Bette pulled away from the brief embrace, unable to keep from smiling. Tina was silent for a moment, as if to process what just happened, and she swallowed. Taking a deep breath, she finally said, I have to go … now. I do, I have to go. I have a ton of work to do, and I dont know why I even came here today when Im so busy.

Tina walked out the door, and Bette didnt try to stop here. I know why you came here, Tina Kennard, and you found what you were looking for, Bette thought before sitting at her desk.

Tina put her groceries away, and after making a cup of green tea, she sat down on the couch, laptop in place. Usually, she had to sit at the desk; otherwise, she would get too relaxed, and work rarely happened. But today, she was breaking all the rules, in more ways than she preferred. She looked around the apartment and noticed all of Erics things were gone. Suddenly, she became sad, and she let the tears fall. She sobbed until she felt dry and empty; her mind took over, and thoughts flooded her. What is wrong with me? I am twenty three years old, but I feel like Im going through puberty all over again.

Tina closed her laptop and extended her long body on the couch, snuggling in, laying on her back. Eyes closed, she let her mind wander. She thought of the kiss she shared with Bette. Friends dont kiss their friends like that, she thought. She absently touched her lips, as if searching for a trace of Bette, whos memory was tugging at her heart, ever so gently yet persistently. Never had she experienced a kiss so soft and tender. Bette was so gentle and loving; Tina smiled and placed her hand over her heart, trying to keep it from bursting … or breaking.

Tinas intercom buzzed. Jumping up, she had been so lost in thought that she couldnt quite place the sound immediately. One more buzz, and she leaped for the window. Looking out, she saw Mandys car. The last thing she wanted to do was talk.

Yes?

Tina, its Mandy. Tina buzzed her up and unlocked the door.

As Mandy walked in, Tina said, Whats up?

I know you dont like to be bothered while you work at home, but I just talked to Eric. Are you ok? Mandy looked concerned for Tina and reached in for a hug. Tina sat down on the couch, one leg wrapped under her body while the other dangled to the ground. Mandy sat at the chair by the desk, diagonally facing her friend. She spotted the laptop on the couch. Tina, are you working from the couch today?

Tina flushed and stammered, Um… yeah… yeah, actually I am.

Mandy raised her eyebrows.

I just needed to relax. Its been a long day.

Looking at her watch, Mandy commented, Uh… its only 11:00 am, Tina.

I know, but the whole Eric thing and – Tina stopped herself before she finished her thoughts; she wasnt about to tell Mandy about the kiss with Bette. Theres only so much one person can handle in a day.

Knowing Tina was holding something back, Mandy didnt push. Tina, I know you must be going through a hard time now. Im here for you in any way you need me to be. Ok?

Tina smiled and thanked her. Hows Eric?

You know how he is… I bet he was all macho when you broke it off, wasnt he? Tina nodded. Well, he took it pretty hard. Im not going to lie to you, but he will be fine. He doesnt hate you, hes just sad right now. Time will heal that. I suggest staying away from him for a while.

Head in hands, Tina began to cry. Mandy brought her some toilet paper. Sitting down next to her, she wrapped an arm around her and held her hand with the other, resting her head on Tinas shoulder. Sweetie, Im so sorry you are hurting right now.

Mandy, I feel like my life has been thrown in a blender. She sniffed and wiped her nose, looking up at Mandy.

Tina, listen to me. She took her arm and hand away from Tina and crossed her legs, facing her on the couch. Ive known you for a long time. I remember meeting you that first time in junior high, all glasses and braces. I wanted to be your friend the first time you were introduced to the class as the new kid. I knew a good thing when I saw it, and my senses are now as keen as ever. I know you are a good woman, and you are my best friend. Dont try to take this world on alone. You will fail. Everyone needs someone, and Im always here for you… always. Dont forget that, ok?

Tina silently nodded, more tears falling.

You dont have to hide anything from me or feel like you cant talk to me about things. I know how stubborn you can be, but dont forget that I can read you like a childrens picture book. Its that easy for me. Dont run because I will catch you. Someone has to stop you from jumping off a cliff.

Mandy grabbed Tinas hand and squeezed it, knowing when to stop and when to go. Now was that time. She stood up and ran her fingers through Tinas hair.

I know I may be quiet, Tina, but I know more than you think. Mandy winked. You know my number. Dont hesitate. She walked to the door, leaving Tina behind in a sea of thoughts. Turning back around, Mandy said, By the way, the girls and I are going out tonight to the usual spot. Liz said you were coming?

Maybe.

Ok, I guess Ill see you if I see you.

Tina stood up and locked the door behind Mandy. I know more than you think? What does that mean? Tina wondered.


At the Bette Porter gallery, Bette was up to her neck in work. After Tina left, the phone immediately rang, and it didnt stop all day. Client after client called, and she worked through lunch. Hanging up the phone, she looked at her watch and realized it was already 4:00. Slumping down in her chair, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, pausing for a moment to gather her thoughts.

She let her mind wander back to the kiss with Tina. Smiling at the memory, she replayed it in her mind over and over again, never wanting to forget it. Hands touching, lips crushing, pulse quickening, cheeks flushing, desire burning… all colliding into one simple moment.

Porter, what the ***** are you doing? Some new meditation? Whats up with the silly grin? Makes me want to give you a swift kick in the *****. Nobody should look that happy while theyre at work. Without knocking, Alice waltzed into Bettes office and sat down across the desk from her.

Alice, Ive had a long day, and I am simply resting my mind for a few minutes.

Since when do you need to rest your mind?

Since now.

Alright, what happened? Come on… spill.

What? Bette tried to look innocent.

You know what. Something is going on. Who is it and what did you do? Or should I say, who did you do? She smirked.

Nobody.

Then what?

Nothing. Bettes annoyance started to show. If faking innocence wouldnt work with Alice, annoyance would.

Bette, come on! Tell me! Im dying here. Alice propped her feet up on the desk.

I have nothing to tell you, and I have to finish this work so I can get home at a descent hour tonight. She pushed Alices feet off the desk, almost causing Alice to topple over.

Jesus, Porter, take it easy will ya?

I could say the same to you. Bette put her hands on her hips and nodded towards the door.

Ok, Im leaving, but if you dont call me tonight, Im coming over. And yes, thats a threat.

Remind me to be scared later, ok? Bette shut her office door almost hitting Alices rear in the process.

Ill remind you to get that stick out of your *****, Alice muttered.


Liz picked Tina up as they headed out to their favorite bar. Tina decided to go out and enjoy the company of good friends. Besides, trying to forget the day didnt seem like a bad idea. Liz talked the entire car ride to the bar. Tina was in and out of listening to her ramble.

What do you think? Liz asked. Hello? Earth to Tina?

Huh?

Nice reply, but next time at least try to pretend you were listening to me. Was I boring you that much?

No, Im sorry, Liz. I was in my own little world there. What did you ask?

The whole foods store… the cashier… the phone number… did you catch any part of that story?

Um… you could tell me again? Promise Ill listen this time?

Forget it, not a big deal. I should be asking how youre doing? Its been a rough day, hasnt it?

You dont know the half of it, Tina said under her breath as she looked out the window, resting her head on the glass.

What do you mean?

Nothing, never mind. The break up and all that. Tinas breath fogged the window, and she wrote T-I-N-A backwards. It disappeared in seconds, like her world.
Here we are. Lets go.

They walked into the bar and spotted Tesa and Mandy who had already started drinking. Tina headed straight towards the bar and ordered two shots.

Hey Kennard, whats the occasion? asked Tesa.

Cant a girl drink every once in a while? Tina smiled and took charge of her first shot.

Theres a difference between drinking and getting trashed and you are headed towards the latter if you keep this up, said Liz as Tina finished off her next shot.

Anybody want anything while Im up? Tina looked for empty glasses before she ordered more drinks for herself. As she left the table, Mandy looked at the other two and said, Shes on a roll tonight, huh? Watch out…


Bette and Alice were going out despite Bettes pleas to stay in. But Alice was determined to know what was up with Bette, and there was one way to get her to talk: over a couple of drinks. Bette agreed, thinking a drink would feel good after the long day she had. They pulled into the parking lot, laughing at Alices choice for the evening. Alice meant business if she chose a straight bar over a ***** bar; but then again, Alice was flexible.

As they walked into the bar, Bette spotted an empty table. Before she moved to claim it, she froze. Across from the empty table sat three women… and Tina.