Its been three weeks since our first lunch alone. Since that day, Bette and I have gotten close. She knew I didnt have that many friends and she had become a very good friend in just that short space of time. Shed help me with my grocery shopping although she looked like she never really does much of her own. I guess I can safely say Bette doesnt do any grocery shopping apart from wines and microwave dinner. She helps me with the trolley down the aisles and thats good enough as long as I have company; I never really liked going out alone. Eric always had to let me do all the grocery shopping cos he just doesnt go to supermarket.

Speaking of Eric; he called and came over a couple of times to check up on me. Well not really check up on me, more like asking me to reconsider our relationship. I just couldnt; not after what I told him. I know I havent been very honest with him about my feelings but I just didnt know what I was feeling then! I mean I wasnt in love with another, I didnt really fall out of love with him its just that somehow I knew in my heart he wasnt the one for me. But he just couldnt accept the fact cos he really thought I was the one for him. I guess you can say our relationship ended pretty badly. The last he came over he slammed the door as he left. And that was only a few days ago. I guess he finally accepted the fact that we really werent getting back together.

Since our lunch together, Bette and I have gone out for a few friendly lunches. Sometimes she would pick me up from work and sometimes I go over to her gallery and we go from there. Bette took me places Ive never been. I always look forward to having lunch with her and am secretly excited every time I see her. What I like most about her is that she just takes things as they are. She never really asked about Eric. Every time she mentions him I just ignored it and she never really question as to why she never see me with Eric. I guess she was just keeping to her promise. And I guess she didnt know about Eric and I; how weve broken up a few weeks ago. I shrugged at the thought.

I was at my office thinking about lunch. Bette called earlier to ask if I had plans with Eric for lunch and I said no. Obviously! What was I supposed to say? She didnt ask if I was still with him.

Bette: You sure? Cos Ive been spending a lot of time with you, I dont really want to intrude

Tina: No its ok. I dont have any plans with Eric.

Bette: Ok if youre sure. So Ill pick you up later? Same time?

Tina: That would be great thanks. See you later. (God I cant wait!)

I hung up. I looked at my watch, two more hours till lunch. I always look forward to my lunch with Bette. She is a very good company. We talk and laugh about little things; nothing flirtatious on any part, just two friends enjoying each others company. Bette has kept her promise and I appreciate that and I know she respected our friendship that is blossoming.

Assistant: Sorry to interrupt but Mark just wanted to know if the meeting with Warner Brothers is still on at two this afternoon.

Tina: Urm two? (I usually have my afternoons free when I have lunch with Bette. I forgot to call and cancel! Damn it)

Assistant: Yeah, you set it up just a month ago. Its pretty hard to get a meeting with them.

Tina: Yeah its still on. God I cant believe I forgot about that. Thanks James!

*****. I havent even prepared anything for the meeting. Now all I have to do is cancel my lunch with Bette.

Jason: The Bette Porter Gallery; Jason speaking how may I help?

Tina: Hi Jason. Its Tina. Is Bette there?

Jason: Hey hi Tina. Yeah shes in. Ill put you through. (I have been a regular at the gallery so I kinda know Jason quite well now)

Bette: Tina?

Tina: Hey Bette. Listen about lunch

Bette: You cant make it?

Tina: Yeah, Im so sorry. I was really looking forward to it.

Bette: Oh its ok. We can do it some other time. Ill see you tomorrow maybe.

Tina: Bye Bette and thanks!

I spent the rest of the morning preparing for the meeting; looked at drafts and previous works. God there were so much to cover. Times like these I wish I hadnt been working. I wish I was just a stay-at-home mother, FULL TIME! No pressure from the boss or anyone; just waiting for the loved ones to come home for dinner or lunch. Yeah you can tell I love cooking.

At quarter past one everything was ready and so was my tummy. I need to grab a bite to eat.

Tina: James, Im heading out for a few minutes to grab a sandwich ok?

James: Er Tina, I can get it for you if you want.

Tina: Its ok I need the walk anyway. Ive been burning my ***** off in there. Need the fresh air. Ill be back in a few.

I walked to the bistro just two blocks away; Ive never tried it but its the nearest to where I worked. I ordered a salmon baguette to take away. I looked around to see all the people there eating happily enjoying their meal. I wish I had that much free time. As I was paying for my food I heard a familiar laugh. I turned to the direction of the riveting laugh and saw Bette sitting at a table with another woman. The other woman was leaning into her whispering something to her ear that was obviously funny as it made Bette laugh. I couldnt take my eyes off them. They look happy. I want to be happy. They look like theyre a couple. I want to be part of a couple. I didnt want Bette to see me there. So I walked out of the bistro as fast and as unnoticeable as I could.

At work, I placed the baguette on my desk suddenly not feeling that hungry anymore. Who was that? Who was that with Bette? And what did she say that made Bette laugh like that? I thought Bette didnt have a girlfriend? If she does, she never mentioned her. Hmm. If she does what does it matter anyway? Its not like I want her. Were just friends and Im not like that. But why am I feeling like this? Why do I feel hurt? Am I jealous?

Oh my god. I want Bette! Im in love with Bette! Madly, crazy, overly and undoubtedly in love with her!