Alices jaw dropped. Bette reached across her desk and pushed her chin up to close her mouth. Smiling, Bette said, Its not that shocking, Al. I mean, she could turn out to be a really good friend. Itll be a fun night.

Already knowing where Alice was going to go with her next speech, Better looked her way and smirked.

I knew it! Alice said gleefully.

What? Bette replied, feigning ignorance, tapping a pen on the desk.

You have the hots for her! Admit it! Alice pointed an accusatory finger at her.

Bette stood up from her chair and said, Al, its no secret I like her. We talked about it the other night at the bar.

I know, but I thought this was just a game for you. But you really dig her, huh? Bette walked away from the desk towards the window. Alice sat still on Bettes desk, cross-legged, head in hands.

Bette wondered where all this was going, but how did she tell Alice everything going on inside her head? She never had a woman be so difficult and unmoving as Tina, but then again this was not your typical West Hollywood woman. This was Tina Kennard, the Eric loving, straight talking LA woman. Bette thought,If you talk the talk, Tina, youd better start walking the walk because you dont seem as straight and narrow as you want to look.

Hello? Is your brain on, Bette?

Shut up, Al. I was just thinking.

Um…yes? About? Alice motioned for her to continue.

Tina. Bette sighed and crossed her arms over her chest.

Well, I couldve told you that! I want to know what about Tina. You serious about her or not?

I do like her, but I just dont know her really well enough yet. I want to, but…

But…you want to wake up tomorrow morning after a long nights *****, or you want to just be friends with the cute little straight girl?

***** you, Alice.

Alice simply raised her eyebrows as if to say, I wont comment on that one.

What? Bette asked as she started to clean up her office for the night.

Its just that I dont think Im the one you want to be *****; thats all.

Is it always about ***** with you, Al?

No, but it is with you. Im not the one whos screwed half of LA – the female half, that is. Alice jumped off the desk, facing Bette.

You exaggerate. No wonder youre a journalist. Is anything we read in the media true?

Alice grabbed her purse and keys, getting ready to leave. Ill pretend like I didnt hear that.

Are you leaving? Bette asked.

Yes. Ive heard all that I need to hear. She smiled.

Whats that supposed to mean? Bette wasnt smiling.

It means you must really like this chick if youre not at all resembling the Bette I know.

Sometimes people change.

Not you, Porter. Youll never change. Maybe some deep hidden qualities will surface every once in a while, but I can always count on knowing the one and only Bette Porter.

Bette laughed and shook her head in disagreement.

You are one difficult woman. And Alice was gone out the door leaving Bette 30 minutes to close down the gallery before Tina arrived.


Tina had clothes all over her bedroom. She grabbed the sheer black sweater off the lamp and dug under the bed for her pants. She stopped for a minute and thought, Maybe I shouldnt wear pants. I dont want to look like…a skirt is more feminine.
She found a stylish black knee length skirt to wear. On top she decided to wear a maroon hippie shirt that fit loosely and left much to the imagination. She left her hair down this evening, letting it be natural instead of trying to tame it, curls sprouting everywhere. Well Kennard, time to go face the music.

At the gallery, Bette was waiting near the door as Tina walked up.

Sorry, the gallerys closed for the night, Bette said playfully as she reached over to hug Tina hello.

Tina smiled and didnt resist the affection.

I was supposed to meet some snobby art critic here who was going to teach this simple girl what arts all about, but if the gallerys closed, I guess Ill be on my way then, Tina teased as she pretended to walk away, feeling more comfortable than shes ever felt with Bette.

Snobby, huh? Its good to know what you really think of me so I know what Im getting myself into tonight. Bette liked this side of Tina. She seemed more confident and playful. Even her outfit let Bette know she was being herself, though Tinas clothing choices let Bettes imagination run wild.

Im teasing! But you will be teaching me some new things tonight. Im excited to look at art through a true critics eyes. I can learn from you!

I have a feeling we have a lot to learn from each other, Bette said as she smiled at Tina, hoping Tina could look past the joking and see the depth of sincerity behind her statement.

They decided to walk to the museum; it was only a couple of blocks away, and it was a beautiful night. When they got to the museum, it wasnt as busy as Bette had predicted, but this artist wasnt quite well known yet. Bette knew a few people here and there, but kept her conversations to a minimum, not wanting to leave Tina. The people dwindled, and Bette and Tina began to roam through the work, wine glasses in hands.

Bette, which one is your favorite?

Which one is yours? Bette wanted to hear Tinas perceptions.

No, I asked you first. Tina put her free hand on her hip.

Ok, ok…This one here is amazing. It fascinates me. Now, why do you think I like this one so much? Bette was determined to get Tina to talk more freely.

How can I possibly answer that question?

Eyebrows raised, Bette replied, Try.

I dont know you nearly well enough to assume I can explain to you why you like this photo so much. Tina was being stubborn.

Well, maybe some other day you can answer that question then… Bette looked Tina in the eyes, realizing that even in simple conversation and friendly banter she could find out quite a bit about Tina.

Tina ignored the comment and walked over to another photo. Let me tell you why this one is my favorite.

She looked at Bette who said nothing, but motioned for her to continue.

See the sharp contrast between black and white? There is no grey in this picture. The detail is so sharp, the fuzziness doesnt exist.

You have an eye for details, Tina.

I work for a publishing company; it comes with the territory.

Now, tell me more…go deeper.

Tina thought for a moment. Well…the photo is abstract, so there isnt a definite image. But I see the artist is at peace. I feel a calmness, like the end of a storm. This picture brings about a sense of hope in me. Tina looked at Bette, searching for approval.

Are you sure youre not from the art world?

I write. Words verses pictures. Not the same thing.

Well, you certainly have an eye, and you appreciate the artists proposal. Im impressed.

The two women laughed, drank, and enjoyed each others company the rest of the evening. They left as the opening was shutting down. As they walked back to the gallery, they linked arms, remaining silent. Bette didnt want to ruin the mood, and Tina wouldnt have been able to talk. She was afraid Bette could feel her body shaking with nervousness…and excitement, though she didnt want to admit it.

They reached the cars and stood another minute in silence, now facing each other.

Bette, I had a great time. Thanks so much for taking me.

The pleasure was all mine. Really, its been great being able to get to know you. Lets get together again sometime. Your choice next time.

Yeah, sure. Thatd be fun.

They stood there awkwardly until Tina took her keys out of her purse.

Well, Ill see you around, Tina said as she started to open her car door.

Ok, Ill call you later this week to make plans. Bette wanted to kiss Tina, but she knew she couldnt. Tina looked too scared and unsure of herself.

Tina reached out to give Bette a hug, and they embraced, holding on seconds too long. That smell haunted Tina once again, and she took a deep breath. She got into her car after saying goodbye and drove away, looking back through her rearview mirror.

Bette noticed.