And hello to you too Bette,

Im sorry T. Hello. I just wasnt expecting to see you here thats all. Im a little shocked I guess, Bette said looking at Tina.

Well are you going to invite me in or am I going to have to stand out here and talk to you? Tina said raising her eyebrows.

Uh..sure, come on in. Bette opened the door to let Tina come in. When she got all the way inside, Bette glanced up and down the street to see if any cars were coming.

Please, if there is a God in heaven, let Layla get held up somehow, someway, Bette pleaded in her head before stepping back in and closing the door.

When she turned around Tina was looking directly at her.

Youre expecting company arent you? Tina said sharply.

Look Tina, I dont want to go through this with you again. Yes, I am expecting a guest for dinner tonight. Nothing serious, just food and a movie.

Tina turned and headed towards the kitchen. Oh youre feeding her Arigatos huh? Tina questioned. Isnt that one of our favorite spots?

Yes Tina, it was. And I still like their food even though we arent together anymore.

And Chardonnay. How nice? She must be special, Bette. Tina said mockingly.

Come on Tina, its just wine. Okay enough already.

Bette said grabbing the bottle and putting it back down on the table.

This is not cool at all. You didnt come all the way over here to do this. What is it that you want? To tell me how good Carlie is ***** you again? Bette said sharply.

Tina looked at Bette trying to sort out all the emotions she was feeling. A part of her just wanted to crumble to the floor. Was Bette moving on without her? Then a part of her wanted to smack the ***** out of Bette for even inviting another woman into their house. Then another part of her wanted to run into Bettes arms and make it like it was over 7 years ago.

Bette, I just wanted to come and apologize for how I acted earlier. You were right. Im not in a position to tell you what you can do or who you can do it with. You made a decision to cheat on me and I made the decision to not to take you back or accept your apology. Like you said, I have moved on and I have started a new life with Carlie. And it looks like youre starting a new life with someone.

Tina, its not like th.

Dont interrupt me Bette. I need to say this while I still have the strength. I want happiness for you, just like you want it for me. If our paths are supposed to meet again later down the road, then so be it. But right now I know Im not ready for a relationship with you and its not fair to ask you to wait for me. Even though it may not seem like it, I do still love you, but I dont think I can take a chance with giving you my heart again. I hope you can understand that.

Bette listened intently to all that Tina was saying. When Tina paused she decided to jump in.

Are you finished Tina?

Yeah.

T, what you see here tonight is me just trying to live again. It doesnt mean I desire her over you, or that Im ready to be with her seriously. There is no other woman on the planet for me. I would love for you, right now, to say that you would stay. The woman on her way over here wouldnt stand the time of day next to you. She walked over and put her hand on the side of Tinas face. Baby, dont give up on

Right then there was a knock at the door. They just stood there looking at each other. This was the moment of reckoning for them both. Tina, just say the word and I will send her on her way.

Tina didnt move. There was another knock at the door.

Tina finally spoke, You better get that. You dont want to keep your guest waiting.

Bette knew Tina wasnt going to stay. Okay.

Bette turned and went to the door and Tina was dead on her heels.

Bette opened the door and Layla smiled. I thought you had stood me up.

No, no. Come in Layla.

When Layla stepped in, she knew who the woman was before her even without the introductions. She remembered the pictures. This had to be Tina.

You could have bought Bette for a penny at this moment. She was extremely uncomfortable with this whole situation

UmmTina this is Layla. Layla this is Tina.

Layla was first to speak Nice to meet you Tina. Ive heard so much about you, she said extending her hand waiting for Tina to shake it. Even though she hadnt heard much about her she wanted to make sure that Tina knew that Bette had talked about her. She knew Bette could be in some real trouble right now if she said the wrong thing.

Nice to meet you too, Layla, Tina spoke softly shaking Laylas hand. Tina could not deny the beauty of the woman standing there. Even though she didnt mean to, she had looked Layla up and down. She even had to admire her long black hair, her flawless skin, and those gorgeous legs. Layla had on some very short shorts and a halter top and every curve on her stood out. How could I compete with this woman? Maybe Bette just wants a woman of ethnicity. Maybe those group sessions with Yolanda finally got to her. First Candace, now Layla. What was I thinking about coming over here unannounced?

Layla spoke up I should go. It looks like you have company Bette.

No Layla, Im going to go. You stay, Tina said dejectedly. I hope you two have a good evening. With that she walked past Layla and stopped at Bette. I guess Ill see you around.

Bette really wanted to stop Tina, but she didnt know what to do. After Tinas speech in the kitchen, she was so conflicted. But what the ***** was she supposed to do.

See you around, Tina.

Tina walked out the door and down the porch steps to her car. Bette shut the door behind her and turned to Layla.

I am so sorry. I wasnt expecting that at all.

I could tell. You looked like you wanted to just disappear.

This is horrible. I really am sorry. You shouldnt have been here for that.

Stop apologizing Bette. Im a big girl. I told you I dont have any expectations. I have an idea of how you feel about Tina and I respect that. I would have left with no problem.

Thank you Layla for understanding. Are you still hungry? The food is probably cold now.

Yes, Im still hungry, and as long as you have a microwave, we should be okay.

Yes I have a microwave.

Well then lets eat, Layla said trying to lighten Bettes mood. She knew she was going to have to work to keep Bettes attention tonight.

>>

Outside Tina still hadnt started her car yet. She just sat there looking at the house. The same house that her and Bette had shared so many good times and where they had made so many memories. And now another woman was in there with Bette. She really felt like she was dreaming, but she couldnt have imagined that scene in her wildest dreams. How could this be happening? Tina, you waited to long. Now shes gone. And that speech in the kitchen was utter bullshit. You should have just been honest with her. You should have fought for your woman, Tina thought beating herself up. With that she turned her car on and pulled out of the driveway. She was going home to Carlie.

>>

Layla and Bette didnt say much while they ate. Just some casual conversation, nothing too heavy. Bette pretty much just used her fork to move her food around. Layla had noticed this.

Would you like to talk Bette?

I wouldnt even know where to begin Layla.

Well lets go sit on the couch. Its more comfortable over there. And I have all night and a strong shoulder to lean on if you need it, Layla smiled gently.

They both stood up and went to sit on the couch. They both felt a little awkward because they were back at the spot where they just had some steamy ***** not even 24 hours ago. Layla sat down first and patted the cushion signaling for Bette to do the same. Bette plopped down with all her weight.

So talk to me.

Layla, I am not going to lie to you. I love that woman with every fiber of my being. It just kills me that we are at this point.

What got you here Bette?

My own ego got us here. Bette inhaled deeply. I cheated on Tina about 7 months ago and she left me. I tried everything in the book to get her back and she rejected every advance I made. Then I shut down. I couldnt function anymore. I stopped going places except for work. I cut off my family and friends, whom I have yet to talk to. All I did was sleep just so I wouldnt have to feel the pain of not having her around. It was horrible. Then yesterday morning, things changed. I woke up just sick and tired of behaving that way. That wasnt Bette Porter. Bette Porter was alive and strong, and the person I had become was basically dead and weak. I knew I had to make a change. And thats what I did. I got out of the bed and went and got a massage. I got my hair done and decided to go out for a night on the town. Just to feel alive again. And thats when I met you. And you looked so good to me, I found it hard to resist you. I knew I didnt have to behave any certain way with you because we had no ties. Then we did what we did last night. And it was good. Very good at that.

Bette paused to see if Layla was going to give her any reaction, but she was just sitting there with her elbow on the back of the couch and her cheek leaning on her fist. She just smiled and nodded her head for Bette to continue.

Then this morning I went to The Planet and she showed up there while I was eating breakfast. She sat down and we talked and everything was going so good. I even fed her a grape and it seemed to turn her on. Then all ***** broke loose. When she went to the bathroom, Mimi and Ivy came in, and Ivy came over picking on me about you.

Layla finally spoke About me? What were they picking about?

Well they kind of put two and two together about last night and Ivy kept grilling me about sleeping with you.

Ohh, I see. And let me guess, Tina heard all of this.

Yep.

Who was it? I bet it was Ivy because she has the biggest mouth?

Right again. And then Tina left and I had to chase her to her car. To make this short, we basically had an ugly argument right there on the street.

Damn. Then how did she end up here?

Layla, I dont know. I didnt expect to see her again, but then she showed up here right before you and she apologized. I couldnt believe it. Then she gave me this speech about still loving me but she couldnt give me her heart again and all this other stuff. Blah, blah, blah.

Do you believe her Bette?

Believe what?

That she cant give you her heart again?

I guess I have to, she said it. It looked like she meant it. Bette turned to face Layla.

Can I continue to be honest with you Layla?

Of course you can.

I told her if she wanted to stay, I would have turned you away. I wanted her to know that there is nobody I would have in her place. I know its wrong to do this to you, but I like you Layla. I really dont want to play games with you. If I knew there was a chance that Tina would come back, there wouldnt be anything I wouldnt do. I hope that doesnt upset you, Bette said searching for a reaction from Layla.

Layla sat straight up. Bette, I would have no place to be upset. We shared a night of ***** and truth be told we dont really know each other. But I do know my body screams when I am in your presence. Right now I would love to kiss you, but I know you are vulnerable. And anyway I know love when I see it. You and Tina have something special. I would be satisfied just having a friendship with you. Now if I felt like you were ready for something with me, I would go for it. But that isnt the case. Im sticking with what I said in that letter and what I said earlier, I have no expectations whatsoever. Im going back to San Diego Sunday night and I hope we can keep in touch, but if not, Ill see you when I visit again.

Bette couldnt believe the kind of person Layla was. It was unbelievable to her that someone could be so calm in a situation like the one earlier. That could have been real ugly, but Layla was so classy. It must be the Hawaiin in her.

Layla, I can tell you are just as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. If the situation was different I would keep you all to myself.

Layla smiled at Bettes statement.

Bette its easy for me to do this. Truth be told, I was in a similar situation about two years ago with a woman I loved. The thing is, she cheated on me. I was devastated. The first thing I wanted to do was go find another woman to spend all my time with. I would bump into my ex and she would beg and I would just push her to the side. I couldnt deal with it. If she loved me so much then how could she hurt me. But then I had to face the truth. I loved that woman and I knew I wanted to forgive her. Well when I finally decided to, it was too late. She had found someone else and they were in a strong relationship. And there I was devastated again. But it was my fault. The one thing I learned is that love is precious and its fragile. And its definitely not always going to behave on your terms. I thought this woman would wait forever, but she didnt. I guess I can sympathize with Tina in a way because Ive walked in her shoes. My gut tells me she came over here tonight to tell you how she felt, but you had an evening planned with me. And then to actually see me face to face, was probably very difficult for her. Bette, just give her more time and make sure you let her know the door is still open for her when she is ready.

Bette just sat there intrigued by Laylas story. It sounded just like her and Tinas situation. Layla you are an incredible person. I cant believe someone hasnt scooped you up already.

Well I dont know if Im ready to be scooped yet, Layla said playfully.

Bette giggled.

She noticed that Laylas glass was empty. Would you like me to refresh your drink? Bette asked.

Layla looked at her watch, You know what, I better get going.

What, its onlyuh Bette looked at the DVD player. 8:36. Where are you going?

Bette youve had a rough day, and Im sure you need some sleep, Layla said standing up.

Bette was tired, but she was having a good time talking to Layla. She really didnt want her to go home. And now that Layla was standing up, she was face to face with those legs again. You mean you dont want to stay and watch one of my most favorite movies with me? Bette said pouting.

What is one of your most favorite movies Bette?

Well I was going to pop some popcorn and put in Catch Me If You Can. You know the one with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Yeah, I know the movie. I love it myself, but I really think I should go. You have a lot to think about tonight. Plus well see each other again tomorrow night and hopefully Sunday before I leave.

I guess Im not going to be able to convince you to stay? Bette said with a rejected look.

Layla was shaking her head and said Nope.

Well then can I at least get a hug before you leave?

Of course you can Nani.

Naniwhos that? Bette asked.

Layla laughed. Nani means beautiful in Hawaiin. So I said, Of course you can beautiful.

Bette smiled. She reached out and brought Layla into a deep embrace.

Without letting her go she said, Layla, thank you so much for tonight. I really needed that. Thanks for being a sounding board for me. I will never forget tonight and I will never forget your advice. She pulled back a little to see Laylas face. And you are very nani yourself.

Layla really started to laugh at Bette.

Hey Im trying. I dont even want to try your last name yet.

Its okay. I will teach you.

They both just stood there staring at each other. Bette couldnt resist the urge to kiss Layla. She reached up planted a soft kiss on Laylas lips. Layla reciprocated the kiss and it started to deepen a bit. But before it went to far Layla pulled back.

Whoa, whoa. We shouldnt do this. I really should go.

Uh yeah, you should go before I have my way with you on that couch again.

You better stop that before I take you up on your offer.

Bette smiled. They let go of each other and Layla made her way over to the door.

So Ill see you tomorrow night, Layla said.

No doubt about it. Im going to warn you ahead of time. I think some of my old friends and Tina are going to be there. It shouldnt be too awkward I hope.

Dont worry about it Bette. Were going to have a good time and whatever happens, happens. But believe me, I wont be the one to initiate anything.

I understand. Bette grabbed the doorknob and turned it to open the door.

Goodnight Bette.

Goodnight Layla.

Bette watched Layla pull out of the driveway and closed the door. She just fell back into it after she locked it. What a ***** of a day, Porter. If this is any indication of how its going to be, then tomorrow is going to be a doozie. She knew she needed to clean up, but she just wanted to go to sleep. Bette turned off all the lights and went to bed.