Damn it! okone of three whispered Bette again, making another paper ball. Throwing them into the trash basket was not the best way to spend the morning at work but she was distract. All shed think about was Tina. How long would she be away? Will she call her? What was she thinking?…anything whatever she was supposed to be doing was forgotten long time ago. Throwing paper balls in the basket seemed much more important at the time.

OkIf I make itI cal her she thought to herself pointing out. Trying to find a good excuse to pick up the phone and call her. She wanted to talk to her badly, or not even talk, just hear her sweet shy voice.

*****! she said again, seeing the ball rolling on the floor.

Ok, from the couchis more difficultthis is the one She convinced herself, moving to the sofa, pointing again

Just then, as she was throwing, there was an intense buzz followed by James voice on the intercom,

Bette, you have a callShane on line three

Standing up, throwing the ball, Bette walked back to her desk. Taking the phone, she pushed button three.

Shanehi she said, sitting down.

Yeahmmyeahtonight?…no I have no planswhat about Alice?…really?…oh okyeah okwill see you thereok

Hanging up Bette looked around, sighing. Looking at the floor she noticed all the paper balls. She stood up and very slowly she collected all of them. Leaning on the basket she noticed a single lonely ball looking at her. Smiling like a fool she nodded, letting free the rest of the balls to fall down.


***

Cara, you sure this is what you want? Mario asked.

Eh?…sure, why you ask? asked Tina turning around, looking at her friend who was riding a beautiful horse just behind her.

Mmm, I dont knowmaybe because this is place is beautiful and you havent even try to take a picture he said catching Tinas pace, riding at her side.

Yeah, wellIve been here before Tina answered, shrugging.

Right, must be thatYouve only seeen Sandra a thousand times and every time you two see each other you cant stop taking pictures of her added Mario, letting his horse to freely trot ahead of Tina.

Watching her friends back, Tina realized what he was not saying, what he was implying.

Hey you Lucky Luke she shouted trying to catch him.

Yeah? You calling me young lady? Mario theatrically asked, bowing his hat.

Yeah Tina chuckled, showing a big smile for the first time since they got there.

You think youd survive here all by yourself? she asked.

You mean, you leaving me alone with all these cowboys? he asked, playfully raising an eyebrow.

Yeah Tina nodded, blushing a little.

II need to go back to LA she added, tightening the bridle.

Siof courseyou…you need to find out, Cara he nonchalantly added winking at Tina.

How? Tina mumbled, watching Mario taking a bottle of water from his bag.

Carayou are sooo transparent he sweetly added rolling his eyes.

Blushing, not knowing what to say Tina nodded , looking ahead dying to get back to their cabin.

***

So Bette, what you think? shouted Shane, trying to get Bettes attention in all the fuss of the opening. The music was loud, the lights, playful, the place crowded. Women of all kinds, shapes, and colour were in full flirting mode wandering around. Looking voracious, like wild animals on mating season.

Is oklooks fine Bette shouted back.

Fine? Are you nuts? This is the coolest place in LA! shouted Alice, trying to reach her friends, pushing women all around.

Nodding, with a proud smile on her face, Shane was checking out the flock.

Nice, nice she was whispering, smoothly walking through the crowed place.

Lets have a drink Bette suggested, following Shanes steps.

Frowning, Alice nodded, feeling her stomach howling.

Beer? asked Shane, turning to her friends.

Nodding, Bette placed her back on the wall, checking the crowd with very little interest. Alice, out of breath, stopped at her side, leaning on the wall. Noticing the frowning face, Bette asked,

You ok?

Nodding, Alice gave Bette the fakest smile she could find, grabbing the beer that Shane was handing her.

Handing Bette another beer, Shane said,

Guys, am going to check the place oksee you later.

She probably knows her victim already shouted Alice, rolling her eyes.

What? asked Bette, leaning into Alice, unable to hear what she was saying.

Opening her mouth to repeat what she just said, Alice closed it again, shaking her head she mouthed instead,

Nothing

Nodding, smiling at Alice, having no idea what she was talking about Bette looked around, then, leaning closer, she said to Alice,

Im going to the toilet, ok

Ok shouted Alice, nodding.

Bette, pushing women all around, trying to walk through the crowd was thinking an excuse to tell her friends, dying to get home, Seeing the Toilets sign she noticed the queue the moment she made to the end of the place. Sighing, turning to look at Alice she decided to better wait. Seeing the wilderness she felt bored, just watching the crowd, how women were pretending to be what they were not, trying to get somebody elses attention. Leaning on the wall she closed her eyes, tired.

Didnt expect to see you here a voice whispered into her ear.

Opening her eyes Bette saw Candance leaning into her. Her arm leaning against the wall, her face almost touching Bettes.

Iit was a last minute decision Bette said, taken by surprised, cursing Shane and her ideas.

A very wise one whispered Candance, smiling at Bette, moving her body closer, in full flirting mode.

II. Bette started, trying to find the words, trying not to look at her.

Yeah, me too slowly whispered Candance, her words caressing Bettes ear.

Feeling the warmth, hating the shiver that was running through her body, Bette gulped, closing her eyes.

Not hearing anything from Bette, Candance rubbed her nose to Bettes cheek.

Want to get out? she asked, slowly moving her lips closer to Bettes.

NoCandancewait Bette said, pushing Candace away.

What?, what happens? asked Candance, cocking an eyebrow.

I Im not interested Bette whispered, holding Candances stare.

Since when? Candance asked, pressing her hips on Bettes.

Looking at the brunette, holding her stare, Bette moved away.

Since the day I told Id call you Bette whispered, happily walking away from her.

Smiling, not sure why, Bette walked through the crowd to Alice.

Am leaving she shouted.

Already? Alice asked, looking around, noticing Candance staring at them.

Nodding, Bette smiled, unable to hide the silly happiness that was filling her heart.

Alone? Alice asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yes Al, aloneam going home Bette said, smiling, not even taking offence by Alices question.

Oook Alice nodded, waving at her.