I was so happy how the dinner turned out. My friends were there, the artists were all smiling for their achievement and my buyers are enjoying small talks and sometimes big ones with the artists. I looked around for Alice and I realise she has been talking to Tina. I wonder what was going on. Alice really can get me into trouble whenever she feels like it.

I walked over to them.

Alice: Really? That must be interesting. Maybe someday I can write an article about it. Right now Im just finishing on an article on this show.

Alice with her endless ways to get into someones head; constantly using her article as bait.

Tina: yeah that would be great.

Bette: So youve met Alice?

Tina: Umm yes. Hi. Im Tina. We met at the opening. I was with

Bette: Eric. Yes I remember. Never could forget a beautiful face.

Alice shot me a look. I suppressed a laugh. Besides she was the one who put me up with the dare.

Bette: So Tina. Are you into art? I mean do you enjoy art?

Tina: Yeah its ok. I mean Im not really a collector. Eric buy loads of them, he collects them. I just look at them and appreciate them that way.

Alice: Well Bette here is crazy about them. Its her life. Thats why she has this gallery.

Alice!!!!!! Shut up, that was what I wanted to say.

Tina: Its a really lovely gallery Bette. Very homey I should say. Believe me Ive been to so many ever since Eric and I started dating. And so far yours is the most comfortable one I’ve been. Very welcoming..

Bette: Oh thanks.

That was all I could say. And I noticed Alice wanted to say something so I just let her speak.

Alice: So Eric? Your boyfriend? How long have you been together if I may ask? Hes cute.

Tina looked at me and then Alice. I knew Alice was too forward!

Tina: Thank you. Umm for a few months now.

Alice: Are you two like serious or anything?

My god she doesnt stop now, does she?

Bette: Well isnt that Eric waving at you Tina?

Tine smiled at me as a thank you for saving her *****. I feel sorry for her being cornered by Alice like that. I really must tell Alice to back off.

Alice: Hey I was just trying to help!

Bette: Yeah right. You just wanted details.

Alice: AND details!!!

God, Alice is unbelievable, yet I love her to bits. I left her with her own thoughts as I talked to critics whom I also invited, selectively of course. Those critics whove given rave reviews of my shows in the past. Theyre more like friends than critics actually; only with more benefits. I give them feeds, they give me very very good reviews, not that I was desperate or anything. My little gallery has always had this effect when opening a show; a good one.

I looked around and invited everyone to take their seats at the table. I noticed Alice has taken her place next to her favourite artist; Shane and Dana on the other side of the table, and Tina was, well she wasnt anywhere at the table. I gave Alices shoulders a little squeeze and found Tina staring at one of my favourite paintings.

Bette: Arent you coming to sit down?

Tina: Yeah I just really like this one.

Bette: You do?

Tina: Yeah why?

Bette: Nothing its just one of my favourites. But this ones not for sale. Its a Kandinsky. It was a gift from someone.

Tina: Oh I see.

I looked at her and oh my god. She really is beautiful. The dress, that black dress accentuate her figures so well. I wondered what it would be like to get under those. My gaze fell on her eyes, nose, lips, neck, cleavage and then I noticed she had her earring stuck in her hair.

Bette: Oh. You’ve lost your earring in your hair, here.

I reached for it and took it in my hands. She blushed. Now why is she blushing? God shes so cute when she blushes. Control it Porter, I told myself. Shes straight remember? I felt like kicking myself in the knee.

Tina: Thank you.

She put her earring back on while I continued staring at her, all of her. Once shes done I shift my gaze at the painting.

Bette: Well, if youd like I can take you for a tour of the gallery. Weve got more of this kind. Anytime youre free. Now, please, have a seat. The food is ready to be served.

She nodded and walked towards her seat next to Eric. Damn you Eric I said to myself. How could you have everything you wanted? God, shes just so beautiful. All night I couldnt take my eyes of her. Alice kept giving me the stare but I couldnt give a ***** what she thinks. Maybe I really should have a try on the dare. Maybe I should try my luck. *****, who am I kidding? Shes straight!

What is it about her that is so god I couldnt put my finger on it. Shes just so mesmerizing!

Alice: BETTE!!!! Earth to Bette!

Bette: Huh? What?

Alice: Were LEAVING!!?!?! Me, Dana and Shane your FRIENDS!!!

Bette: Oh er yes. Im sorry Marina couldnt come.

Shane: Yeah she had the night shift. You ok Bette?

Bette: Huh what? Yeah Im ok!

Dana: You dont look ok to me. Is it that Tina girl?

Alice: Oh get over it Bette! You cant have her. Shes straight. And didnt you guys see how gorgeous her boyfriend is?!?!

Dana: God Alice. Choose already!

Alice: Fine! Fine! Were going ok Porter? You do realise everyones gone right? Even Tina?

Bette: Umm yeah thanks for coming guys.

Alice gave me a hug and whispered to me;

Alice: Cheer up Bette. There will always be someone else for you. You cant have her babe.

I was so angry with myself for wanting a straight girl. And Im also angry at Alice.

Bette: Al! She would be mine if I can have my way!

Alice: Sure Bette. Remember, shes straight.

With that the three amigos left. God, what a night. It was a great night, if I could remember anything else apart from Tina. I have it so bad! I wondered when I will see Tina again. I went to pick up my keys from my office and on my way out; I saw something flickering on the tiled floor. I walked closer to pick it up. It was Tinas earring. Didnt she put this on? Hmmm this just gave me an idea. I walked out to my car with a huge smile on my face and drove him. Little did I know, it would be a sleepless night for me with my mind stuck on the most beautiful girl who has ever captured my heart