Male voice: (blaring through the speaker phone) Hey Bette, its Bryan Landers.

Tina froze as she listens to Bryans voice.

Bette: (looking irritated) what can I do for you Bryan?

Bryan: Bette, Ive been thinking about what you said tonightyou knowabout me not being your type and all? I just wanted to say thats because you havent given me a chance. You dont know me Bette; please give me a chance to show you what kind of a person I am, then who knows? I may be the person that youve been looking for.

Bette: I doubt it, and why are you being so persistent with this? (Sounding irritated)

Bryan: Bette, you are beautiful, and I cant seem to get you out of my mind. Please? Just one drink? Tonight?

Bette: Sorry to disappoint you Mr. Landers, but Im busy right now. I have to go. Good bye.


Bryan closed his cell phone shaking his head in disgust. I just dont understand, what is up with her? *****! Bryan angrily says out loud to himself. Her type is probably one of those big fat, bald headed man who likes to smoke cigars and has money shooting out of his asses.

Bryan knew that he sounded pathetic, desperate and was actually quite embarrassed about the whole situation. Bryan Landers ego has never been so bruised in his life. A woman actually turned him down! Not once but twice! He remembered how Tina was the one who had approached him when they were in law school, and before that he was stalked by one of the women that he used to date. So Bryan couldnt understand why Bette Porter had rejected him.


BACK AT THE GALLERY

After hanging up the phone with Bryan, Bette walked back over to where Tina was still standing. Bette looked at Tina with a concern look in her eyes.

Bette: T, are you okay?

Tina: (shaking her head in amazement) what an *****! I just broke up with him less than 5 hours ago and hes already out pursuing other women! That tells you how much he loved me. What the *****? (Tina sounded more hurt than shocked)

Bette: (could see the hurt in Tinas eyes. Bette gently slid her arms around Tinas waist and spoke softly) Tina, Bryans a fool, but his loss is my gain, and besides, hes pursuing the wrong woman. I only have eyes for you babe.

Tina blushed then put her arms around Bette and resting her head on Bettes shoulder. Regardless of the situation, Tina couldnt help but put on a self-satisfying smile on her face knowing that the one person who Bryan Landers wanted so badly nowcant have.

Tina: Im so happy to be here with you.

Bette: I feel overwhelmed with happiness to have you here with me.

Bette pulled Tina closer to her as they held each other tight for a few minutes longer.

Tina: (pulled back slightly to look at Bette) Bette, its getting late, you need to go home and get some rest, I know you have to work tomorrow. I actually didnt expect to see you here tonight nor did I have intentions of seeing you. I was just passing by and see that you had the lights on and thought what the heck?

Bette: (smiling) Im glad that you decided to stop in, and dont worry about me. Besides, you should be speaking for yourself Ms. Big Time Lawyer (Bette said teasingly).

Tina: (Chuckled) No, this lawyer wont be in to work tomorrow.

Bette: (looking puzzled) I know this is none of my business, but why?

Tina: Im not ready to deal with Bryan yet. I meanI already broke up with him but there are some things that I need to sort out before facing him again. I have a feeling that hes not going to let me slip away easily. Anyway, I really need to get going.

Tina loosened her embrace from Bette as Bette grabbed a hold of Tinas hands.

Bette: So where are you going tonight?

Tina: Hotel.

Bette: Tomorrow?

Tina: (teasingly) you asked a lot of questions Ms. Porter.

Bette: Well?

Tina: Im not sure yet. Pam may let me stay with her for a few days or at least until I found an apartment.

Bette: Tina, why dont you just come home with me?

Tina: Bette, I dont want to burden you

Bette interrupted Tina by placing a soft kiss on her lips and pulling Tina closer to her.

Bette: (between kisses) T, (kiss) please stay with me (kiss) tonight (kiss) please? We dont have to do anything. I have 2 bedrooms in my apartment; Ill even let you pick which room you want, okay? And you can stay with me until you find a place of your own (Bette giving Tina the doe-eyed puppy look).

Tina couldnt resist the puppy look on Bettes face; she lets out a soft laugh and nodded yes and told Bette that she will stay tonight only, tomorrow night is a different story. Bette was relieved to see that Tina had agree to stay overnight, she gave Tina a quick kiss on the lips, grabbed her purse and jacket then lead Tina out of the door before she has a chance to change her mind.


BRYANS HOME

Bryan flipped open his cell phone to call Tina, the call went directly to her voice mail. Bryan cursed under his breath until he hears a beep sound.

Bryan: (leaving a message for Tina) Tina, baby, where are you? Look, Im sorry okay? Its late babe, why dont you just come home so we can talk? Please baby? I need to talk to you. Call me back or come home as soon as you can. I love you

Bryan hung up and thought about calling Pam and Nicole. He really didnt want those two women to know about their personal business, but hes at a point of desperation. After a few minutes of contemplating, he decided to call Pam first because she was closer to Tina.

Bryan dialing Pams number, after a few rings Pam answered.

Pam: Hello?

Bryan: Hey Pam, its Bryan. How are you doing?

Pam: (getting suspicious because Bryan rarely calls her) Im fine Bryan, is everything okay?

Bryan: Well, actuallyno. Has Tina called you by any chance?

Pam: No, why?

Bryan: Umwe kind of got into a fight tonight and shes been gone since 5:30. I thought maybe shed call you or stop by to see youyou know girl talk.

Pam: Sorry Bryan, but I havent heard from her.

Bryan: Okay, thanks, and sorry to bother you. Bye

Bryan hung up and decided to try Nicole even though he doubted Nicole would know Tinas whereabouts. Bryan thought he would give it a shot anyway; hes at point of no return.

After a few rings Nicole answered the phone in a sleepy voice.

Nicole: Hello?

Bryan: Nicole, its Bryan. Im sorry, did I wake you?

Nicole: Whats the matter Bryan?

Bryan: I was just wondering if you have any idea where Tina may be or has she called you? I already called Pam and shes clueless.

Nicole: What are you talking about Bryan? Did you guys get into a fight or something?

Bryan: (hesitates for minute) Yeah, she wants to break up with me. Shes been gone since 5:30, thats almost 5 hours ago!

Nicole: She probably went over to a friends house to talk and think things through you know?

Bryan: (lets out a sarcastic laugh) Friends? Tina has no friends, at least since shes been with me anyway.

Nicole: (rolling her eyes at Bryans remark) Bryan, I wouldnt underestimate Tina. Heck, she it off instantly with Bette Porter in Vegas. As a matter of fact, I wouldnt be surprised if Tina is with Bette right now.

Bryan: (confused) what? Did you say Bette Porter?