Why dont we all go to San Diego for the weekend and let loose? Tinas friend, Liz was wide-eyed, excited to get out of LA.

Yes! Lets do it! Tina, Mandy, you guys in? Tesa looked at them, eyebrows raised in anticipation.

Tina took a sip of her beer, shaking her head. Guys, I cant this weekend. Ive already got plans.

What? Wait, dont tell me, you and Eric doing something other than watching a movie and going to bed early? Liz oozed sarcasm as she rolled her eyes.

What is that supposed to mean? Tinas defensive tone kicked in, full notch.

Tina, you and Eric just are very … predicable. Thats all. Tesa gave Mandy the what-else-am-I-supposed-to-say look. Many quickly shrugged her shoulders before Tina looked their way.

Well, maybe grown ups settle down. Ever think of that? Tina looked at three of her closest friends and saw three very young, very single women looking back at her.

I might not have a special someone but I do know plenty of couples who still have that edge, even after being together for a long time. Liz smirked.

So, were boring. What am I supposed to do?

You know, Tina, what are you really doing with Brian? Tesa asked.

Hes my ***** boyfriend, what do you think Im doing with him?

Well, we know youre *****, but why are you with him? Now Mandy was curious as well. All women were loose from alcohol, and many nights over the last couple of years were spent over beers and slightly drunk conversations.

I love him.

Ok, I get that. But we all love him, remember? Weve known you guys for as long as youve been together, but so what? Liz took another swig of beer.

Liz, youre drunk.

And apparently you arent. Drink up! Just humor me and talk about this. We all were talking about it last week – Liz was suddenly interrupted.

You were talking about this without me? Whats going on here? Tinas tipsiness was almost all gone now.

Calm down there Kennard. Nothing bad, ok? We just care about you. Tesa put her hand on Tinas arm reassuringly.

Yeah, we just think maybe youre staying with Eric cuz hes… comfortable. Mandy chimed in.

You guys really think so?

They all nodded in agreement, concern in their eyes. It was obvious they really cared for Tina and wanted the best for her.

Ok, well, maybe youre right. Nobody said a word; they wanted Tina to keep on talking. I do love Eric, but lately I feel as though I love him like a brother. Not that I have ***** with my brother or anything, but you guys know what I mean. He has been a good friend, but our relationship is too comfortable and not comfortable enough at the same time. Ive been thinking about ending it for a while now. How do I do that? I feel like such a ***** up. Every time I want to end it, I look at all my other relationships, and they fall into the same pattern… I date a guy, he really likes me, and just before it gets really serious, I end it.

Um…you do actually do that, but its just because you havent met the right guy! Liz tried to be reassuring. Guys, help me out here, she mumbled.

Yeah…you only dated three other guys before Eric your whole life anyway. Besides, youre young. Tesa said.

Mandy, what do you think? Tina wanted to hear from everyone.

Well…Tina, Ive known you longer than anyone at this table, and I havent seen you live to your full potential with someone yet. Ill let you know when I see the happiness in you that should shine out when youre with someone. Until then, Id hate to say it, but Erics not for you. He makes a better friend than boyfriend. Tina loved Mandy for her raw honesty.

Well, that settles it then … Ive got some work to do this week, huh? Tina laughed and started in on another beer.

So end it and fly to San Diego with us. Please? Liz pleaded.

I cant. I told you I have plans. Tinas pulse quickened.

Something other than Eric? Tesa was all ears.

Yes, actually. I am going to UCLA Friday night to see a local author talk about her success.

Alone? Youre going alone? Mandy knew something was up.

Well, no. Im going with this gallery owner Bette Porter. I met her last week at an opening she had, and then Eric and I went to the artist dinner the next night. Just two nights ago, she invited Eric and I to an exhibit opening at a museum. Eric had to work late, so I went with her. It was fun. So, she called and said she had an extra ticket this Friday. I couldnt resist; I really love this author. Tina hesitated before continuing, eyes averted, taking another chug of beer. Have…any of you heard of her?

Heard of her? Who hasnt? Liz exclaimed.

Um…me. Tesa raised her hand, and Mandy mimicked her.

Ok, well, in the LA art world, who hasnt? She came to one of my classes last semester as a guest speaker to talk to us about how she started out and got to where she is today. Quite an impressive woman. Shes gonna be big someday. And…she bats for the other team. Liz couldnt resist throwing that out there to shock Mandy and Tesa.

Like, shes *****? Tesa was taken aback.

Exactly. And hot. And Im not even close to being a *****.

Everyone looked at Tina with questioning looks on their faces. Tina, dear, do you have something to tell us? Liz asked on behalf of the other two.

No. Just because Im hanging out with a woman who likes woman doesnt mean she likes this woman or this woman likes her. Guys! You know me! Tina laughed nervously.

Whatever, just let us know if you cross over… you wont right? Tesa sounded unsure.

No! Everybody calm down. Tina smiled.

Mandy looked at her and studied her eyes. She saw Tinas uncertainty, but decided not to comment, no matter how much the alcohol wanted to influence her. She held back and waited until Tina was ready to talk. Mandy knew Tina was holding something back, but she smiled and raised her beer bottle to a toast. To men, being single, and friendships!


So, Porter tell me, are you going to put the moves on her this weekend? Alice held the door open for Bette as she walked out of her office.

Alice, grow up.

Im a big girl, Bette, and big girls can tell when their friends are acting strange.

Strange, huh? Hows that? Bette laughed and began turning off the lights to the rest of the gallery.

Well…for starters, Ive never seen you be so patient with a woman; second, Ive never seen you actually fall for someone without even ***** them; and third, well, youre freaking glowing. What did she do? Turn you into a glowworm? Is there a way to take your batteries out cuz youre annoying the ***** out of me.

Al, Ive told you before, I just want to get to know Tina before I freak her out. She has never been with a woman before. She dates men! She has a boyfriend! And suddenly some woman who is known for being a ***** wants to get to know her. How would you feel?

I dont know. My coming out experience was gradual; I mean, I always knew I liked both, so it was easy.

I know. My coming out happened the beginning of college after two high school boyfriends. I didnt like kissing them, never mind sleeping with them. After I met my first I knew. It was easy for me, too; I guess I always knew. But, Tinas different. This would really change her life as she knows it, and she doesnt need me pushing her. If I do that, she might never come out.

Jesus, Porter, what has gotten into you? Someone call the love doctor cuz Bette Porter has fallen head over heels in love with a straight girl and she hasnt even slept with her, never mind kissed her!

Bette rolled her eyes as they headed to the front door, but suddenly she stopped as something caught her eye on the ground. Oh my god. This thing has a mind of its own.

What is that?

Its Tinas earring. She lost it here during the dinner last weekend. Long story…anyway, I thought this thing was gone for good. Ill have to call her.

Well, isnt that just dandy? Another excuse to call your new girl friend. Alice smirked.


The next morning, Bette called Tina just as she walked into the office.

Tina, this is Bette Porter. How are you?

Good. You?

Im doing well. Thanks for asking. I was calling to let you know I found your earring last night.

Great! Do you mind if I stop by to pick it up today? Say, in an hour?

Sure, take your time. Im here all day. Bette was glowing again.

Thanks. Im working out of home today, and the earlier the better. I dont like to be interrupted when I work at home. Tinas hands began to sweat at her realization of whom she would be seeing today.

Ok, see you soon.

Thanks for calling. Bye.

Tina hung up the phone and looked to the ceiling, thinking, Why, God, why?