A Love Story

Chapter 2

Bette woke with a smile and caught herself singing in the shower. This was very out of character for her. Never did she smile or sing before coffee. But the thought of seeing Tina Kennard today was making her giddy, another word never used to describe Bette Porter. She laughed at herself as she dressed carefully for her day. Wanting to look business like yet attractive to Tina.

Bette got to her office and walked in whistling. Her assistant Mark met her as always with her coffee and schedule. He was speechless as she said. Good morning Mark, How are you today? Mark stuttered and finally spoke. Fine Bette, whats going on? Are you ok? Bette laughed. Yes Im fine. By the way I have an 11 oclock appointment and cancel the rest of my day, I may be busy. Hoping the meeting with Tina for coffee would lead to lunch or dinner. Mark Ill be in my office when a Ms Kennard arrives let me know right away. Mark assured her he would. He had never seen his boss this happy and hoped what ever it was making her happy stayed around awhile.

Tina got up and was getting dressed when she remembered her appointment with Bette Porter. She changed clothes a dozen different times trying to find just the right look. Why was she so nervous? Why did she want to look good for this woman? She just knew she wanted Bette to react, she wanted her to respond and see if last nights power surge was a fluke or an event that needed explored. She wanted Bette Porter to want her.

Time was dragging. At 10 am. Tina told her secretary Sara she was leaving for the day. She explained she had a personal business to take care of and would see her tomorrow. She checked her watch and decided to drive to the Porter gallery early.

At a quarter till 11 Tina approached the gallery. At first looking in the window and then she took a deep breath and went inside.
She was met by a handsome man. Hello welcome to The Porter gallery, can I help you?
Tina smiled and said yes, I have an appointment with Bette Porter. She held out her hand to the man. Im Tina Kennard; Im a bit early so Ill just look around if thats alright?
Mark took her hand and shook it. Of course he said, Ill tell Bette you are here.

Mark went in to Bettes office. He knocked on the side of the door. Bette a Ms. Kennard is here. Shes in the main gallery looking around. Bette stood and thanked Mark. She checked herself in the mirror and went to meet Tina.

She saw her admiring a photo exhibit and she stayed back to watch Tina. She was beautiful. She still had the glow around her; Bette had seen the night before. She was wearing white slacks and a baby blue top that made her complexion radiant and it fit her just like it should. Bette could still feel the intense attraction to her and knew this was right. She took a deep breath and approached her. As not to startle her she said her name softly. Tina?

Tina was looking at a set of wonderful photos when she heard her, she had whispered shyly.Tina? Tina turned towards the voice and smiled. Bette Porter was standing two feet away from her with that smile. And Tina found Bettes eyes and knew she had made the right decision in coming to meet her. Bette looked fantastic in a pair of black slacks and a white blouse that clung to all the right spots and was unbuttoned dangerously low. But Bettes best assessory was that smile. Tina took a step towards her to say hello. Bette held out her hand as Tina took it Bette clasped it with the other hand and held it for a moment.

Tina spoke first. Hello Bette, Im sorry Im a bit early but
Bette cut her off. No problem Tina. She let go of her hand because she thought she should not because she wanted to. The electricity went thru them both but they broke the hold and smiled at one another.
Bette spoke softly. So I promised you a tour. Shall we? She held out her arm to point in the direction she wanted to go.
Tina responded shylysure lets go Id love to see.

They went room to room. Bette explained the pieces and Tina would give her opinion and insight. Bette found her to be very knowledgeable and funny. Tina thought Bette wonderful. She appeared so businesslike, professional but Tina found she was quite funny, hilarious in fact.
They would steel glances at each other and smile when their eyes met. When the end of the tour was near, Bette was stalling, not wanting it to end. Tina looked at her watch and spoke up.
Bette I know we said we could have coffee, but its lunch time are you free to have lunch?
Bette was thrilled but controlled her delight. Bette answered. Thats a great idea, let me get my purse and tell Mark Im leaving.

As they headed out, Tina fought the urge to grab Bettes hand as they walked. They had agreed to walk to a small caf a few blocks away.

They got a table and ordered. The conversation between them was easy and comfortable. They talked about everything from work, to families to their hobbies. Bette noticed the caf was getting deserted. She looked at her watch and laughed. Tina do you realize we have been here almost two hours. Tina gasped oh Im sorry you must need to get back to the gallery. Bette said no actually I dont Im off the rest of the day, but Im sorry Ive kept you so long do you need to go back to work? Tina smiled well no Im off the rest of the day also. They laughed together.

Bette took the check and said. Well we really should get out of here. Tina protested and made Bette promise next lunch was on her. They left and walked back towards the gallery and to Tinas car. Tina took out her card and handed it to Bette.
Please call me sometime; I had a good time today. Bette smiled and said so did I, would you mind if I called you tonight?
Tina smiled back and said not at all, that would be great. They said their goodbyes.
Tina drove home but her mind was still on Bette. She changed clothes and went to the gym to work out. She needed to get rid of this frustration.

Bette headed home and couldnt get her mind off of Tina. She went to her computer to get some work done, but she had no luck, getting her mind to concentrate. She got up changed into her bathing suit and went out to the pool and swam laps.

After her work out, shower and a quick bite to eat, Tina got herself settled in bed with a good book. She was just starting to drift off to sleep when the phone rang.

Tina: Hello?
Bette: Tina? Hello its Bette. Bette Porter.
Tina: Oh hello Bette.
Bette: Did I wake you?
Tina: No, I was just reading.
Bette: Well I wanted to let you know I had a good time today.
Tina: Me too. And Bette Im glad you called. I was wondering if you would consider having dinner with me.
Bette: Yes, sure, Id love to.
Tina: How about tomorrow night? I can pick you up around 7.
Bette: That sounds great. Bette gave her the address.

Bette: Well I better let you go. Im looking forward to tomorrow night.
Tina: Me too. Good night Bette
Bette: Goodnight Tina

They hung up.
Tina smiled to herself and fell asleep. Bette tossed and turned and thought of Tina.
Was she ready to open her heart?
Was she ready to take the chance?
Was she ready for love?