It was Saturday afternoon and Tina was frantically digging through her closet trying to figure out what to wear to dinner tonight. Ever since she had agreed to this dinner her mind had been overrun with worst-case scenarios about how she could make a complete ***** of herself. She wanted to impress these people and make them feel like she was worthy of being in Bettes life. From the way Bette talked about her friends she had a good idea that these were very strong minded and intelligent people and she just wanted to fit in. She pulled out shirt after shirt trying to find the perfect outfit. She had never been this nervous to meet any of her boyfriends friends and she knew it was just because she wanted everything to remain perfect with Bette, just like they were now.

Tina ran down the stairs and grabbed the phone to call Bette. It was only three oclock and dinner wasnt until seven. Bette was going to come over in about an hour just to hang out before they went, but she wanted to be dressed by the time Bette got there. She waited impatiently for Bette to pick up the phone and when she finally did Tina blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

Bette, what am I supposed to wear tonight?

Tina heard Bette laugh at her obvious nervousness and she was getting frustrated that Bette wasnt taking her seriously. What the ***** Kennard, youve done this type of thing before. Meeting your friends friends has never been a big deal. But it was a big deal because Bette wasnt just her friend. She was her girlfriend. Tina sighed and sat down on the couch listening to Bette try and calm her down.

Baby, stop worrying. Im sure whatever you decide to wear will make you look gorgeous so relax okay?

Where are we going again?

Antonios. Its in West Hollywood.

Tina played with a pillow while she mentally ran through her closet one more time. She was so lost in thought that she almost didnt hear Bette speaking.

Tina? Look Ive got to finish up here. Ill be over in an hour okay?

Okay babe. See you then.

Tina hung up and ran back upstairs. Bette was right, why am I stressing over this? Tina looked at her clothes once more and decided on a pair of Diesel jeans with a black tank top. She put on a pair of brown boots and grabbed her brown leather jacket. Not too bad, she thought as she looked in the mirror. She went back downstairs to finish cleaning up the house before Bette got there and before she knew it Bette was knocking on the door.

Wow, you lookwow.

Tina smiled at Bettes reaction to her choice in clothing and she pulled her inside for a warm kiss. After a few moments they broke the kiss and Tina couldnt help but take a peak at Bettes outfit to make sure she was dressed appropriately. Bette was wearing a pair of tan linen pants with a white short sleeve shirt. Tina loved how that color combination seemed to make Bettes skin glow a little and she couldnt resist pulling her in for one more kiss. They sat and talked for a little while and Bette was telling Tina a little more about her friends they were meeting tonight. Alice would be there, Tina had met her before, and she was bringing a friend. Mimi and Ivy were going also, and Bette told Tina that they had been dating for about a year and that Mimi was a corporate lawyer for Microsoft and that Ivy was a Development Consultant for Ernst & Young. Tina was a little intimidated by these seemingly powerful people, but Bette assured her they were completely down to earth people. Bette is so professional and put together, why would I expect her friends to be any different? Tina wondered as she glanced at the clock. Seeing that it was quarter to six they decided to head out since the traffic from Santa Monica to West Hollywood was unpredictable.

They arrived at the restaurant at six forty five and Bette checked on the reservations they had made. They were the first to arrive and were seated almost immediately. They ordered drinks while waiting and Tina could still feel that nervousness mixed with anticipation building in her system. She took another sip of her wine, trying to calm herself down, when she spotted Alice walking towards them. Bette stood up and hugged Alice and introduced herself to Alices friend who was named Shane. Tina stood up and Bette introduced her to Alice and Shane and the four of them sat back down quickly. Bette reached under the table and gently held Tinas hand as Alice looked back and forth between Tina and Bette with a hint of mischief in her eye. She was just about to open her mouth to say something when Mimi and Ivy arrived. Mimi was on her phone, obviously not happy, and Tina smiled knowing that is exactly how Bette could be at times. Ivy said hello to Alice and Bette and introduced herself to Shane then turned to give Tina a warm smile. Tina could tell Ivy was giving her the once over and she suddenly felt self-conscious. Mimi finally hung up the phone and did her own round of hellos and introductions and took her seat between Bette and Ivy.

Everyone fell into conversation like long time friends who hadnt seen each other in almost forever and Tina took this opportunity to sit back and watch them to get a feel for what they were like. She glanced at Bette before looking around the table but Bette was involved in a conversation with Mimi and Ivy about something that happened at her gallery. She was still holding Bettes hand and Tina felt like at that moment it was her only life support. Alice was talking to Shane and for the first time Tina noticed Shanes cool demeanor. She looked at the way Shane responded to Alice, not too overbearing, but just attentive enough to let Alice know that she had her undivided attention. Tina smiled as she looked at Alice who was talking a mile a minute and she wondered if Shane was her girlfriend. She turned her attention to Bettes conversation and after about five minutes she understood exactly why Bette was such good friends with these people. Mimi appeared to be a very tightly wound person who just happened to have a very calm and relaxed personality. She was intelligent and based on the way she presented herself, Tina figured that Mimi was not a shy person. On the other hand, Ivy seemed to be a very quiet and shy person. Ivy was doing most of the listening in the conversation, but Tina could see that it wasnt because she couldnt contribute but rather that she just let Mimi do most of the talking. Tina remembered that Bette told her Ivy was a Development Consultant and she wondered if Ivy was like this all the time or just around friends.

The waiter arrived at that moment and everyone ordered their drinks and dinners. After he left all eyes seemed to turn towards Bette and Tina. Mimi gave Tina a sweet smile and gave Bette a playful wink obviously showing her approval of Tina. Ivy saw this and nudged Mimi slightly after seeing the uncomfortable look that crossed Tinas face.

Sorry Tina, its just that weve all been dying to meet you and Bette has managed to put that off for some time now.

Yeah Porters been hiding a secret and now its time to share.

Bette flashed Alice an angry look and Tina couldnt help but laugh. She was put at ease when Bette leaned forward and spoke to Alice in a low tone.

Why do you think everything I do has to be your business? Every once in a while I like to keep things private and if you ever want me to tell you anything again I suggest you back off and play nice okay?

Mimi laughed at Bettes attempt to be chivalrous and she decided to try and loosen up the conversation.

So Tina, Bette tells us you work at Alphaville. Hows that going.

Good, were really busy right now though. There are so many scripts coming through the office Ive lost count of which ones went where.

So where are you from Tina?

Tina turned to Shane and gave her a small smile. There was something about this woman that made Tina momentarily lose her train of thought. Shanes penetrating eyes seemed to mesmerize Tina and it took her a second to answer.

Los Angeles. I grew up here.

Better watch it Porter, all your efforts may prove to be fruitless.

They all laughed at Tinas obvious fluster when Shane spoke to her and Tina gave Bette a sheepish look. Bette felt a sudden surge of jealousy run through her but she fought it down and gave her a trademark smile in return. She put her hand on Tinas leg and it remained there until the food arrived.

So how did you too meet?

Alice and Bette looked at Ivy when she asked this question and from the look Bette gave Mimi it was obvious that she had expected her to fill Ivy in. Tina shifted a little in her seat and she didnt know if she wanted to re-live her experience of turning down Erics marriage proposal to be with Bette in front of complete strangers. She looked at Bette and raised an eyebrow telling her that she should answer this question.

We met at the gallery. She came in one day to look at art and fell for me on the spot.

Alice and Mimi looked at each other with knowing looks and started laughing while Ivy and Shane looked a little confused.

Thats the short version at least.

Bette gave Tina a guilty smile at Tinas last statement and she knew she would pay for that one later. Their food arrived at that point and everyone was starving so they dug in right away. The rest of the night was filled with friendly conversation and despite her insecurities about tonight, Tina had a wonderful time. Bettes friends were great and they all made her feel welcome. Just one more thing I love about her, she thought as they were leaving the restaurant. Mimi and Ivy were walking ahead of them holding hands and looking at something on the wall. Alice and Shane were standing outside so that Shane could have a cigarette and the six of them stood around trying to decide what else they wanted to do that evening.

Why dont we go to the Planet?

Mimis suggestion made Bette a little uneasy knowing that while Tina had a good time at dinner with her friends, she didnt know if she was ready to go to a place where the entire population was same ***** oriented. Tina didnt know what the Planet was and Ivy was trying to explain it to her.

The Planet is a little coffee place about ten minutes from here. During the daytime its a caf run by a woman named Marina and at night on the weekend it becomes sort of like a club. Theres music and dancing and drinks. Its usually the same crowd week after week, but its usually fun.

Tina looked at Bette and shrugged her shoulders. She didnt know if she really wanted to go, but she was having a good time and she was not about to spoil the evening for Bette just because she was a little out of her league. Bette sensed the apprehension in Tina and she decided tonight was not the night. They said their goodbyes and Bette gently led Tina back to her car. On their way back Bette seemed to have a million questions and concerns for Tina.

So, what did you think? Im sorry about Alice, she can be a real pain sometimes. But I know they loved you and Ivy wants us to have dinner with them again next week sometime, you know without Alice.

Tina smiled at her as she took Bettes hand in hers as they were walking. She leaned into Bette a little as she spoke.

I had a really good time tonight. Your friends are nice and I can see now why I was so nervous. You are really lucky to have such good friends.

Did you want to go to the Planet tonight? I kind of figured it might be a little too much for you, but if you wanted to go we could always meet up with them. Its not too far.

Its okay. I wouldnt mind spending the rest of the evening with just you.

Bette smiled at Tina and didnt say anything as they continued to walk. They got back to Bettes car and they quickly got in and soon they were back on the freeway. As they drove back to Tinas place Tina let out a sigh of contentment. Tonight had gone better than expected and Tina felt good knowing that Bettes friends accepted her. She gazed over at Bette who was concentrating on driving and didnt notice Tina reaching out to put her hand on Bettes thigh. Tina felt her muscle contract a little at the contact and she smiled to herself. Tina turned the radio on and when soft jazz music filled the car she leaned back and enjoyed the rest of the ride home. When they got there Bette didnt know if Tina wanted her to come in or not so she got out as if to walk her to her door. They hadnt reached the point in their relationship where they were spending the night together yet and Bette didnt want to push it because she thought Tina might misunderstand and think she was pushing for *****. She followed Tina to her door and Tina opened it before turning around. She gave Bette a small smile as she wiggled her eyebrows a little at Bette before speaking.

So you want to come in?

Bette didnt know how to answer that without sounding too eager so she laughed and pulled Tina in for a kiss. As she deepened the kiss a little she started walking forwards causing Tina to back up into the house. Bette kicked the door closed with her foot and her and Tina fell onto the couch laughing.