Tina was getting ready to leave her apartment and head to the Bette Porter gallery, when she looked out her window. Below, she could see Eric heading to the door. The intercom buzzed.

Yeah?

Tina, its me. Let me up?

She buzzed him up, trying to be patient. Unlocking the door, she let Eric through the door.

You going somewhere? He asked, noticing her keys in hand.

Actually, I was just leaving.

Where you going? I thought you were working here today?

Bette Porter called from the gallery. Apparently my earring showed up. I was going to get it before I got started.

Oh, well, can you hold on a minute? I have something I want to show you. He reached in his back pocket and pulled out two tickets for something.

Whats that? Tina asked curiously.

Well, hope you dont have any plans Friday night because I scored tickets to the U2 concert!

Oh my god! How did you get those? Theyve been sold out for months! Tinas excitement waned when she realized she had plans that night… with Bette. She frowned.

Excited?

Look, Eric, I already have plans that night.

Cancel them. Nothing is better than this! With that said, he ran over, grabbed her, and swung her around. Tina felt suffocated. This had to end. All it took was his touch, one last touch for her to understand he didnt belong here anymore.

Eric, put me down, please. Im serious. I need to talk to you.

Ok, down you go. Whats up? Is this serious? Youre scaring me… Eric sat down on the couch as Tina remained standing.

This is something I should have talked to you about a long time ago, but I just couldnt. Now is the time. Im sorry for waiting and Im sorry for all of this. She looked at him nervously giving him a chance to say something before she continued.

Youre not breaking up with me, are you? Tina…please… Eric reached both hands out to her, expecting her to reach back. Instead she crossed her arms and shook her head, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. No rivers, no streams, just one single tear.

Eric, you know in your heart this isnt going to work. We are not meant for each other. Youre a great friend, but I dont want to spend the rest of my life with you. Tina brushed the tear aside, after tasting the saltiness of it on her lip.

I never thought this would happen. But now that it is, I see that you were never the one for me. Where did we go wrong? I love you so much, and I am in love with the idea of you being the one, but…

But… we need to both step away and hold onto what we have left – our friendship. Please tell me you dont hate me.

I dont hate you. But nobody likes being dumped. I understand, but this is going to be hard. Very hard. You are a good woman, and I will always love you. But you need to be your own woman, and not what I want out of a woman. He looked up at her and smiled. Come here, you. He stood up and pulled her into a big hug, holding on one last time. So…no U2? You can take the tickets.

No! You keep them. Theyll have more concerts.

Well, ok. Thanks. Should I grab my stuff out of here now?

Sure, if you want. Im gonna go, though. I need to get to work. Let yourself out?

No problem. Gosh, Im going to miss you. He laughed, looking at her as if to capture this moment in a photograph memory.

Bye Eric. Tina walked out the door and shut it behind her. She leaned her back against the door and sighed. She didnt think this day would ever end, and it was just beginning.


Tina was talking on her cell phone as she shopped.

Where are you now? Liz asked on the other line.

Im at Trader Joes picking up a few things. My place is empty since Ive been eating at Erics the last two weeks. Tina picked up a bottle of riesling wine. Why not?

I thought you were working today?

I am, but I needed to get a few things, and I have to stop by the Bette Porter gallery to pick up my found earring. Tina headed to the checkout, basket full of goodies. And Im procrastinating seeing that woman, she thought.

Oh. Bette Porter, huh? Ok, well, call me later and maybe the gang can go out in celebration of your new found singleness.

Ok, Tina replied as she grabbed a bag of chocolate covered soy nuts last minute. Talk to you later.

Later.


Tina stepped into the gallery in a pair of blue jeans and a flowing white shirt. Her hair was down, and she looked adorable.

Tina, good to see you. Bette approached her smiling, looking professional as always.

Hey, Bette. Tina almost whispered.

Lets go to my office; the earring is there. She motioned for Tina to lead as she placed her hand on Tinas back, guiding her. The touch was enough to send Tina into cardiac arrest, but she held it together, not turning around. Bette took the earring out of the desk drawer and walked back over to Tina.

Well, here it is. She smiled. I could have sworn I watched you put this back on.

Bette placed the earring in Tinas hand, deliberately touching her dainty hand and looked directly into her eyes. There was no doubt in Bettes mind this time that Tina cared for her. She had no other choice…if she tried to talk to Tina about their feelings, Tina would probably freak out and never speak to her again. But if she just kissed her, Tina would feel it…

Bette leaned in and delicately kissed Tina on the lips. Carefully and full of meaning, she let the kiss linger only for seconds….

and Tina would be forced to deal with her feelings.