Right after Tina hung up the phone, she looked at the clock to see that she had an hour and a half to get to Bette by noon. She needed to call Chris, but wanted to figure out what to wear first. She had no idea who she would meet of the people that Bette worked with, but wanted to look her best for both Bette and anyone that she was introduced to.

The outfit that she chose to wear was one that had received particular approval from Bette when they were shopping on Saturday. Knowing that this was just lunch, she did not want to over do it, but certainly wanted Bette to appreciate her lunch date.

Having accomplished that, she went back out to the living room to call Chris. As she dialed his number, her thoughts kept going back to Bette and realized that even though Bette had only left a couple of hours ago, she was extremely excited to see her.

Chris Moore Tina heard.

Oh hey, Chris, its Tina she said, startled to be brought out of her thoughts of Bette.

Well hello there stranger. How in the world are you?

Good replied Tina, really good.

Really good, huh? That certainly is a nice change from the last time that we spoke.

I know Tina acknowledged, I was going through a rough time as I think I mentioned, but things are a lot better.

Oh yeah? I am really glad to hear that. Can I assume Bette has a little something to do with that?

That would be a safe assumption to make said Tina while laughing. She forgot how well Chris knew her and so would of course assume that in order for Tina to be doing this well, it would have to mean Bette was involved with her in some way.

Seriously, that makes me really happy. And what is this 212 area code that I see on my caller id? he asked.

Well, thats part of what I wanted to talk to you about.

Ok he said.

Bette is here opening a gallery and will be here for the next 6-8 months or so.

Uh huh he said.

And I came here to be with her and while on the plane from LA, remembered that Alphaville has an office here

Uh huh he said again.

And, I thought that if your offer from a couple of months ago was still good, maybe I could do some freelance work from New York, getting scripts from the office here while easing myself back into the business she trailed off.

She at first did not hear anything from the other end of the line and so immediately thought that she was going to be turned down.

Tina she heard in the phone.

Yeah? she tentatively responded.

I think its a great idea! he enthusiastically said.

Really? said Tina, allowing her excitement to reach her voice.

Yep, I certainly do. You were one of our best and I would jump at any opportunity to get you back.

Chris, thats great squealed Tina. Oh my God, I cant wait to tell Bette!

Definitely! Let me make a couple of phone calls and will get back with you say this afternoon or by tomorrow at the latest?

Perfect, whatever works, and Chris, I really cant thank you enough for the opportunity.

Tina, I should be the one thanking you. We had some great projects come to fruition under your supervision and I look forward to more of that happening again!

So do I and thanks again Chris.

Of course, Ill call you soon.

Take care said Tina.

The same to you Tina and please give my best to Bette.

I will Tina said.

As she hung the phone up, she could not believe how well that had gone. She knew that she had had a shot at pulling something together, but not this quickly and decisively.

I hope that that means that its meant to be she said to herself as she made her way to the shower, pleased with her results.




Meanwhile, Bettes day was progressing nicely and as she looked at her watch, she saw that Tina would be there in half an hour or so. She allowed a smile to play on her lips at just the thought of seeing Tina. She was very much looking forward to seeing her, even though she had only been away from her for a short while. Their weekend had been intense in terms of the time that they had spent together, never apart from the other for more than a couple of minutes or so. That being said, the hours that had passed since last seeing her were compounded from their closeness of the weekend.

Am I experiencing separation anxiety? she jokingly thought to herself. Maybe she said out loud.

She heard the front door open and instinctively looked up at the monitor. Ansley she said under her breath. Great, Tinas going to be here in no time and…well, this should be interesting was her only thought.

She stood up to walk out to greet her. Bette didnt think that it would be a great idea if Tina was to arrive and she and Ansley were holed up in her office, just the two of them.

Bette walked out and was immediately greeted by Ansley, who had been waiting for her to come out.

Hey there said Ansley. I was just about to come in there and find you.

Not necessary said Bette. Here I am.

Here you are she said while smiling at Bette. She noticed that ever since she had asked Bette out, Bette kept a certain distance between the two of them, almost like a buffer zone.

So, how are things? asked Ansley.

Good, fine. As you can see, things are moving along here. I was able to get some of those fabric and paint samples that we had discussed which should be here any day.

She just watched Bette, knowing that she was avoiding the real intent of the question. Ansley had called the gallery on Saturday looking for Bette and James had informed her that Bette was not there. After pressing him for more information, she learned that a close friend of hers had come to town unexpectedly, and Bette had left to tend to some personal matters.

It did not take much to figure out who the personal friend was. Even though Bette had never discussed with her whatever it was that had happened in her life recently, or with whom it had happened, she was able to put two and two together to figure out that the close friend as James had put it, was the person that had caused the pain in Bettes eyes that she occasionally saw.

And your weekend? asked Ansley.

Good, I uh, well, it was good said Bette, not elaborating.

Just then, the sound of the front door opening brought all sets of eyes to Tina walking in. Before entering, Tina had seen the woman that Bette was talking to and also noticed the body language that she was exhibiting. They were the mannerisms that she made when she was uncomfortable with something and Tina recognized it immediately.

Thats what it is Tina thought to herself, This must be Ansley.

The expression on Bettes face at seeing Tina walk through the door was one that showed her desire to be swallowed up by the very floor that she was standing on. Tina saw this as well and decided to let Bette off of the hook.

She walked right up to her, putting her arms around her neck, said, Hey baby while giving her a lingering kiss that left no doubt as to her relationship with Bette.

Bette, caught off guard by Tinas display of affection, finally found her voice and said, Hey T.

Tina lowered her arms from Bettes neck but allowed one to wrap around her waist in a manner that demonstrated possession.

She smiled at Bette, not looking at anyone else in the room.

Uh began Bette, T, this is Ansley Brookfield, Ansley, Tina Kennard.

Tina finally allowed her eyes to leave Bettes and slowly turned towards the woman standing in front of her. Ansley had extended her hand to shake Tinas and Tina did the same.

Hi was all Tina said.

Hi, nice to meet you said Ansley, reading the response that she was getting from Tina. Seeing the steely expression in Tinas eyes, Ansley quickly understood that Bette had told her that she had asked her out. The fact that Tina was holding on to Bette was not lost on her either. Like a mother protecting a cub she thought.

Ok thought Ansley to herself, This is somewhat awkward.

Tina! came James excited voice as he entered the gallery. He rushed up to hug her, a gesture which Tina happily returned.

Hey there he said to her. Nice to finally see you after all of this time!

Yeah, you too said Tina, smiling at him.

I was out getting lunch so if anyone wants any of it

Oh no James said Bette. Tina and I are actually going out, but thanks for offering.

Ansley was just standing there and so said, Well, I should probably be going, especially if you are heading out.

Did you need anything from me specifically? asked Bette, not wanting to appear unaccommodating.

No, its ok. Go have a nice lunch, you deserve it she said, while looking directly at Bette.

Tina watched the interchange, never loosening her grip on Bette. What the ***** does that mean? she asked herself. You deserve it?

She had never been the kind of person that got intensely jealous, but things were different now and she would do whatever was necessary to hold onto what was hers.

Why dont I just call you later? asked Ansley.

Sure, that would be fine said Bette quickly, just wanting this conversation to end.

Ok replied Ansley. She turned to Tina and said, It was very nice to meet you. I am sure that we will be seeing more of each other in the future.

I would imagine so said Tina, the small smile on her face never reaching her eyes.

Ok then. Enjoy your lunch. Bette, Ill call you later.

Sure was Bettes only reply.

With that, Ansley grabbed her bag and walked out the front door, leaving just Tina and Bette as James had retreated to the back room to eat his lunch.

So trailed Bette, looking at Tina to see what her reaction would be.

Uh huh said Tina, finally easing her grip on Bettes waist.

What does that mean? asked Bette.

Nothing, just uh huh.

Thanks for the elaboration smiled Bette.

A little more than average looking Porter said Tina wryly.

Is she?

Uh, yes said Tina.

Did I mention how fantastic you look? asked Bette while displaying her biggest smile.

No, you did not. You were too busy wishing that you could disappear.

That obvious?

To me, yes.

I think that that went pretty well, huh? asked Bette while still smiling.

Whatever, babe.

Bette watched Tinas face closely for any sign of anger, but did not see one. She pulled her into a tight hug and whispered into her ear, T, you look amazing.

She felt Tina shiver, not knowing if it was from the whisper into her ear or the comment, or both for that matter, but she pulled back slightly, placed a soft kiss on her lips and said, How bout a little lunch?

Definitely said Tina, finally smiling at Bette.

James, were heading out Bette yelled through the gallery.

Ok, have fun came the distant reply.

Bette reached for Tinas hand and led her to the front door. As she opened it for her, allowing Tina to walk through, Tina leaned in towards Bette as she passed her and said, You look pretty good yourself.

Bette just chuckled, allowing the door to close behind her as she made her way after Tina.