When Bette stepped in the house, her adrenaline was pumping. She could barely sit still. The evening with Tina had been a complete success and it seemed to her like they were finally starting to turn the corner on their relationship. It was only a little after 10:30 pm when she got in the house so she figured she would stay up and watch the late news before going to bed. She went to the bedroom and started stripping down to her underwear. When she reached in her pants to empty her pockets she found that nights souvenir. She smiled as she twirled it around in her fingers. She started to playback the limo ride home in her head. She unconsciously licked her lips as she thought of herself tasting Tina. Damn, I still have her taste on me, Bette thought to herself. She was suddenly fighting off the urge to go over Alices house and bring Tina back home and put her face back in that sweet spot. Just thinking about Tina screaming was making her horny as *****. I need a damn cold shower, Bette said heading towards the bathroom.

Bette got out of the shower when the cold water had effectively stifled her libido. She had gotten dressed in her pajamas and was walking to the kitchen for some water. When she turned the corner she noticed that the answering machine was showing 2 missed messages. She wasnt exactly sure who would have called her, so she went over and hit the play button.

The automated voice came on You have 2 new messages. First message received today at 7:16 pm

Hey baby sis. Just calling to check on you. I told you I was going to bust your door down if you didnt call me, but I decided I would call you before I did that and warn you. Im not playing girl, give me a call. Love you.

Bette smiled at Kits threat. She would call her tomorrow when she got some free time. Bette hit the forward button.

Next message received today at 9:38 pm

Hello Bettethis is Layla. I just wanted to say hi. I know I told you I wouldnt expect a phone call from you, but I just wanted to see how you were doing. You were on my mind today and I hope this isnt a bad idea. I apologize if it is. You can call me when you get in if you want. Ill be up late. Hopefully Ill talk to you later. Well bye bye.

Bette stood there just looking at the answering machine, not sure what to do. She purposefully didnt call Layla the night she left to go back to San Diego. It would have been real difficult for her. She wanted to keep her focus completely on Tina and then when their relationship got stronger she was going to call Layla. In a way she did feel guilty because Layla was so sweet to her and they did share an intimate evening together. Damn, Bette said out loud. Bette began to contemplate what she was going to do. Either she could not call Layla and risk her feeling like she really didnt care about her. Or she could call her and feel guilty because she had just spent an incredible evening with Tina.

Bette just shook her head. How do you get yourself into these situations Porter, she said to herself. She walked over to the cabinet and grabbed her glass and filled it with the ice cold water from the refrigerator. She turned the light off in the kitchen and went back to her bedroom. Ten minutes later she was sitting there on the edge of her bed with an empty glass and conflicted emotions.

Well what could it hurt. Its just a phone call Porter. Youre not sleeping with her you know, Bette said out loud trying to convince herself that it was okay to talk to Layla. Bette pulled the drawer open to her nightstand and took out the Angels and Demons book that Layla had written her number in. Bette looked at the title and smiled at how it totally reflected the moment. It was almost like she had a little angel on one shoulder telling her not to do it and a little demon on the other telling her to go ahead and call.

I dont know if this is a good idea, the little angel said.

Everythings going to be fine, the little demon said. Tina will never know. Anyway its just a call. Bette sat there tapping her fingers on the cover before opening the book. She looked at Laylas number and picked up the phone.

Hello.

May I speak to Layla?

This is her.

How are you doing Layla, this is Bette, she said nervously.

Its so good to hear from you Bette. I didnt know if you were going to call me back or not, but Im glad you did.

I wasnt sure if I was going to call you either but I really didnt want you to feel like I had forgotten about you.

I wouldnt have thought that. I really just wanted to say hello. You were on my mind all day at work, so I decided to call you. I really hope it didnt cause any problems for you. It took me 30 minutes to dial your number and some battling within myself just to leave a message.

No its fine Layla. Me and Tina went out on a date tonight, thats why I wasnt here.

Wow, that sounds great. How did everything go?

It was lovely. I rented a limo and took her to the first restaurant we ever went to on a date. It was real romantic.

Sounds like you really turned on the charm tonight. Shes a very lucky woman.

Thank you. I think Im pretty lucky too that shes even giving me a chance to charm her again.

Yes you are. Relationships are beautiful when you just focus on the love. You two women are definitely in love with each other, so just stay mindful of that. Im sure its going to work out for you.

I hope so. So enough about me, how are you? Bette asked.

Im doing great. Of course going back to work after a week in LA was rough, but Ill survive.

Do you plan on coming back here anytime soon?

Yeah. Vee and me talked the other day. Ill probably come back to visit in a month or two. I enjoyed myself the whole time I was there. It would just be for the weekend though, nothing extended.

That sounds great, Bette said.

I hope I can see you when I do come in. I mean you, Tina, Vee, and me can go eat or something. I dont know how Tina would handle that, but hopefully you two will be strong enough to handle a situation like that.

I would hope so, but I cant guarantee it. Im slowly going to try and build her trust back, but I dont want to rush it. I guess well have to play it by ear.

Thats fine. If I dont get to see you it will be okay. I have to admit that Ill be a bit disappointed, but I could accept it.

Im glad you understand.

So have you started reading the book yet? Layla asked.

Actually no, but I do plan to start it this week. I promise. Once I finish I will call you so we can discuss it.

That sounds like a plan. Im sure youre going to enjoy it.

There were a few moments of silence, while both ladies tried to decide where to take the conversation next. Even though she knew it wasnt right, Bette wanted to know what Layla had been thinking about all day.

You still there? Layla asked.

Yeah, Im still here. Just thinking, thats all.

What were you thinking about? Layla pressed.

Actually I was thinking about you thinking about me. Bette said.

Huh? Layla wondered.

Well you said that you were thinking about me all day and I was just wondering what you were thinking about?

Oh. I understand now. Are you sure you want to hear this? I really dont know if its appropriate.

Wow, is it that bad?

No Bette, totally the opposite.

Oh yeah, Bette said leaning back on the bed.

Yeah. I was thinking about us last Thursday night and I couldnt shake the thought all day long.

Im sorry that I distracted you like that. Bette said playfully remembering back to Thursday herself.

Believe me, it was a good distraction. Tina is a lucky woman in a lot of ways. If I lived there I would spread rumors about you.

Bette was confused. What kind of rumors?

That you give some of the best you know what in all of LA.

Bette started blushing. Tina had always told her that she had never had anybody go down on her like Bette. And Alice had already told several people the same thing. I guess it must be true, Bette thought to herself.

Stop that Layla, youre embarrassing me.

Im sorry. But its true. My goodness Bette. I almost wrecked 5 times driving back to San Diego thinking about you.

Well Im glad you made it home safely. I would hate to think I would have caused you to crash, Bette said.

Its my fault though. I know your situation, but I cant help but remember. I hope this conversation doesnt change your feelings about me. I really dont want to do anything to disrupt your relationship with Tina.

No, everything is okay. Were both pretty safe because you live in San Diego and Im here in LA. I guess if I was not trying to get back with Tina, then we would have to explore our relationship a little further. I mean I havent forgot Thursday either. You arent too shabby yourself in that department.

Layla started giggling. Im happy you liked it.

I loved it actually. I hadnt been with anybody in months and you brought me back with a bang.

Okay, now you need to stop because youre embarrassing me, Layla said shyly.

Im telling the truth. I felt like I could see again after our encounter.

Ive heard that before. That was in a movie wasnt it?

Yeah, in Bound, Bette said.

Thats right, I remember now. Well thats really sweet of you. Im glad I could help, Layla said playfully.

Bette laughed.

Well Bette, I know its late and we both have to work tomorrow. Its been nice talking to you again.

It was nice hearing from you too. Like I said, I will call you when I get through reading the book.

That sounds good. You have a good night and hopefully Ill talk to you soon.

Goodnight Layla.

Bye Bye.

Bette hung up the phone and let out a huge sigh of relief. That wasnt painful at all, she said out loud.

She put the phone back down on the cradle and pulled herself under the cover. She decided since she had the book out she would go ahead and start reading it. If it was any good she knew she would be able to finish it in a few days and she would give Layla a call back.

>>>

The next day at work, Bette was glowing. She didnt feel like she had a care in the world. Even though she would have rather been anywhere but at the CAC, she had her thoughts on last night. She reminisced on her evening with Tina that had went so much better than she could have imagined. And the phone call with Layla was a surprise but it was pleasant.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the phone ringing.

Yes James.

You have a call on line 2. Would you like for me to take a message for you? James asked.

No, its fine. Ill answer it. Thanks.

Okay, James said hanging up.

Bette Porter, may I help you?

Hey babe.

Bette smiled from ear to ear. Hey Tee. Ive been waiting for your call.

I know. I ended up in a few more meetings than usual.

Is everything okay over there?

Yeah, its fine. Just a normal day thats all. How has your day been so far?

Excellent. Ive spent most of my day thinking about you and last night. Bette decided not to mention her phone call with Layla.

Oh yeah. Ive been thinking about you too. We need to rent limos more often, Tina said.

We sure do. Just let me know when and Ill arrange it for us.

Sounds good. Just make sure all the ice buckets are full, Tina joked.

Tee, stop that.

Whaaat. Im talking about for the drinks. You know, on the rocks.

Yeah right, Tee.

Tina was laughing. Okay maybe not for the drinks, she admitted.

So what are you doing tonight? Bette asked.

Right now I dont have anything planned.

Would you like to spend the evening with me? We can stay at the house. I can order some Chinese and we can watch a couple of movies.

That sounds good. What time do you want me to come over?

Well I probably wont be able to leave here until around 6:00. How does 7:30 sound?

Sounds good. That will give me time to go home and shower up.

You know, theres still a shower at the house if you want to use it, Bette flirted.

For some reason I dont feel like Id be alone if I showered over there.

Exactly!

Well even though it sounds like a good proposition, Ill be showered before I get over there. I would actually like to eat tonight.

I plan on eating enough for both of us, if you know what I mean, Bette said in a ***** voice.

Stop that Bette. I still have a few more hours of work left to do and I dont want to be distracted thinking about you.

You know you taste so good Tina.

Stop it Bette!

I love the feel of you on my tongue.

Stop it!

I want to suck your nipples softly while I stroke you deeply with 3 fingers.

Okay thats enough. Bye Bette.

Bette was laughing hysterically. She knew Tina was not going to be able to get anything done for the rest of the day.

Thats not funny Bette, Tina scolded.

It is to me, Bette said still laughing. Ill let you go now. Have a good day thinking about me and Ill see you tonight.

Bye Bette.

Bette continued to chuckle as she hung up. She was really happy about the progress her and Tina were making. They could finally laugh together again, and it felt really good.

>>>

At 7:35 Bette had all the food laid out on the living room floor, picnic style. She was in the kitchen getting her chopsticks out of the drawer when she heard Tinas key in the door.

Babe, Tina called out.

Im in the kitchen.

Tina put her purse down on loveseat and noticed the food on the floor.

That looks really nice, Tina said rounding the corner into the kitchen.

I thought wed have a little picnic in the house, Bette said smiling.

Tina went over to Bette and they hugged each other real tight. Bette kissed Tina on her forehead and let her go.

Uh uh come here and kiss me right. You had me rattled for the rest of the day at work and now you just want to kiss my forehead.

Bette was smiling as she brought Tina back close to her. She took Tina by her face and parted her lips with her tongue. They kissed deeply and passionately for what seemed like an eternity. Almost too deep. Bettes hand were starting to make their way all over Tinas body.

Pulling away slightly, Tina broke the kiss.

She spoke between heavy breaths, I think we ought to go eat.

Bettes eyes were heavy with desire.

Yeah, maybe we should, Bette said stepping back from Tina.

Go ahead and grab the wine and glasses off the table. I got to find one more set of chopsticks. They forgot to give me some.

Thats okay, I can use a fork.

Are you sure? Im sure I have another set in this drawer somewhere.

Babe, its fine. Grab a fork and lets eat.

Bette got the utensil and followed Tina out to the living room.

I got a choice between three movies. Mona Lisa Smile The Ring or The Italian Job, Bette said raising all the movies so Tina could see them.

I havent seen Mona Lisa Smile. Thats Julia Roberts right, Tina asked.

Yeah. I havent seen it myself. Is that what you want to look at?

Thats fine.

Bette went over the DVD player and put the movie in while Tina poured the wine in their glasses. As the movie started they both began to dig into their meals. About 45 minutes later they were both finished and just watching the movie. Tina had laid her head across Bettes lap and they were relaxing.

Ive got to go to the bathroom, Tina said standing up.

You want me to pause the movie.

Yeah, Ill be right back.

Im going to put up our plates and trash. Do you want some more of this wine, before I put it up? Bette asked.

No Im fine.

Okay.

Tina sprinted towards the back and Bette started gathering up everything off the floor. When Tina came out she started helping Bette. When they were both in the kitchen, the phone began to ring. Bette just looked at it and turned back to putting plates in the sink. It rang 3 times before Tina said something.

Are you going to get that?

Nope. Im not trying to talk to anybody on the phone while you are here. Im sure its nothing important and if it is theyll leave a message.

Well isnt that sweet of you? No interruptions, Tina said.

Just then the answering machine kicked in.

Sorry Im not able to take your call right now, but leave a message after the tone and Ill call you back as soon as I can.

Beep

When the voice came through the machine Bette almost dropped the plates.

Hey Bette, this is Layla. I just wanted to tell you I had a good time talking to you last night and I hope to talk to you soon. You know the number. Bye Bye.

Beep

Bette just closed her eyes. Hopefully it was just a momentary glitch in time and that really didnt happen. She turned around slowly and saw that Tina was burning a whole through her.