CHAPTER SEVEN:

Tina rolled over and looked at her old fashion chrome alarm clock: 6:32am. She stretched her arms above her head and rolled onto her belly trying to lull herself out of sleep. Finally she pulled herself out of bed and wandered into the bathroom. Tina was wearing cute dark green boy leg underwear and a white tank. She pulled her hair out its lose French twist and shook her head heavily. Yawning she looked in the mirror,
God, Tina whined, I do need to sleep more.
After she brushed her teeth Tina resisted the urge to hop back into bed and headed into the kitchen. She hit play on her stereo and Mobys 18 came wafting through the speakers and bopped around making coffee and toasting a croissant.
Wandering back into her bedroom she pulled out a pair of red Thai-fisherman pants. She knotted them loosely so they sat low on her hips and headed back into the kitchen poring herself a coffee and heading onto the balcony. Tina leaned over the white stone balcony and looked out at Naples sipping her coffee. She had spent so much time sunning out on this balcony. She had had some kinky ***** out there too.
Tina saw a taxi approaching in the distance. The roads were pretty much empty at this time of day, 6:47am. Except for those who worked at the markets, Italians were generally late rises. Tina watched as it rolled down Olare` road and finally stopped at the bottom of her house. She felt a tad voyeuristic knowing that Bette wouldnt see her leaning over the balcony.
Tina felt her breathe falter as she saw Bette get out of the car. She was dressed in a pair of cream slacks and a beautiful white shirt. She looked slimmer, but still the same; utterly beautiful. Tina watched as she paid the driver and picked up her bag. As the taxi drove away Bette looked around at the quaint Italian street and settled her eyes on the white stone terrace house in front of her.
Bette Porter travelling with one bag: unheard of. Tina yelled out softly from her spot on the balcony. Bette shielded her eyes from the morning sun and looked up at Tina smiling.
Just gives me a good excuse to buy new clothes. She hollered,
Youve never needed an excuse before. Tina motioned to the front door. Its open, come on up. Drop your bag anywhere. Tina watched as Bette went inside and then headed back into the kitchen. She felt a little strange, but not nearly as much as she had anticipated she would. Pressing Disc Two on her stereo she poured another coffee as Norah Jones came wafting out of the stereo.
Wow, Bette called from the staircase this place is amazing. Tina smiled as she got a bottle of milk from the 50s style fridge.
I know. She said. She poured some milk into Bettes coffee and turned to see her enter the loft. They looked at each other for a moment and smiled, neither saying a word. Finally Tina picked up the coffee and walked toward Bette handing it to her. Far too early to have a conversation without caffeine. Bette nodded,
Or too late. Depending on what time your body is on. Tina smiled. She moved toward Bette and slipped her bag off her shoulder. Bettes eyes glazed over a little as she watched Tina toss her bag on the sofa. Tina smiled and headed back towards the kitchen pulling the croissants from the toaster oven.
Hungry? She asked as Bette moved towards her, leaning against the bench.
When did you change your hair? She asked softly. Tina shrugged breaking a bit of a croissant off and tossing it in her mouth.
Ages ago. She said with a mouthful. Bette smiled. You like it? Bette nodded,
You look amazing. Bette breathed out. Tina shot her a cheeky smile.
Well thanks darlin. So do you. Tina put the croissants on a plate and wiped her hands with a tea towel. Bette watched not saying a word. Not sipping her coffee. Not even breathing. It felt like a dream to be standing here, with Tina, watching her do the most simple tasks. Tina could feel Bettes eyes burning into her. After she wiped her hands she turned and faced Bette. Without saying anything she reached out and took Bettes coffee from her and put it on the bench. She smiled at Bettes stupor and pulled her into a hug. Bette gasped at the contact and gripped Tina tightly. Tina rested her head against Bettes and smiled. She hadnt thought the contact between them would spark her like it did. It truly was an amazing to hug someone when you knew their body inside and out. After a minute of standing there entwined Tina mumbled,
Still wearing Hugo Boss hey? Bette squeezed her harder,
You always said you liked it. Tina nodded and ran her hand lightly up Bettes back.
I like it on you. Bette pulled her head back slightly, still gripping Tina tightly but she so could see her face.
T she breathed out. Tina shook her head.
Dont. Dont say anything. Bettes eyes welled up with tears. Please dont say anything. Tina whispered. Bette couldnt help it, she started to cry. Tina felt a little awkward; she wasnt quite sure what she should do. She pulled Bette closer and rested the brunettes head in between her neck and shoulder.
Im sorry. Bette breathed out between sobs. Tina ran her hands through her curly locks and let Bette cry for a little bit longer. She rubbed Bettes back as you would to consol a crying child. After a minute she said,
Now come on, crying isnt going to get me my MAC eyeliner. Bette laughed and pulled away slightly. She wiped her eyes free of tears,
God, I must look awful. Tina bit her bottom lip,
Yeah. Yeah you do. She said with a cheeky grin and Bette moved to swat her but Tina grabbed her arm. Come on Porter, she said a more seriously, its far too early for tears. You look like the saddest girl to ever come to Naples. Bette smiled again,
Im not sad, just a little overwhelmed. Tina shrugged,
About what? Bette looked at her slightly dumbfounded,
Oh I dont know, seeing you maybe! Tina shrugged again smiling,
I overwhelm you? I dont ever remember you being overwhelmed before. Im not sure if thats a compliment or not. Bette nodded,
It is, believe me it is.