Move it Porter. That tables calling our name. Alice pushed passed Bette, expecting her to follow. See, how it works is you put one foot in front of the other and repeat. Its called walking. Most people have mastered this practice. Alice was pulling Bette away from the door.

Alice! Bette hissed. Look over at that table. The one across from ours. Recognize the blonde?

Well, well, well… if it isnt your dream girl. Alice laughed.

I swear to god if you do or say anything tonight I will kill you, Bette said through clenched teeth.

Chill out, lady. I know how to behave, but, um… by the looks of it, miss thang over there sure knows how to misbehave. Alice was eating this up. This was better than getting Bette to talk. Tina had some type of drink in hand, splashing it around as she stood up, completely animated as she talked to her friends.

Come on. Bette directed Alice to the table, and as they walked through the crowd, Liz said, Oh my god! Its Bette Porter coming this way! Look, Tina.

A number of profanities raced through Tinas mind. Fuckdamnshit, Tina whispered. She seemed to sober immediately.

Bette walked directly to Tinas table, smiling. Twice in one day, Tina, to what do I owe this pleasure?

Hey Bette. You caught me just in time, fifteen minutes til the day is over. Tina was standing up, facing Bette, drink in hand. Before she and Alice came in, Tina was doing a drunken Eric impersonation.

This is Alice, you remember her from the dinner?

They exchanged hellos and Tina introduced her friends as well.

Out of sheer excitement to be in the presence of Bette Porter, Liz blurted out, Stay and sit with us.

Tina flashed her a death look. Sure, wed love to, replied Bette. Alice eagerly agreed. She couldnt wait to analyze Bette and Tinas every move.

Im getting a drink. Anybody need one? Tina? Bette saw her empty glass.

I dont think she needs any more to drink, said Mandy as her eyes grew wide and she shook her head at Bette so Tina couldnt catch it.

Id love another drink, Bette. Ill take a shot. Anything. Tina sat down as Bette gave Mandy the Im-sorry look. When Alice and Bette were out of earshot, Tina sighed and said, Will this day never end?

Tesa looked at her watch and said, Five more minutes.

Tina, when did you see Bette today? Liz inquired.

Not important. Tina hastily replied trying to free her mind of the alcohol.

Ok, whatever. But what is important is that I get to talk to Bette Porter tonight. I love you Tina for knowing such a cool person! Liz reached over and hugged Tina.

At the bar, Alice and Bette were waiting for their drinks.

So Porter, your womans looking awfully hot tonight.

Alice, you promised.

Im allowed to talk away from them. Besides, I caught you totally checking her out. She looks better in casual dress than she does in her fancy clothes, I think. That little yellow tank top with the itty bitty straps that help support her beautiful –

Alice! Will you shut up! Please!

I was going to say her beautiful frame, but you didnt let me finish. Alice smirked and continued, But those cute jeans that hug her in all the right places. I especially like the hole in the knee look, too. Lets ya know shes got an edge to her. I can see why youre attracted to her. But a blonde? Have I turned you the other way?

They gathered the drinks, and as they turned to walk to the table, Alice looked at Tinas feet. She quickly grabbed Bettes arm. Birkenstocks, Porter? Are you falling for a hippie? Thought Id never see the day… Alice got another look from Bette, and she shut her mouth.

Bette handed Tina her drink, trying to catch Tinas eyes, but she avoided looking at Bette. Alice watched them like a hawk. Mandy watched closely as well, just not as obvious as Alice.

I am so excited to meet you, Bette! Liz gushed. You spoke to my class last semester at UCLA.

I remember that. I never speak in front of classes, but my friend was the professor, so I agreed.

Well, thank you. I really admire your accomplishments.

Thanks. Its good to know people out there admire my work. Bette smiled wanting to end this conversation. So, how long have you all been friends with Tina?

Tesa, Tina, and I all met in college in Ohio. Liz said.

How did you end up in LA? Alice jumped in.

Well, we all decided to move out here together a couple years ago. Liz is in graduate school full time. Tinas finishing up to graduate from grad school while working an internship, and I came along for the ride. Now Im working. Tesa said.

What about you, Mandy? Bette questioned as she kept trying to get Tinas attention. Tina hadnt touched her shot.

Tina and I have known each other since seventh grade. We went to college together, along with these two in our hometown and moved out here. I found a job, and we all really wanted to try a big city. Mandy smiled and looked at Tina. She was being exceptionally quiet, especially since fifteen minutes ago she was the life of the party. How do you and Alice know each other?

Bette and I used to date. We broke up not long ago, and now were good friends. Alice said.

You used to date? Tina shot Bette a look, one eyebrow raised.

Briefly, but we were too much alike to venture any further. Bette finally caught Tinas gaze. They held it until Tina looked away quickly when Alice continued talking.

Bette can be ***** on wheels if you dont watch out. Alice laughed and received a kick under the table from Bette. Mandy caught the display, and laughed to herself. Are you guys dating anybody now?

I am as single as they come. Alice sipped on her drink and continued, Someday Ill meet the right person, but until then, I want to have fun.

Here, here! I call a toast to that one! All who are single can toast to having fun! Liz held up her glass and everyones glasses tinked against the others.

Bette, youre single then, too? Tesa questioned.

Guilty. She laughed. Im getting another drink, everyone ok? They all nodded and she left the table. When Bette returned to the table, Alice looked like she was about to fall out of her seat as she eagerly listened to the conversation at the table. Bette was suspicious. What I miss?

Well, apparently Tina broke up with her boyfriend today. Alice shot Bette a smirk, holding back a smile. Bette gave her a death look.

Its been a long day for Tina. Liz squeezed Tinas hand comfortingly. Tina took her shot and chugged it, throwing her head back.

You have no idea, thought Bette, watching Tinas hair fall around her shoulders as she took her shot. Tinas pale skin glowed, flushed from nervousness and the alcohol. Her face was rosy against her light complexion. Bette noticed the freckles that dotted her shoulders and chest. She wanted to trace a picture around them with her mouth…

Im sorry, Tina. Isnt that too bad Bette? Alice quickly got up. Im running to the little ladies room. She didnt look back, although she could feel Bettes eyes boring into her.

I am sorry, Tina. Break ups are always hard. Bette looked sympathetic, though inside she was rejoicing.

Tina put her head in her hands, looking at the engravings on the table, not responding. She wanted to stop her head from spinning, and leave. Now Bette knew her and Eric broke up, and Bette was seeing her drunk. Bettes image kept flashing through Tinas mind. Her dark skin was smooth against the white wife beater, and her jeans looked like they were made for her body. Tina wanted to let Bettes hair down and run her fingers through it, smoothing out the curls.

You alright, Tina? Mandy asked, pulling back her hair and looking into Tinas eyes, peeking into Tinas hideaway of hair and hands. You want to go home, dont you? Mandy could see straight into Tinas heart, and she knew Tina was wrestling with more than a break up with Eric tonight. She decided it was time to let Tina be alone. Hey, guys, Im going home and Ill take Tina with me. I think shes about to pass out on the table and the poor girl has to work in the morning. Mandy stood up, helping Tina stand as she swayed.

So soon? Liz asked.

Tina lost her balance and fell back into her chair. She giggled.

Youd better take her home. Alice commented.

Ok, well, be careful driving, Mandy, and it was nice meeting you. Bette stood up, attempting to help Mandy. Ill help you out to the car.

Im sure you will. Alice mumbled, loud enough for only Bette to hear.

Thanks. Both women said goodbyes and walked out with Tina. Mandy started the car as Bette walked Tina around to the passenger side, helping her into the car. Bette took advantage of stealing as much of Tinas touch as she could. Her skin was so soft, and her scent filled her lungs with peaches. Bette took a small note out of her pocket and carefully placed it in Tinas purse. She waved as Mandy drove away, and she stood in the parking lot, watching the stars dance with her heart.

Lets go Porter. Ive had my fun for the night. Alice linked arms with Bette as they found the car. Looks like little miss straight has cast a spell on your big ***** heart.

Back at Tinas apartment, Mandy helped her into the bedroom, and let Tina sleep in her clothes. She had seen Bette put something in Tinas purse, and waited until Tina was asleep before checking it out. She found an envelope labeled Tina. Mandy turned Tinas purse on its side, spilling some of the contents, and she put the envelope cleverly tucked among the things, sure to be seen.

Tina awoke in the morning, pounding headache and dry mouth. She hit the alarm and looked around. I slept in my clothes, she thought as she stood up. Walking into the kitchen, she spotted Mandy on the couch. Tina loved the way Mandy cared for her, and she smiled, thankful for their friendship. As she made coffee, she saw her purse spilled on the counter. She picked it up, but saw something that caught her eye. It was a note, obviously for her. Whats this? she thought as she began to open it.