Tina is getting dressed. She is puts on her long gold earrings and brushes her hair back. Where is it we are going tonight, Eric? Eric comes out of the bathroom and whistles at Tina. You look HOT, Tina, we are going to The Bette Porter Gallery. I heard that Catherine Opie will be there. She is the artist, remember, the one I want in the office Tina smiles at him, and nods. Do I look okay? It is dinner as well, right? Eric confirms and leans to kiss her, they walk to the car.

The Bette Porter Gallery

The place is buzzing. Bette is walking around and greeting everyone. Hi Alice she leans over to kiss her cheek. Hey there Bette, this is Angie. Bette shakes Angies hand. Nice to meet you Angie Bette smiles at Alice. She continues to mingle. Eric and Tina walk in, and Eric immediately notices Bette.

Eric: Come on Tina, there is Bette, let me introduce you.

Tina: okay…
She follows him to Bette. Tina looks at this woman. She is incredibly beautiful she thinks to herself.
Eric: Excuse me, Bette, this is my girlfriend, Tina Kennard, she heads up the development at Alpha Ville, Tina, Bette Porter.

Tina shakes Bettes hands. Bette smiles at Tina, Nice to meet you
Tina is taken back at the beauty of Bette.

Tina: hey, nice to meet you.

Eric: Bette, we were wondering what Catherine Opie might think if we blew up that print to 5 or 6 feet?

Bette: You should ask her, she is right over there.

Eric: Okay. Excellent. Tina?

Tina: I think I will stay here. (looking at Bette) this is a lovely gallery.

Bette: thank you, oh youve lost your earring in your hair. Here.

Tina: oh thank you (she puts the earring in her ear)

Bette: umm, so I will see you at dinner?

Tina: yes. Thank you.
Tina is standing alone, she is thinking about how beautiful Bette Porter is. She hears a girl behind her oh yes, Bette and I dated for a while, we just knew we were better off as friends, but MY GOD the ***** was to die for. Every now and then we get together just to have great *****. Only if we are not involved with anyone. Tina cant help but overhear. Bette Porter is *****? Well I am sure there are mens hearts breaking all over the town Tina thinks to herself. Eric comes up behind her and kisses her neck softly.
Eric: where were you just now?

Tina: just really enjoying the art, Eric.

Eric: well, shall we go find our seats?
Tina nods in answer. They walk to the table. Bette walks in behind them, she leans over to say something to Alice, and they smile. She comes up behind Tina, I see you are looking at this one, it is personally, one of my favorites. Are you enjoying yourself, Tina? Tina is completely mesmerized.
Tina: yes, very much. Thank you for inviting us.

Bette: any time, enjoy your dinner Tina.

During dinner, Bette keeps looking at Tina. She is so gorgeous. But she is straight Porter, she is here with Eric Donaldson. He is a great client one point during the evening, Bette and Tina lock eyes.

Eric and Tina are driving home. Whew, let me tell you, you were hot tonight, (he touches her thighs) Bette Porter could not take her eyes off you.

Tina: dont be silly, she was just being nice. She was giving attention to everyone tonight.

Eric: you know she is *****, a lot of men were upset to hear that, but I hear women are not so upset about it. Apparently, she is well known.

Tina: what does that mean?

Eric: Bette is probably the worlds worst competition for us men. I hear she is incredible.

Tina: really Eric (She looks out the window, and touches her ear, I hope that Bette finds my earring)

Bette is closing up the gallery, she notices an earring on the floor. Hmm, I know I saw Tina put that in her ear, I think I will hold on to it, maybe she will come and get it

The next morning at the gallery:

Bette: Bette Porter.

Tina: good morning Bette, this is Tina Kennard we met

Bette: yes I remember, Hi Tina, I suppose you are calling about the earring, I found it on the floor last night. I have it here in my office. Would you like to come by, this afternoon?

Tina: how about 2?

Bette: perfect, see you then, bye Tina.

Tina: good bye Bette
Tina hangs up the phone, what are you doing Kennard, you are straight, and you have a boyfriend

Bette is in her office holding the earring in her hand. Caressing it softly. I bet her skin is soft, smooth. Damn, her eyes, everything about her.

Finally 2 oclock comes, Bette is engrossed in her work, she hears a knock on the door. Come in she calls. Tina walks in, she walks up to Bette, Bette walks around the desk, and opens a drawer and pulls out an envelope. She walks up to Tina, and takes out her earring, and places it in Tinas hand. She closes Tinas hand with her own. I swear, I thought I saw you put that on last night. She moves a little closer, she looks at Tina, then bends down and kisses her. A soft, feathery kiss. Tina looks up at Bette. Bette smiles at her.

Tina: thank you, for the earring, umm I should go. Thank you again Bette.

Bette: you are welcome, Tina. Tina?

Tina: yes?

Bette: would you like to have lunch sometime? Anytime would be fine. I would like to get to know you a bit.

Tina: umm, Bette, yes sure I would like that. I will call you this week, and we can come up with a time that is good for both of us.

Bette: that sounds great, see you soon, Tina.

Tina walks out of Bettes office, and nearly runs into Alice. Alice turns and watches her as she leaves. What is Porter up to? If I know her, it is something Alice walks into Bettes office, Bette is staring out of the window. Damn, she is hot. Alice comes up behind Bette.
Alice: what is up Bette? Who is she? I know you have the hots for her. So wasnt she at the gallery the other night, but with a guy? Talk to me BETTE

Bette: Jesus, Al, let me have a chance. Her name is Tina Kennard, she works at Alpha Ville. She left her earring and came by to pick it up, I asked her to go to lunch. She accepted. (Purposely leaving out the kiss part)

Alice: I admit, you are an incredible lover, but, not even YOU can get her. She is straight. LIKES MEN!

Bette: so did I once, give me time, she is very much worth the trouble. Did you see HER?

Alice: she is beautiful, but I tell you she is straight. Bette, be careful. I know that look in your eye.

Bette: I am fine, you do not have to worry. I will be careful. Trust me. I know what I am doing, so what are you doing here?

Alice: oh, yea, so I saw Kit the other day, you did not tell me she was in town, she looked good.

Bette: she is here? In L.A.?

Alice: yea, she was looking for you.

Bette: *****, well, I hope I get to see her. (Her office phone rings.)

Bette: Bette Porter.

Tina: Bette, this is Tina, does tomorrow work for you?

Bette: perfectly, 12? You can pick me up and take me to your favorite place, my treat.

Tina: okay, see you at noon.

Bette: Bye Tina,
Bette hangs up the phone, let the Porter charm begin, she is coming to pick me up at noon tomorrow, Alice looked at Bette, she is so God damned gorgeous yes you have the charm, that is for sure

***at Tinas apt.

Eric: so you and Bette are going out for lunch? How did that come about?

Tina: she found my earring at the gallery, I called her, and we just thought it would be fun. Is there a problem?

Eric: no just my girlfriend is going out with L.A.s most available woman.
Tina: it is lunch. Remember I am not *****. (Rolling her eyes)

Eric: hey Tina, chill out, I am just messing with you. I hope you have a great time. I think Bette is intriguing.

Tina and Eric got into bed, she lay in his arms, but it was not him who came to her in her dreams, it was Bette Porter.


TBC