briefly looking at Tina, trying to get her attention.

What? asked Tina, sitting still, coming back from the planet she was just visiting.

Booyou wrote Boo on your note sweetly answered Bette.

Oh.. that Tina whispered, noticing the blush growing on her face.

Hmmm mumbled Bette, dying to know, but not wanting to push Tina, wanting for her to want share it with her.

Stopping at a red light she turned to look at Tina,

Your place then? she asked, her words lacking of any pressure, not knowing what answer she wanted, just wanting to spend some more time with her.

What? asked Tina confused, still thinking about the conversation she just had on the phone.

Want to go to your place, or somewhere else? Bette sweetly added.

My place Tina answered, fighting with a rebel yawn.

Yeah, I guess is better Bette said, unable to stop the smile that Tinas yawns were drawing on her face.

Driving in silence Bette realized how much she was enjoying Tinas presence, how much her presence was filling her needs, her heart. She was dying to know about the call but she was firm, pretty sure she was not going to ask about it. Parking the car at Tinas street she turned the engine off before looking at her.

Here we are she tenderly said.

Do you want to come up for a cup of tea? Tina asked, not wanting Bette to go.

Sure Bette said, not wanting to think of leaving Tinas side.

Walking up the stairs to Tinas apartment Bette noticed once again Tinas beautiful legs. How her skirt was moving following the dance of her hips, guided by Tinas slim legs.

Walking to the kitchen, leaving the rooms in the dark, Tina said,

Im going to have chocolate milkwill you like some or you prefer tea?

Chocolate milk? Bette asked, unable to hide the teasing tone.

Yeah, Nesquik Tina answered, unaware of Bettes tease.

Sure, Id love to Bette said, loving Tinas cuteness.

Sitting down, watching Tina preparing the beverages, Bette asked,

So, Boo?

Turning at the sound of Bettes words, Tina left the mugs on the counter and moving slowly she sat at Bettes lap.

Have you read To kill a Mockingbird? she asked, as her fingertips were brushing Bettes cheek, lightly removing a lock of hair.

Sure mumbled Bette, holding her breath by Tinas touch.

Then you know who Boo Radley is Tina added, slowly putting the rebellious lock behind Bettes ear.

Yeah I guess Bette whispered, having difficult to concentrate on Tinas story, feeling her so close, so tender.

You are my Boo Tina whispered after a few seconds, looking Bette in the eyes.

What?how? asked a confused and dizzy Bette, trying to remember Boo in the story.

Placing her arm around Bettes shoulders, Tina said, her words soft as velvet, whispered as a hidden secret.

Boo saved Scout and Jem noticing the lost look on Bettes face Tina smiled. Caressing her arm, she continued,

They were scared of him. at the beginning they didnt know himthey were curious, but quietand then one daywhen they most needed ithe saved Jemhe saved both of themfor a second I was scaredI was attracted to you the first time I saw you at yoga class and then when I met youbut deep down, without my acknowledge I was scaredbut you gave me spacetimeor at least let me find the pace I needed and thenwhen I was lost you saved me

Hearing Tinas words Bette felt as her heart was going to explode, it was almost painful to feel so happy. It was scary too to feel so full, so complete in somebody else presence. Unable to stop herself, Bette leaned forward to give Tina a long deep kiss.
Breaking the kiss, shaking her head, Bette whispered,

You are wrongyou are my BooIm the one who didnt know she was lost till you came into my life. You changed my life since that first day at the CACyou were leaving gifts for me with every word you said, with every smile you gave me. Every day since I met you I was dying for you (removing Tinas hair from her face, she added) every morning on my way to work I checked my cell hoping for a calllike the kids checking the tree for Boos gifts Feeling as if she could not stop herself, sighing deeply with the biggest smile on her face, Bette added, Godyou are justjustyou were rightyou are my Booam sorry Tina..

why?, what happen? Tina asked, concerned by the way Bettes features were changing.

You ok? she added looking Bette in the eyes.

Nodding, feeling the words filling her mouth dying to be free, she whispered,

Im sorryI have to say itII love you Tina

Tinas expression changed. Something very light, something filled Tinas eyes, moving her lips into a strange smile that she was trying to tame.
Still, unable to move Tina tried to smile wider but only a strange grim showed on her face. Not knowing what to say, still processing Bettes words, Tina moved her hand to Bettes face. Caressing it she was noticing, for the first time how soft Bettes face skin was. Unaware of time moving along, she got lost in Bettes features, letting her scent, her touch calm her shattered heart.

Slowly, as if wanting to taste every second of it, Tina leaned forward. She kissed Bette for a long time, trying to express her feelings, trying to show her love as words were still hiding under her scared heart. They kissed for so long that Bettes legs, holding Tinas weight, were numb. Finally, breaking the kiss, Bette looked at Tina for a few seconds before removing the hair from her face. Forgetting about what she just said, forgetting Tinas lack of words, she said, unable to stop the words.

Who was that on the phone?

Looking at Bette, still feeling her lips on hers, Tina noticed Bettes tone. Just then, hearing Bettes words, seeing her eyes she realized for the first time that under the confident, successful image she always projected, was living an insecure, very tender woman. Realizing that, Tina smiled, this time freely, broadly.
Playing, caressing Bettes ear lob, she said,

That was Sandra, Sandra Buchellia friend of mine..

Oh ok mumbled Bette, not sure what else was she expecting, not sure what else she wanted to know.

Yeah, she lives in Paris and on her way to Hawai wants to stop for a visit

Nice Bette said, again uncertain about where this all was going.

Yeah, she wants me to take some pictures of her

Noticing the look on Bettes face, she added,

She will be here on Wednesdayyou will meet hershe is very nicewe used to be inseparablesshe is a friend of Marco too

Nodding, still unsure of everything but loving hearing Tina talking, Bette yawned, feeling the day and lack of sleep finally catching up on her.

Smiling at Bettes yawns, Tina said,

Why dont you sleep here?

Raising an eyebrow, Bette gulped.

Its late, and you are tired Tina whispered, leaning again to kiss Bettes neck, loving her scent as she was doing so.

Closing her eyes, Bette mumbled,

As long as I can use a bed this time

Leaning backwards, checking Bettes expression, trying to sound serious, but failing miserable, Tina said,

What kind of host you think I am? You are going to sleep on my bednowam going to give you one of my pjs

Tina jumped from Bettes lap, leaving Bette aching for her warmth.

Cmon, will show you around She added, extending her arm to take Bettes hand.