The Dome
James and Bette arrived and were immediately recognized by a colleague who once ran the The Hamilton-Selway Gallery.

Well, Bette Porter, what a pleasure and surprise, the handsome man wrapped his strong arms around her. And James, so good to see you too, he shook James hand after hed let Bette go.

Kyle Middleton, how good to see you, Bette gushed. How have you been and where have you been? Bette looked him up and down. Life seems to be treating you well.

Ive been very well. Living in Vancouver these days, but I still have my loft in LA. Kyle replied and looked around. A pretty young woman walked up to him and held his arm.

Switched sides Kyle? Bette teased with a hint of curiosity.

Kyle laughed. Oh heavens no. My dear, this is my daughter Torrance. Torrance, this is Bette Porter and James Bartlett.

Pleasure to meet you both, Torrance smiled, keeping a fixed eye on James.

I didnt realize you had children, Bette discretely inquired. James and Torrance were still ogling each other while Bette and Kyle spoke.

Its never been a secret. I guess we needed to spend more time together Bette, Kyle playfully scolded.

Listen, have you eaten? Were about to and you can join us if youd like, Bette offered.

Can we daddy? Torrance begged.

Yes, of course, Kyle caved to his daughter. We werent sure if were going to stay, but since Torrance insists, then we shall.

The group was ushered to a large table near the window and Torrance made sure she was seat close to James.

So Torrance, how did you get stuck with this ogre? Bette smiled at Kyle who was known for his rogue ways, but was actually a big softy.

Torrance laughed, but kept her focus on James instead of Bette as she answered her question.

I just go lucky I guess. My mother had me for most of my life, so now its daddys turn.

That must be quite a switch, James cut in.

Nah, its great. I love both my parents and we have a great relationship, but daddy is much easier to get along with and we have more in common than mother and I, Torrance grinned knowing shed given James the bait.

And whats that? James was hooked.

We both like men! Everyone laughed, but Bette stopped and gave Torrance a puzzled look. No, mothers not a *****, but shes sworn off relationships in favor of finding something more creative to do with her time. Whatever that is, Torrance concluded, focusing her attention back on James who was captivated by the lovely brunette.

They talked, ordered lunch, and talked more until Bette remembered that they had another dealership to hit.

Kyle, its been a pleasure seeing you, but James and I have some mischief to get into, Bette reached for her purse. We played hooky today, she grinned.

Aww, do you have to leave? Torrance asked sadly. You both are so much fun and Id like to be in your company a little longer, Torrance gave Bette the puppy eyed look.

Honey, they have things to do and weve probably detained them enough, Kyle cut in.

Bette looked at James who now seemed conflicted. She didnt want their hooky date to end now so she thought of a compromise. Torrance, Ill let you what, Bette began to negotiate. Give James and I a couple more hours and Im sure we, can get together later. Fair?

Okay, Torrance reluctantly agreed and smiled at James.

James handed Torrance one of Bettes cards. Heres the number you can reach us at, pointing to Bettes cell number.

The group bid each other farewell until later and parted ways. Bette and James headed off to E.S.C.A.P.E with a Ferrari 550 Maranello in mind. Ferraris were a personal favorite of Bettes and today was the day she was going to take one out. For the second time today, they were about to find out what it was like to be sitting on such large amounts of money even if it was only for a short time. They signed up for membership, went through a rigorous background and credit check of which neither minded. And didnt hurt that Bette used her feminine charms to woo the men. She flashed her Crest-white smile to everyone and it paid off, because the one and only Maranello they had was being held for a celebrity, but Bette convinced, Sal to let her use it for an hour. They agreed on a non-disclosed amount ” an amount less than the $2,800 it cost for a days use, and soon she held the key to a dream in her hands. Within seconds, she and James were carefully whizzing down the interstate on their profiling mission. Neither cared that they were poseurs, all that mattered was they were having fun and fulfilling dreams.

At the Center
Tina had her head buried in papers, diligently working on the proposal when her cell rang interrupting her train of thought.

Hello? Tina answered, sounding almost annoyed at the interruption.

Thats not a friendly voice, Eric replied.

Oh, her Eric. Im sorry, its been a rough couple hours, Tina scribbled down some figures and then closed the folder. Im in the middle of a nasty deadline.

Aww, Im sorry Tina, Eric consoled. Then a nice lunch is definitely what you need. Are you ready? The driver should be there in a minute.

Yes, Im ready and heading outside now, Tina walked past Oscars desk to let him know she was leaving. He nodded and went back to his work. Where are we going?

Its a surprise. Enjoy the ride and Ill see you there, Eric hung up.

Tina stared at the phone in disbelief and then chuckled.

Tina arrived a short while later at Nic’s Restaurant and Martini Lounge in Beverly Hills. She smiled as Eric opened the door and greeted her with a warm hug. You like?

Im sure I will. Ive never been here before so itll be a nice experience, Tina was ushered in and they were seated at a corner table. They ordered cocktails, their food, before dishing the dirt of their respective days.

So, enough shop talk, tell me what you told your friend. Alice right? Eric hoped he go the name right.

Tina laughed. Yes, its Alice. Shes a piece of work, Tina thought about Alices reaction and smiled.

Come on Tina, dont keep waiting. What details did you divulge?

Tina laughed again, now you sound like her, Eric made a face. Well, Mr. Impatience, I told her I had a great time with you and it was great catching up, Tina said, with a mischievous grin.

Yeah, right! Eric said in disbelief. I may not have seen you in years, but I still know when youre bsing. Thats why you were a lousy poker player, Eric teased, and Tina made a face.

Okay, so I couldnt fool you, Tina conceded. I told her that we kissed and made out and..

You did what, Eric was stunned. No you didnt! Eric shook his head.

Yeah, I did, Tina, laughed. She had it coming and you should have seen her face. I couldnt tell what she was more taken with, the fact that I allegedly fooled around with you an ex or you a man. Whichever it is, it was certainly a Kodak moment and I wish I had a camera for prosperity, Tina smirked.

You little devil you, Eric laughed. I guess youve learned to play poker after all, he continued.

Their meal came and they ate and drank talking back and forth about any and everything. They even ate dessert!

So, what did you think of my little trick on Alice? Tina asked out of nowhere.

A funny twist to what really happened. So, you say she believes you?

Yeah, she barely spoke to me for the rest of the time I was in the apartment. I think Im gonna let her stew on it for a while, Tina mused. Im surprised she hasnt called me at all today.

Call for what?

Well, I added that I might meet you for breakfast, Tina admitted.

Erics eyes widened. You really had it in for her didnt you? Erics tone changed.

Tina caught it and tensed for a moment. What do you mean?

Well, shes your best friend and youre torturing her with a lie.

Aww come on Eric it was a joke. Shes always being nosey and might not have believed nothing happened, so I told her it did. Ill tell her it was all a joke later on, Tina found herself being defensive.

Good. I dont want your friends to think ill of me Tina, Eric squeezed Tinas hand. And you never know, you and Bette might work things out and Id hate for her to have doubts about us if Alice tells her, Eric rationalized.

Tina suddenly felt small. She hadnt thought about the ramifications of her story and hadnt thought that it would upset Eric. Im sorry Eric, I was just having some fun, Tina said, softly.

Its okay, Im not mad, Eric reassured her. I just want there to anything to be misconstrued. Youre my friend Tina and I want that to remain, but if there are any doubts and suspicions, it will be compromised. Make sense?

Tina nodded and rubbed Erics hand. Yes, I do and thank you for being so honorable. Ive lived with limited male interaction for a long time and hadnt really thought how it would look to my friends. Especially with you being an ex, Tina nodded in understanding.

Like I said, its okay. Plus youve got enough on your plate right now with the new job, two jobs actually. A broken relationship and trying to figure out where youre going with it as well as your life, Erics voice was low and comforting. You dont need anymore drama.

Thanks for being such a good friend Eric. And your timing was perfect. It was a pleasant break from what had become monotony, Tina cheerfully stated. Youll keep in touch when you go home right? Tina asked, with a hint of trepidation.

Of course I will, Eric flashed his warm smile. Dont ever doubt that Tina. I was stupid enough to do that once before, but I wont be a fool twice, Eric looked at his watch. Better get you back to work. Dont want you to miss your deadline.

Eric settled the check and rode back to the Center with Tina.

Thanks so much for finding me, for dinner, and lunch. Have a safe trip home and call me to let me know you arrived, okay, Tina wrapped her arms around Erics waist, hugging him tight.

Its been great even if it was only for a short time, but any time with a friend is a good time, Eric choked back a tear, hugged Tina again, kissed her cheek, and got back in the Suburban.

Tina smiled to herself and walked back in the building.