Moving away from Bettes neck Tina looked at her, noticing the lusty, hungered look on her face.

Its not thatnot yet at least She whispered with a mischievous smile drawn on her face

Bettes inquiring look made Tina chuckle before saying,

You havent had dinner right?

No, not yet Bette said, still lost in Tinas lips.

Good, lets go Tina said again, taking Bettes hand in her, leading her towards the door.

Where?, ..its almost eleven Bette said checking the time

So? Tina asked raising her eyebrow.

Dont you think is a bit late to go out for dinner?

Smiling, Tina whispered with a deep sensual tone.

We will pretend to be European, Italian or Spanishonly barbarians have dinner before ten thirty there

Ook Bette mumbled, not really caring where they were going or for what as long as she was with Tina.

Bette followed Tina outside, stopping her pace as she saw Tina walking to her car. Tina noticing the look on Bettes face, said,

Ill drive, will be easier

With a smile on her face Bette nodded, loving the fact that Tina noticed how strange it was for her to go as a passenger.

Bette remain quiet for great part of the ride, loving Tinas company, studying her features. But then, Tina turned and finding Bette staring at her, smiled. It was a wide, tender, and very warm smile that melted Bettes heart.

So this is our first date Bette said sitting straight, unable to tame the smile on her face.

Date? asked Tina looking back to the road.

Yes, this is the first time we do something that couples usually do Bette answered.

Raising an eyebrow, biting her lips, Tina waited a few seconds before adding,

Bette, weve done many things couples usually door I hope they do she finished trying to hide how amused she was just by saying so.

Yeah, okI meanwe havent go to the movies or to a restaurant together Bette said as her cheeks were turning red.

Nodding, quietly smiling Tina looked at Bette again.

So, where are you taking me? Bette asked, curious as she was noticing the neighbourhood.

My favourite place in LAyou will seewe are almost there

Just as she was saying that Tina, turned around and slowing the car found a parking space.

Here we are She proudly said.

Looking around Bette realized they were far away from West Hollywood, unable to find where they were, she asked,

Where are we?

Closing the car, Tina smiled pointing to a small building in front of them.

Mam Manuela best restaurant in the city. Tina proudly said.

Following Tinas steps, Bette noticed the name drawn over the big wooden doors. They were open and from inside theyd hear music playing.

Taking Bettes hand Tina walked inside. The tall ceilings, the bright coloured walls but mostly the crowded, loud atmosphere gave Bette the clue she needed to realize where she was.

Argentinan restaurant?, how you know this place? she asked Tina before noticing how she was looking around

Walking slowly in between the crowded tables, Tina finally reached a tall big woman in her early sixties talking with the cook. Grabbing the woman by her rounded waist, Tina whispered,

Es chupe de leche eso que huelo?

Tinas voice, the accent, the musical toned she used made Bette to shiver.

Turning around with the widest smile plastered on her face the woman faced Tina.

Tina! she shouted but then, crossing her arms, pretending to be mad she moved slightly apart to take a good look at her.

Vos trabajais demasiado, o no es su excusa? she said with her hands on the hips, but then, unable to hide the happiness that Tinas presence was bringing, she put Tina into a big embrace.

Nia, est en los huesos! she said before noticing Bette staring at them.

And who is your friend? She asked, smiling at Bette.

Manuela, this is Bette…Bette, this is Manuela Tina said looking from one to the other.

Nice to meet you Bette said, feeling very shy all of sudden, noticing the womans sensual curved body, her soft manners and her even softer accent.

Nodding, Manuela smiled tenderly to Bette before turning to look at Tina.

Wait till Jorge sees her.. she whispered to Tina with a wicked smile on her face.

With her arm around Manuelas shoulders, Tina whispered,

Espero que noes mi novia

Manuela looked at Tina for a few long seconds before turning to look at Bette. Bette, looking from Tina to Manuela gulped, not knowing what was going on.
Nodding, with a sad smile on her face, Manuela took Tinas face in her hands for a few seconds before adding,

Am happy for you she said, her accent even more obvious, softer.

Smiling, blushing a little, Tina asked,

So,you think we could have something to eat?”

Smiling, back in charge, Manuela took Bettes hand and said

Lets put some meat around these bones

Manuela led them to a small cozy table at the end of the place. The moment she walked back to the kitchen, Bette whispered,

What did you say to her?

Smiling, pouring water on their glasses, Tina nonchalantly said,

You heard about Jorgeso I told her that you were my girlfriend

You did? asked Bette with a big smile on her face.

Yeahyou are, right? Tina asked, amused,dont want Jorge to get it all wrong

Looking around, noticing the costumers, the atmosphere, Bette said,

Didnt know you speak Spanish

I dont, not well at least but is very similar to Italian

And this place? Who is Manuela?

Leaning on the table, taking Bettes hand, Tina said,

She is the ownerI met her four years ago and

Manuela interrupted Tina placing some home made bread and a Sangrias jar on the table.

Your dinner will be here in a minute dearso tell mehow is my sweet boy? She asked taking a chair from a nearby table.

He is fine, he means Marco (Tina said to Bette)he is going to kill me if he finds out I came here without him Tina said to a very pleased Manuela.

He was here last week Manuela said excusing Tina, You know him, cario? she asked turning to look at Bette.

Nodding, still feeling very shy, Bette mumbled,

Yes

Mi pibe he is so sweetoh here it is(noticing the waitress carrying the plates)if you need anything, just tell me okwill let you eat alone Manuela said patting Tinas hand, winking at Bette.

Watching Manuela walking away, the hot plate hitting her senses, Bette asked.

Did we order and I didnt notice?

Giggling, shaking her head, Tina said,

No, this is her specialityits delicious, trust me

Okwhat is it? Bette asked, taking the fork, looking at the smoking plate.

Empanada de carne Tina said with a smile on her face.


***

Laying on the couch, with a beer resting on the coffee table Alice was staring at the wall. Picking up the phone she dialled by memory. She waited quietly praying for an answer.


***

“Ok, I wil tryo to set it upYeahokyes things are betterYes Alit wasnt your faultyesokwill talk to you tomorrownight

Bette hung up, and throwing the cell in her purse said,

That was Alice

Is she ok? She didnt look very please today asked Tina concerned.

Yeah nodded Bette.

Noticing Tinas look, how she was staring at her, giving her time to share the conversation or move on, Bette smiled.

“She has a planshe thinks we need to get to know each other you and me with our friends (noticing Tinas eyebrow raising), yeah I know but she likes drama she thinks we could all go out for the weekend

“Like a dinner party or something? Asked Tina.

“Noshe means like using her fathers house at the beach for the weekend answered Bette, curious with what could be Tinas answer.

“Like a sleep over?…all of us?…Paolo, Sandra and Marco too?

Nodding, smiling by Tinas surprise, Bette said,

Yes, specially Sandra

Oh was all Tina mumbled, thinking about it.

So what do you think? Bette asked while taking a sip from her black coffee.

Whats going on between her and Dana? Tina asked after a few minutes looking at Bette, loving how she was unconsciously playing with the coffee spoon.

Wow you are good Bette said turning to look at Tina as she was looking at the baby being feed by Manuela.

Why, what you mean? Tina asked turning to look at Manuela feeding Pablito, is his grandson she added waving at them.

I think, shes never tell me or anything, that Alice has a thing for Dana, but Danawell you know Danasweet, innocent Danahas no clue or experience and

Well, just wait till Sandra works her magic on her Tina interrupted rollling her eyes.

“Exactly, thats what Alice is afraid of I thinkit was easy hating Tonya, no one liked her but Dana and Sandrashe is beautiful and seems very nice Bettes words were almost a whisper, trying to hide the jealousy she felt every time she thought about Tina and her friends.

Yes she isvery niceand… she knows about us Tina nonchalantly added, mischievously looking at Bette.

She does? asked an astonish Bette.

“Yeah Taking Bettes hand in hers, playing with her long fingers, Tina added, she noticed, she guessed it

And? Bette asked, concerned.

She said she always knew she is fine with itshe is happy for me Tinas words showing all the pleasure she was feeling by saying them.

Thats great.. Bette said caressing Tinas hand, stopping the urge to kiss Tina.

What? Tina asked, noticing the change on Bettes face.

“Nothingis just that Im dying to kiss you Bette confessed in a whispered with a light blush painting her cheeks.

And whats stopping you? Tina asked, her tone playing with Bette.

I dont knowyou ok with public display of emotions?…what about Manuela? Bette said turning to look at Manuela holding the baby.

She is ok her son was *****

Was? whispered Bette, noticing the fragile tone in Tinas words.

He died in Rome three years ago

Am sorry Tee

Is ok…he was Marcos friend Tina whispered, shaking her head as if trying to throw the memories away.

Just as Bette was leaning to kiss Tina on the lips, Manuela reached the table.

“Hmm she coughed, putting a smile on Tinas face.

Blushing, feeling like a sixteen year old, Bette leaned backwards, avoiding Manuelas look.

We are closing, but you can stay as long as you want

Smiling, taking Manuelas hand. Tina asked,

When is Maria coming back?

In two weeks, you have to call hershe will be so disappoint you were here when she was away Manuela said while cleaning the table.

Is Pablito asleep already? Tina asked looking around.

Noticing the tone in Tinas words, how tender it was, Bette looked around too.

No, not yetyou want him? asked Manuela, unable to hide her pride.

Like a kid on Xmas morning, Tina nodded.

Smiling with her dancing sensual pace cradling her hips Manuela walked towards the kitchen

Pablito? asked Bette following Manuelas pace.

“Marias sonand the cutes little boy on earthsee here he is

Holding the ten months old blonde boy, Manuela walked back to the table. Taking the baby in her arms Tina smiled. Bette, unable to move her eyes from Tinas features was moved by how at ease Tina looked. She was whispering sweet silly words to the baby while caressing his bold soft head.

“Dinner was great Bette said to Manuela.

Turning to look at Bette, Manuela smiled.

“Good, now you know where we aredont be a stranger she said patting Bettes hand.

Pablito, playing with Tinas necklace drooling all over her shirt was giggling at Tinas words. Noticing the drooling, Manuela said,

Viste?, pibe malolet me he is drooling all over you Manuela swetly said taking the baby in her arms.

Is ok Tina said, straightening her clothes. Then, seeing the walls watch, said,

Bette, is lateyou have work tomorrowwe should go

“Is ok Bette whispered, surprised to find herself playing with Pablitos bared foot.

We have to go Tina said to Manuela.

Teneis que volver pronto so, you are back for good? Manuela asked, trying not to look at Bette while doing it.

Seeing Bette searching in her bag, Tina nodded.

I think am going to be in LA for a long time

Standing up, Tina hugged Manuela and Pablito while Bette was looking for the note. Kissing the baby Tina noticed what Bette was trying to do.

Bette, dont she whispered nodding at Manuela.

What? asked a confused Bette.

Family never pays here Manuela whispered before putting Bette into a big embrace.

thank you Bette mumbled, surprised by the honest display of affection.

Taking her purse, Tina leaded Bette to the front door. Stopping her pace, she turned around and kissing the tall gracious lady on both cheeks she said,

It was great, will call you ok

Nodding, with a big smile plastered on her face Manuela opened the big wooden door for them.

Nice to meet you Bette she added.

Fue mi placer said Bette, blushing like a red light.

Giggling,loving Bettes tries, Tina waved to the cook before walking out. Following Tinas steps, Bette noticed the wide smile on the cooks face.

Is everybody in this family in love with you? she whispered, trying not to be heard by Manuela.

Ignoring Bettes words, Tina said,

Someday I will have to tell you their story you are going to love Maria Tina said opening the car.

“I love youthats more than enough Bette said putting her arms around Tinas waist. Leaning forwards she started kissing her neck, loving her scent, the touch of her curly soft hair.

Bette, Boo Tina mumbled.

Yes? Bette whispered hugging Tina even tighter.

Can we go home?…I meanto your place she said as she was feeling her knees weak.

Sure Bette answered in between kisses.

Closing her eyes, loving the touch of Bettes lips on her neck, Tina bit her lip. Noticing time passing, realizing it was late and dark, Bette finally moved away.

Gasping, Tina opened her eyes. Her body aching for Bettes warmth, for her touch.

Walking to her side of the car, Bette said with a hand on her belly,

You know, with food like that I dont think Id ever be able to sleep again

Turning the engine on, Tina leaned into Bette, and before kissing her, with a wicked smile she whispered,

I know