A few weeks later Tina had settled into her new home. She couldnt imagine life without Bette – it was the little things like the whispered I love you before she went to sleep, the snuggling on the sofa and that first kiss when Bette returned from work that she now couldnt live without. It was a Sunday afternoon and the two had just finished eating lunch when the phone rang.

Ill get it Tina offered Hello?Mum, this is unexpected

Bette raised an eyebrow.

Well weve just finished eating, so no, youre not interrupting anything

Bette grinned as Tina pulled a face.

Her name is Bette, Mum, and of course shes here. Its her house we live in

Our house Bette mouthed.

Tina blew her a kiss.

No, I havent changed my mind. Youre going to just have to get used to it she rolled her eyes.

Tell her shes missing out Bette whispered.

Tina waved her away I guess notwhen I see sense? Mum if you ask anyone theyll tell you youre the one who needs to see sense!

Bette nodded in agreement.

Well until then youre not welcome here and WE wont be visiting you. But tell Dad to come by anytime he likes

Tina hung up the phone and found herself shaking slightly. Bette moved to her and put her arms round her waist.

I cant believe you just stood up to her like that Bette was impressed.

Neither can I admitted Tina.

Looks like Ive got a strong woman on my hands

Do strong women do this? Tina held up a shaky hand.

Only the best ones Bette kissed her hand so what did your mother call me exactly?

That woman. Not even your woman

Oh, so Im your woman am I?

Oh yeah Tina kissed Bette on the lips mineallmine she breathed between the kisses she was trailing down Bettes neck.

Bette lifted Tinas chin and their eyes met.

Let me be yours forever Bette whispered.

Youre not going anywhere Tina whispered back.

Their moment was interrupted by the doorbell.

Bette hung her head impeccable timing, whoever the ***** you are

Bette opened the door and was greeted by a grinning face.

Alice, I might have guessed

Aww, nice to see you too, Porter. Can I come in?

Alice didnt wait for a reply, instead choosing to sit herself down on the sofa.

Make yourself at home, why dont you?

Will do, thanks Alice winked at Bette.

Bette sighed Tina, this is Alice. My ex-girlfriend

Big mistake Alice cut in.

Really big mistake Bette glared at her and now one of my closest friends, except for when shes being a pain in the arse

Hey, Ill be a pain in your cute arse any day, Porter Alice grinned.

Bette ignored her Alice, this is Tina. The love of my life

Alice stood up and shook Tinas hand.

Congratulations on tying down old love-em-and-leave-em over there. Quite a feat she leant in and whispered and I was kidding about the whole arse thing, you know

Ermnice to meet you Tina was overwhelmed.

So Porter, I go out of town for like three months and I come back and youre all in lu-urve. Whats with that?

Im not some ice queen, you know. I just needed the right woman to fall in love with Bette squeezed Tinas hand.

So where did you two meet? Alice was eager to catch up on three months of missed gossip, and here seemed as good a place as any to start.

You were there, actually. It was at my artist dinner

Hang onyoure the hot girl with the earring. The straight girl?! Alice exclaimed.

Not so straight anymore Tina looked questioningly at Bette, who just shrugged her shoulders and held out her hands.

So the Porter charm ensnares another victim Alice noted the glare from Bette totally kidding. Well Ive got three months catching up to do, so how about you – both of you – join me for a drink now and you can tell me all about your little romance?

Bette opened her mouth to speak but Tina got there first.

How about just the two of you go, and Ill join you some other time? Its been a while since you last saw each other

Not long enough Bette muttered under her breath.

I heard that, Porter Alice picked up Bettes jacket and made for the door.

You do realise our relationship will be all over town before tonight. This woman is the gossip queen of LA Bette hissed.

We have nothing to hide Tina smiled sweetly and blew Bette a kiss.

Bette rolled her eyes and headed out of the door for her catch up with Alice.