This Should Be InterestingChapter 5

At the restaurant

Bette: (After taking a sip of her water) So what is it that you do in the entertainment industry?

Tina: Well, right now Im a unit production managerI have to make everything happen. For example finding places to shoot the movie to making sure that everything is accommodating to the cast and the crew, but I also pretty much see a script from the beginning to the end when the movie is completed. So everyday is different and I like it that way, there is never a dull momentso what about you?

Bette: Well in the art industry it can get pretty competitive, so as a director I look for different works of art. At the CAC we try and look for new artists with great talent, who are not really well known. We just try and help them out a bit. I also try and book new shows with famous artists. Right now Im trying to book Chen Lees Midnight Summer Dream, and if everything works out then the opening will be in about a month and a half.

Tina: WOW, that sounds interesting. You must really like what you do.

Bette: Yeah I doI love to discover new art no matter what it is and I also love the challenge of booking different shows. Sometimes it gets frustrating and stressful but after the opening show it all pays off.

They both continued talking about work and how they both started their careers, and then Bettes cell rings. She notices Erics name on the caller ID.

Bette: Hey Babe!

Oh s***! Shes dating someone Tina thought to herself after looking for a wedding ring.

Bette: I know, and Im sorry, Everything has been so hectic latelyyou know how it goes sometimeswell actually Im at a dinner meeting right now, so maybe I can meet you for breakfast in the morning.

Well at least theyre not living together

Bette: Eric?!

Tina almost choked and spit out her water when she heard that name. F*** shes straight!

Bette: (Covering the receiving part of her phone with her hand, talking to Tina) Are you okay?

Tina: YeahIm all right (clearing her throat)

Bette: (Talking to Eric) Eric, of course its ok to go out the guys again, Ill be busy looking at proofs for a new show anywayYeah, have funOk love you too, bye. (Talking to Tina)Sorry about that.

Tina: No, its okso, how long have you and ERIC been together, if you dont mind me asking?

Bette was just looking at Tina, searching for trusting eyes.

Tina: (Noticing Bettes hesitation) its, ok you dont have to answer that. I shouldnt have asked. (Looking down at the table feeling like a total dumb a** for asking that question)

Bette: No, its fineumm, weve been together for about five months (Cut off by Tina)

Tina: Five months?! S*** thats a long time.

Bette: Its not that long (Defensively)

Tina: Im sorry, it may not be long to you, but none of my relationships ever lasted more than a month.

Bette: (Turning the spotlight) Well, why not, if you dont mind me asking?

Tina looked at Bette and searched for trusting eyes and she answered I guess I havent found the right person.

Bette: (Trying to lighten the mood) oohh, so you havent found prince charming to sweep you off your feet?

Tina: (With a small laugh) its more like not finding princess charming to sweep me off my feet.

Bette: What, I dont understand (With a small smile, not really understanding the joke)

Tina: Well Bette, Im *****.

Bette was just staring at her with a confused and shocked look.

Tina: You know, *****, ***** (Cut off by Bette)

Bette: Yes, I know what it is Sorry, I was just caught a little off guard its just that you dont looklook

Tina: *****?

Bette: Yeah

Tina: Its ok, I didnt expect you to know.

By that time their waiter came to drop off the check. Bette and Tina grabbed the check at the same time, now Tinas hand was on top of Bettes. At that moment, they felt that same shock or connection when they first shook hands at the gallery. They just sat for a few seconds like that both trying to understand what they were feeling, and then Tina spoke.

Tina: I can get the check.

Bette: No, I cant let you do that.

Tina: No, I insist its the least I can do from keeping you from prince charming (Teasing Bette, trying to lighten the mood)

Bette: (Letting go the check and withdrawing her hand from Tinas) Ok, but Im paying next time.

Tina: So, theres going to be a next time? (Still teasing)

They both got up to leave

Bette: Of course, I like the conversations that we have. Im going to need an outsiders opinion on the artwork sometimes.

Tina: So now Im an outsider? (Paying the cashier)

Bette: Let me rephrase that Im going to need a new friends opinion on the art work sometimes, is that better?

Tina: Yep, and Ill probably need yours as well.

Outside the restaurant

Bette: Great! Well, thanks for the dinner and Ill see you in about a week.

Tina: Your welcome, but maybe we can have coffee or lunch sometime during the week. (Crossing her fingers behind her)

Bette: Sure that would be great! Give me a call.

Tina: All right! Have a good evening! (Just standing there)

Bette: (Walking to her car) you as well! Good night!

God that woman is incredible Tina thought to herself. I hope I can be more than just a friend.

Good night, she whispered. And she turned and walked to her car.