Dear Bette,

Lets do dinner. My place. Tuesday night. 7:00pm. Bring a bottle of white wine.

-Tina

P.S. If you approach me
the right way
and come to me
without too much force,
I can –
and will
allow you
to taste me –
everything that encompasses me.
But only if…

Tina folded the note and sealed it in an envelope. Climbing into her car, she drove towards the Bette Porter gallery before she changed her mind. She slid the note under the front door and drove away, heading home for the night, alone and anxious, wondering if she had done the right thing.

Bette arrived at the gallery the next morning, feeling awake and refreshed despite it being a Monday. As she unlocked the door, she saw an envelope with her name on it on the floor. She picked it up and walked to her office, sitting at the desk.

Opening the envelope, she read Tinas words and smiled, bringing the letter to her nose, she searched for a hint of Tina left behind. Feeling suddenly foolish, she put the note back into the envelope, placing it in her top drawer where she could take it out and study it throughout the day.

Waiting until after lunch to call Tina, Bette picked up the phone and dialed her number. Tinas machine picked up, and she decided to leave a message.

Hi, Tina, this is Bette. Im calling to let you know I got your note… thank you. She paused for a moment. And I would love to have dinner with you. Ill see you tomorrow at 7:00 at your place, wine in hand.

Tina had two meetings Monday morning, one with a professor and the other with her graduate advisor. The first, with her favorite teacher went well, and she was encouraging of Tinas creative writing emerging. The second, wasnt as uplifting for Tina. Her advisor cautioned her about slacking off the last few weeks before graduation.


While walking back to her car, Tina heard someone calling her name.

Tina! Hey Tina!

Tina looked back and saw Liz running up to her.

Hey Liz, whats up?

What are you doing here on campus?

Oh, I met with an old professor and my advisor. Tina rolled her eyes and exhaled a frustrated breath.

That bad, huh? Liz shifted the weight of her briefcase to the other shoulder.

I guess if you count the threats passed my way about getting my thesis done before graduation, then, yes, it was bad.

Ouch.

Yeah, anyway, what are you up to?

Just finished with a class, now heading to my internship. I cant wait for graduation. No more classes and internships that pay next to nothing. Hey, want to do dinner tonight? I was going to call Tesa, and Mandy too. We want to tell you all about our weekend.

Only if its a short one. Ive got my work cut out for me the next couple of weeks. Where should I meet you guys? The usual?

Where else? Liz grinned and said goodbye, rushing off to find her car. Tina headed to work where she was greeted by her assistant.

Tina, Mr. Wentz is looking for you. Where have you been?

I had two meetings on campus today. I told him like a month ago. Tina sighed and shook her head in frustration.

Well, hes not in a good mood today. Watch out.

Thanks. Tina decided to get this little meeting out of the way instead of letting him come to her. As she approached his office, she stuck her head in the open doorway and said, Mr. Wentz, can I talk to you?

Tina, just the woman Ive been looking for. Whereve you been this morning? He leaned back in his chair, arms across his chest.

I had two meetings on campus this morning. Im sure I told you weeks ago. Im sorry, I should have reminded you.

Thats ok. How are things going?

Good. I need to talk to you about something, though.

Go ahead.

Tina shifted in her seat and crossed her legs before she started. Mr. Wentz, as you know Im preparing for graduation at the end of this semester which is rapidly approaching. I need to graduate.

Yes, you do. This office needs you full time. We cant mess around with a scattered schedule, and it looks bad having an employee like you who hasnt finished her graduate work yet.

I understand that. Im asking that you lighten my projects. I need to finish my thesis. Its almost finished, and thats the only thing in my way from finishing school this semester. I need to take some space and spend more time working on things from home, just through the next couple of weeks.

Both sat in silence. Tina, awaiting a response, and Mr. Wentz, mentally deciding what to say.

Well, Tina… we can afford to help you out. But just for three weeks. Thats it. And its only under the circumstances that you graduate. If not, Im afraid were going to have to let you go. You are one of the best Ive seen walk through our doors, but I cant wait around forever. I know you wont let me down.

Thank you so much. You wont be disappointed. She stood up and excused herself, heading back towards her office. Shutting the door behind her, she stood there, wondering where to start.


Tesa, Mandy, and Liz were waiting for Tina at the tiny restaurant, wondering if she forgot about the dinner plans.

Should we call her? Tesa asked, looking at her watch a second time.

No, lets just order. If she forgot, then she forgot. Shes got a lot going on right now. Mandy opened up her menu absently, she already knew what she was ordering.

Shes one busy woman, thats for sure. Liz took a drink of water and grabbed another piece of bread. Speak of the devil, there she is.

Tina rushed over to the table, putting her purse down, sitting. I am so sorry Im late. I had this project I had to finish or else Id be looking for a new job.

Damn girl, do ever take a break? Tesa asked.

Well, I dont get a break for another three weeks. I was threatened by my boss and my advisor today.

Trouble in Tinas paradise? Mandy put the menu down.

Hardly paradise lately. She kicked Mandy under the table, showing a silent threat to keep her mouth shut. I need to finish my thesis in order to graduate this semester. I shouldve graduated last semester, but I put off finishing my thesis. And if I dont graduate, my boss threatened to fire me.

Arent you almost done, though? Tesa tried to flag the waiter.

Yes, but I had to cut back my work projects in order to finish it.

The waiter arrived and the girls ordered. Tina chose a beer with dinner. But enough about me. How was your weekend? I heard it was wild!

You missed out. Liz grinned. Lets just say I got lucky.

Hmmm… big muscles, cute butt, low IQ, and good in bed? Tina joked.

Very funny. It was good though.

We all wished you were there. Tesa said.

The girls talked about the weekend until the food arrived, everyone laughing and enjoying the freedom of unleashing after a long Monday. As they ate, Tesa looked up at the door and saw a familiar face. Hey, isnt that Alice, the girl Bette Porter was at the bar with last week?

Sure looks like it. Liz replied, staring.

Oh my god. Tina felt panicked. Looking at Liz she said, Well, stop staring! Maybe she wont see us.

Dont you want to say hi? Asked Tesa.

Liz waved in her direction, and Alice squinted, finally recognizing Tinas blond head. She walked over to the table. Hey ladies. We run into each other again.

Funny, isnt it? Mandy smiled, smirking inside. Want to join us?

No, thanks, Im meeting some friends of my own here, actually. She looked around the restaurant, but didnt see them. Hey, Tina, heard you had a good time Friday night.

Tina blushed and stammered, Uh..yeah, it was fun.

Good. Well, hey, I gotta go, theres my friends. Nice to see you guys again. And Tina? Dont be a stranger, ok? Alice winked at her and walked away.

All three women looked at Tina with curious expressions on their faces. Blushing, Tina took a sip of water. What? She finally asked, trying to look innocent.