At Tinas apartment

Tina drummed her fingers nervously on the desk as she waited for the page on her screen to load, God, this thing is slow! she said to herself, as she got up from her seat. She decided to check her email later, after the party. Oh, God! she groaned out loud as she shuffled into the kitchen to get something to drink. She knew she was being somewhat childish, but she didnt want to go. Eric had insisted that she go with him and wouldnt have it any other way. She hated being forced to do things, but she preferred to just give in; he could be a handful when he was *****-bent on something. She poured herself some wine and took a long sip. She had felt on edge all day, even snapped at one of the assistants, which she never did. She was just as shocked as Wendy was when she blew up at her. She heard the doorbell ring and went to the door, grabbing her purse as she opened it.

Hey, Im ready to go, she said half-heartedly, but with a smile. Eric put his hands up stopping her from crossing the threshold, Wait, wait, waitare you wearing that? Tina was wearing a short-sleeved turtleneck top with a simple gray cotton skirt and low-heeled sandals. She arched an eyebrow in irritation, Whats wrong with what Im wearing? Eric stepped back defensively, Nothingits just I wasnt expecting you to still be dressed from work. Tina let out an exasperated sigh and turned around, Fine, Ill change! Eric grabbed her by the arm and pulled out the door, Its fine! Really, you look greatlets just go or well be late. He placed a quick kiss on her cheek and bounded down the hall, Meet me at the car! Tina slammed the door and locked it pensively. I should have told him I had my period! she thought to herself, chuckling at her own lack of creativity, Oh, well, lets just get this over with.

At the Bette Porter gallery

Tina entered the gallery on Erics arm and as soon as a waiter with a tray of champagne passed by her, she grabbed a glass and took a big swig. Eric, who knew Tina to be chaste drinker, gave her questioning look as he grabbed his own glass, Are you okay? Yup, Im fine! she answered, as she clinked her glass with his. Oh, theres that photographer I was telling you about, he motioned for her to come with him, but Tina waved him away, drinking deeply again, Go ahead, I think Ill just lay low for a while. He walked away giving her a quick nod and a smile. She smiled back warmly, replacing her empty glass with a fresh one as another waiter passed by her again. She turned around and looked around, she convinced herself she was looking for something interesting to stare out for while, but deep down she knew she was looking for Bette. Whether it was to avoid her or just to see her she wasnt sure. She saw a piece that caught her attention (and apparently no one elses) and walked over to it. She always felt so ignorant whenever she went to things like these with Eric. She appreciated art, but just felt a little out of her league around hard-core art buffs like her boyfriend.

She felt a gentle hand on her right shoulder and instinctively placed her hand over it thinking it was Eric coming to check on her. But something was different; the hand seemed smaller and softer. She spun around and was suddenly face to face with Bette, who was smiling broadly at her. Tina stuttered quite a bit before making a coherent sentence, ImImso.sorryIm sorryI thought you were Eric. She suddenly felt short of breath and her was heart racing. She quickly tossed back the half-glass of champagne she had left. I gathered as much, Bette said as she stood next to Tina to admire the piece Tina was looking at. Tina glanced at Bette quickly from head to toe, noticing that from her vantage point, she could clearly see inside of Bettes blue silk shirt. She had left the top three buttons undone, exposing the beautiful auburn skin of her neck and chest. God! Tina thought to herself. I know, it is a very beautiful piece extremely powerful, Bette said, motioning to the piece. Tina suddenly became aware that she had actually verbalized her thoughts and flushed with embarrassment. Bette turned to face her and gave her a small grin, Its very similar to the other piece you were intrigued by Tina just gave Bette a quizzical look. The one you were looking at when theearring thing happened, Bette added quickly, hoping it would refresh her memory.

Tina slapped her forehead and chuckled as she unconsciously reached for her ear, Rightthe earring thing. Just then a waiter walked by; Bette quickly removed the empty glass from Tinas hand and replaced it with a fresh one. Tina nodded her gratitude and looked away as Bette fixed her gaze on Tina. Im really glad you decided to come, she said softly and taking a step closer. Well, Eric really wanted to comeso I didnt have much of a choice, Tina said as she took a sip from her glass; she was starting to feel a little light-headed. Wellthen, Im glad he dragged you all the way down here, Bette added with a small chuckle. Tina couldnt help but chuckle along with her. Why was she being so defensive? Bette was obviously just trying to be nice, trying to make her feel comfortable. Tina took a deep breath and felt herself relax a bit, Thanks again for the invitations, it was really generous of youGod knows you could have given it to someone more deserving. What do you mean by that? Bette asked crossing her arms, her brow knitted, but her lips still grinning.

Tina gestured freely, I dont really know anything about art, Im kind of ignorant actually. Bette grabbed her by the elbow and gently guided her while speaking, Ive seen you make some very interesting choices in what youve decided to give your attention to. Are we going somewhere? Tina asked as she allowed Bette to continue guiding her. Bette gave her a quick wink as she directed her into a small room in the back of the gallery, the only people there were leaving as the two women entered. Bette stopped Tina before they went in, Okay, close your eyes. Tina opened her mouth to say something, but just shrugged her shoulders and complied obediently. She was starting to feel a little giddy as the champagne began to take its full effect. Bette stepped behind her and grabbed her gently by the shoulders. Tina felt something like electricity course through her body when she felt Bettes touch, but still allowed Bette to guide her through the room. They took several steps forward, and then Bette turned her around toward the left. Bette placed her lips close to Tinas ears and whispered, Okay, open your eyes. Tina shuddered slightly feeling Bettes breath on her ear and neck, but, again, obeyed and opened her eyes.

Oh, my God! she exclaimed through a whisper. She was taken aback by the beauty of the piece before her and looked at it for several moments. She looked over at Bette with a slightly goofy smile on her face. Bette smiled warmly back, I thought you would like this. This is beautiful, Tina said softly, turning her head back to the piece. So are you. Tina shook her head a bit, she thought she heard Bette say something, but she wasnt sure what it was. She turned to Bette slowly and asked softly, What did you say? Bette took a step closer and looked directly into her eyes while smiling, I said I think youre beautiful. Tina didnt know what to say, so her mouth just hung open and as much as she wanted to move, she felt like every muscle had decided to go on strike and keep her there. Bette leaned in slowly and placed her lips over Tinas; Tina closed her eyes and leaned slightly forward. She felt Bette take her hand and place something into it, but she was so caught up in the kiss, she couldnt figure out what it was. Tina suddenly felt Bette pull away, and she opened her eyes. Everything was spinning a little, everything except Bettes face, which looked so beautiful.

Bette looked beyond Tina and placed her hands on Tinas arms, talking to someone behind her, Tina has an eye for the good ones, she said turning Tina around to face Eric. Eric had a huge smile on his face as he walked over to Tina and Bette. He put his arm around Tina and gave her quick little squeeze, She doesnt give herself enough credit, thoughBette, I just wanted to thank you again for the invite, were having a great time. Bette smiled broadly as she made her way to the main room, Im glad you are, I have to go check on the dinner preparations, but Ill see you in a bit. She disappeared around the corner and Eric turned to inspect the piece in front of which Tina and Bette had kissed for a second time. Shes amazing isnt she? Eric said as he continued scrutinizing the other pieces. Tina looked down at her hand and noticed what looked like a business card, she quickly slipped it into her purse, and tried to compose herself. Whatd you say, babe? she said walking over to stand next to Eric. I said shes amazing isnt she? he repeated, glancing at her quickly and then back at the painting. Tina gently touched her lips before answering, Yeahyeah she is.

Back at Tinas apartment

Tina sat in her bed, flipping the business card between her fingers. The front contained Bettes information for the gallery. The back had her home and cell phone numbers scrawled on the back with the message Call me, anytime. Tina sighed heavily, What the ***** am I gonna do? she asked herself wearily. She lay down on the bed, pressing the card to her chest and closing her eyes. She could feel Bettes lips on hers, feel the warmth of her breath on her neck, taste the sweetness of her mouth. Oh, God what am I going to do? she groaned rolling over and burying her head into the pillow. She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like an eternity. She got up suddenly and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. She didnt need to look at the card; she had memorized Bettes numbers by now. What am I doingwhat am I doing? she kept asking herself with every ring of the line. Hello? Tinas breath caught her in her throat at the sound of Bettes voice. Hello? Bette asked again. Tina cleared her throat loudly and somehow found her voice, This is Tina.