Tina arrived at the restaurant at 5:40, just at the time that she had wished. She was greeted by the hostess at the front door and after Tina gave her her name, the hostess immediately knew who she was and where to take her.

As they made their way through the restaurant, Tina took in the other diners and liked the crowd that she saw. It was clearly a nice restaurant, but not over the top.

The hostess led her to the private dining room in the back of the restaurant, opening the door for Tina.

Here we are she announced, ushering Tina into the intimate space. Please feel free to look around while I go get the manager.

Ok responded Tina, as she surveyed her surroundings. She was overwhelmed by what she saw. The room was not that large, but could accommodate a party of 12 or so if needed. Flowers were arranged beautifully, especially on the mantle that was above the lit wood burning fireplace. The main source of light was what appeared to be hundreds of tea lights scattered throughout the room.

Oh my God she whispered, clearly impressed with all of the arrangements.

She took in the table set for two. It was so romantically appointed with candles, beautiful linens and rose petals strewn across the surface.

Baby, baby, baby she whispered. If this doesnt tell you what you mean to me, I dont know what possibly could she smiled.

She turned around to the sound of the door opening. In walked a man in his mid forties she guessed, and as he came directly up to her, extended his hand in greeting.

Hi there, my name is Philip and I am the restaurant manager.

Hi Philip, Tina Kennard.

I figured as much he said, shaking her hand and smiling at her.

I assume everything is to your liking?

Liking? You have managed to go way past liking she laughed. I am overwhelmed by all of this she said, raising her arm indicating the room around them.

I am very glad to hear that he laughed in return.

And your partner, she will be pleased? he asked.

She will definitely be pleased she said with a slight twinkle in her eye.

Very good he nodded in pleasure. I will leave you then as I would imagine that she will be arriving very soon, yes?

Thats the plan smiled Tina.

Good. As you may have noticed, the champagne is already opened and dinner will be served according to the schedule that you provided. If there are any changes that you wish to make, please just inform any of us and we will be happy to accommodate whatever your wishes will be.

Perfect and thank you so much gushed Tina, reaching for his hand to shake it again.

Of course! he replied. We are here to serve you, but want to be sure that you are aware that there will be no lingering of the staff in here. Once service is provided, we will melt away as if we were never here. I would imagine that that is how you would like for things to happen, yes?

Yes it is she smiled, happy that the majority of the evening would just be the two of them, interrupted only by the occasional need for the servers to enter.

Good. I shall leave you then. I will bring Ms. Porter back here myself as soon as she arrives and may I say, I hope that you enjoy your evening.

We will, and thats a promise said Tina.




Bette relaxed in the back of the car as Jimmy drove her to the restaurant to meet Tina. She felt happy, elated in fact, but nervous as well. This actually did remind her of the way that she had felt upon arriving at Tinas apartment all of those years ago, to pick her up for their first date.

She shook her head in wonder that Tina had been able to recreate this experience and feeling for the two of them. Well she thought to herself, at least for me.

She looked out the window as they drove through the streets of the city. She couldnt help but look at all of the people rushing by and the feeling of total contentment that she was experiencing. She knew that there was not one person here in New York city, *****, in the world, that she would trade places with. She felt like she was the luckiest person in the world, off to meet the woman that she loved more than anything else known in creation, for what she hoped to be the new beginning that they both longed for.

She felt the car slow down as it approached what she assumed to be her destination. Jimmy came to a complete stop and she looked out the window to see the front door of the restaurant with the word Lubechis on it.

Yep, here we are she said under her breath, the butterflies in her stomach actively coming to life now.

Jimmy opened her door and reached a hand down to assist her out.

Thank you she said to him as she exited the car.

Of course he replied. Will you need me later? he asked.

You know what? Bette chuckled, I honestly dont know if I will or not realizing that she had absolutely no idea of what Tinas plans were.

So, why dont I just hang around in case you do he suggested.

Actually said Bette, why dont you head on. I think that Tina and I can figure out a ride back to the apartment.

If youre sure he said, not liking the notion of having her stranded.

I am, definitely.

Ok, well enjoy your evening. You know, Ive never eaten here, but have always heard that it is pretty good.

Well, Ill let you know next week she smiled at him.

Thank you Ms. Porter and have a good weekend he said as he began to walk back to the car.

You too, Jimmy.

Bette took a deep breath and turned to the door in front of her. As she opened it, she was welcomed by a rush of warm air and casual laughter and conversation. As she walked in, she immediately thought that she liked this place.

A woman that she assumed to be the hostess and a gentleman were standing at the podium, discussing something in a hushed voice.

She walked up to the two of them as they both raised their heads in greeting. Bette noticed what appeared to be a spark of recognition in the gentlemans eyes and this notion was confirmed when she heard him say, Ms. Porter I presume?

Yes smiled Bette, surprised that he knew who she was.

We have been expecting you he warmly said.

Bette just smiled at this, wondering what Tina had up her sleeve.

Please follow me he instructed as he came around the podium.

Bette did as told, walking behind this man who weaved his way gracefully through the restaurant.

Bette scanned the room, focusing on the direction that they were headed, but saw no sign of Tina. Where is she? she thought to herself.

It was then that she saw a door at the back of the room and a small smile landed on her lips. Now I get it she said to herself.

They arrived at the door and as the gentleman reached for the handle to open the door, he asked with a smile on his face, Are you ready?

I hope so she said, returning the smile.

He slowly opened the door, never actually entering the room and waited for her to enter before closing the door behind her.

Bette quickly took in the room before her and her eyes immediately fell on the woman standing right in the center of the room.

There was Tina, surrounded by candlelight, standing there with a smile on her face, left arm extended with a single red rose in her hand.

Bette had not heard the door closing behind her, nor did she remember walking in. She felt as if she was having an out of body experience, simply drinking in the sight before her.

Hi, baby smiled Tina. Ive been waiting for you she said as she started walking towards Bette, closing the distance between them.

Bette found it difficult to find her voice and when she did, all she could manage was a weak, Hi, T.

Tina stood directly in front of her, the rose still in her hand and raising it towards Bette said, This is for you.

T, I dont know what to say whispered Bette, clearly moved by all of Tinas efforts.

She reached her hand to accept the rose and immediately brought it to her nose to take in the sweet fragrance. She was not disappointed as she swore to herself that she had never smelled a rose so sweet as this before in her life.

Tina just smiled at her and reached for Bettes free hand.

Come on in she whispered to Bette seductively as she led her deeper into the room.

Bette simply followed her, allowing herself to be taken wherever Tina wished, knowing that there was no place in this world that she would not follow her.