At DL95s
James and Bette staggered into DL95s after spending Happy Hour at Windriders. Theyd decided to head over to DL95s because they were famous for their hot wings and Bette was feeling the need from some oral stimulation that wouldnt get her in trouble. Theyd caught cab over just in case they were in no condition to drive when they were done for the night. Bette had forgotten about her car being broken into, forgotten about Tina moving more of her things out of the house, and had even managed to not think about Rayne Bryant any more. For the first time in a long time, she was having some long overdue fun. James was the perfect companion for a night like this because he could ward off the flirtations of men and deflect any attention of the leering lesbians. They looked like a couple, eating, talking, and whopping it up in unbridled fun.

At the Wilshire Grand
Eric was waiting in the lobby for the car to arrive and grinned happily when he saw it pull up. Nervous energy consumed him and he ran outside to greet the car. Eric extended his hand to ease Tina out of the vehicle.

Oh my! Eric swooned. You look fabulous!

Tina blushed and lowered her head. Thanks, she said softly, not really knowing how to react. Eric had been a great boyfriend back in the day. A hint of sadness swept over her as she thought of Bette, but with the way Eric was smiling at her, the sadness was short lived.

Eric escorted Tina into the lobby still looking her up and down, completely taken by her stunning presence.

So, how did you manage to get past Bette to get out the house? Eric innocently inquired. I noticed you werent picked up at your house, Eric continued.

Tina chuckled nervously. She didnt want to lie, but felt it was a little too early in the evening to get into such a heavy discussion. She paused to think of a story that was not too far from the truth.

Well, Bette wasnt home and I needed some help getting dressed, so I enlisted Alices help, Tina explained.

Eric smiled and nodded at Tinas explanation. Well, I have to admit that Im a little hungry, but I dont know what youd like to eat, so I made a reservation at each of the three restaurants, Eric smiled shyly.

Tina squeezed Erics hand. Im sorry for flaking, Tina twisted her face. I didnt mean to change the plan, Tina found herself getting very nervous. She looked around trying to find the restaurants. What are my choices?

Well, theres Kyeto, which is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar. Theres Seoul Jung, which is Korean, and theres Cardini, which Im sure you can figure out is Italian, Eric smirked.

Tina considered her options. Kyeto sounds good, Tina said with a proud smile.

Kyetos it is. Ill cancel the other reservations. Please excuse me for a sec, Eric pulled out his cell and called to cancel the reservations. Okay, weve got five minutes to get to Kyetos before they cancel us. Eric cocked his arm, Tina took it, and together they strolled across the lobby and into the restaurant.

They were seated immediately and were ready to order within minutes of looking at the menu. They agreed on an appetizer, their meal, and sipped Sake as they waited for the food to arrive. Tinas emotions were running hot and cold as she looked around the room at the couples having dinner. She discretely ran her hand across her ring finger and thought about Bette and how long it had been since theyd shared an intimate evening. The closest thing to a formal dinner theyd had had been with Melvin and it was ruined by him insulting her once again. Erics company was a pleasant change from that and she shrugged off the intermittent thoughts of doubts and insecurity. Eric had apparently gone out of his way to see her and the least she could do was enjoy his company.

So, howd you find me Eric, Tina asked between a sip of her Sake.

Eric blushed. Trust me it wasnt easy, Eric confessed. I had to Google you, call the last work number I had for you, and then call Javier whom I hadnt spoken to in ages to see if hed seen you. You are one hard lady to track down, Eric admitted, almost embarrassed at his tactics.

All that just to see me? Tina leaned back in her seat flattered by Erics admission. Is something wrong? Tina asked, suddenly nervous.

Eric sensed the concern in Tinas voice and reached across the table to take her hand; unexpected warmth permeated her skin. No one had touched her so intimately since Bette and it scared her a little. She gently eased her hand from under Erics and looked intently at him.

Are you okay? Is your family all right? Tina asked again.

Eric remained silent and instead motioned that the waiter was coming with the appetizers. Looks delicious, Eric stated behind a half smile.
They made idle chit chat over their appetizers, clearing the entire plate before the waiter came back to clear the table.

Come on Eric, what gives? Tina was growing weary of Erics evasiveness. I know you didnt track me down all this way to just say hi and take me to dinner Eric, Tina said softly.

Eric sighed and leaned forward. His eyes glistened in the candlelight and Tina could see the man shed known and loved all those years ago. It was amazing that even after all these years they were still able to be friends. Her mind wandered off again and thoughts of Bette crept in. She wondered if she and Bette could ever be friends like that again. She wondered if whether they got back together or not, if they could share a meal and be as comfortable and relaxed as she felt now.

Tina? Eric broke Tinas thoughts.

Huh? What? Im sorry. Mind drifted for a sec. Forgive me, Tina rambled. Anyway, where were we?

You were grilling me about why Im here, Eric tapped his fingers on the table. I just wanted to see you Tina, Eric nervously admitted. I used to check in on you to make sure you were happy with your new life until mine became some complicated and busy. Javier was great about filling me in. He told me youd gotten married. Said youd quit your job to become a mother. And now youre going to work for Chestnut, Maxwell, and Elba. Thats pretty impressive. Im proud of you, Eric complimented Tina who was blushing uncontrollably at this point.

Well, Javiers a snoop, Tina smiled. So, hes your personal PI huh?

No, hes just a caring friend. I actually found out about your new gig from a partner who has a contract with your new employer. Small world huh? Eric smiled and Tina nodded, completely taken with Erics story.

Their conversation was interrupted by their entrees and they ate in near silence. Tina was feeling a little out of sorts again, but this time it had nothing to do with thoughts of Bette. She was still trying to get Eric to open up as to why hed tracked her down. She wished she still had a number for Javier so she could call him and see if hed tell her. Dinner was finally over and the pair was so full that dessert wasnt even an option. Tina was glad because now she could get Eric to finally tell her what was going on.

Come on Eric, this isnt like you to be so secretive, Tina stated and reached across the table for his hand. A look of subtle sadness crept over Erics face and Tina could feel Erics grip tighten on her small hand. Its okay sweetie, whats wrong?

Eric sighed and looked around as if was checking to see if anyone was listening, and then he leaned forward.

Truth be told, I just wanted to see you. Its been years and a lot has changed in that time. Like I said, Javier told me what was going on with you and Im so happy that things have worked out for you Tina, Erics voice was low, but Tina knew he was being sincere. I wont deny that was deeply hurt and prayed youd see that being with Bette wasnt whom you really wanted, but Javier assured me that your life was good. At that point, I was truly happy for you and even though wed stopped speaking by then, I always wished you well.

Okay, I understand all that Eric, but you still havent told me whats really going on, Tina was still fishing for his story.
Eric summoned the waiter and ordered another drink. Tina declined, but ordered coffee. Eric still held Tinas hand and took a deep breath before continuing.

My life has fallen apart Tina, Eric stated bluntly and Tina stared at him in disbelief.

What? What do you mean fallen apart, Tinas voice cracked.

I had it all Tina. I finally got over you and moved on. I met and married a wonderful woman who later died.

Oh Eric, Im sorry to hear that, Tina gripped Erics hand.

Dont be, Eric frowned. She died in her lovers arms and with half my fortune tied up in gambling debts, Eric paused and put his hand in the air to hush Tinas pending question. Too long a story to get into, but suffice it to say, it hurt like *****. I had no idea. None! I spent two years trying to put my remaining life back in order and emerged from my ***** realizing that the life and friends Id given up for her was a mistake, Eric took a long sip off the drink the waiter dropped off and Tina seized the opportunity to cut in.

Eric, I am sooo sorry for all of that, Tina said in a soft voice. Im sorry that we stopped being friends. Its just that. Well, it was, um, you know, Tina struggled for an explanation.

Tina, its okay. I understand and its fine. As long as youre still happy with your life, then Im happy, Eric smiled, which made Tina extremely uncomfortable. How did she burst his bubble?

Back at DL95s
James and Bette had out eaten the house champion in a wing eating contest and were now feeling the sting of their win. Their stomachs were bloated from food and beer and neither was in any condition to move any time soon, but it was getting pretty late and they had to work in the morning. The bartender called a cab for the full and drunken pair. The crowd cheered and they went outside to wait for their cabs.

Man, that was fun, hic, Bette smirked. Felt like I was back in college, she continued.

Yeah, that was fun, James staggered back and forth.

Youre a good friend James. Thanks for a fun night, Bette mumbled and slid down the wall.

Bette? Bette? James quizzed and fell to the ground to make sure his drunken friend was okay. No answer. Instead a heavy purring sound emitted from Bettes mouth. *****! She fell asleep, James was stunned.

He waved for security to help get Bette into the cab and decided to cancel the one that arrived for her and have Bette go home with him instead.