Guys, Bette hasnt called me all day.

Leave her. Liz said. Tesa, Mandy and Tina all looked over at her with shock in their eyes. What? If shes afraid of commitment and running already, its a bad sign. Tina, you can do better. She raised her beer in a toast but nobody obliged. Shrugging, she took a drink.

Tina, dont leave her. Tesa glared at Liz. Give it some more time but dont call her. Wait until she calls you.

I think shes right. Mandy chimed in. I mean, I love Bette, I really do and I love you guys together, but give her some space right now. Even if its a couple days, leave it. Shell call eventually, I guarantee it.

Tina and her friends were out on their weekly hang out night. They all hadnt been at the bar together in a long time, due to Liz and Tesas reaction to Tinas coming out. With all that behind them, Tina was glad to have this time back with her friends.

What about the New Years party? Alice asked if I was going but Bette hasnt breathed a word of it to me.

Ill go with you. Mandy offered.

Me too. Liz said.

Count me in. Tesa said as well.

Guys, you dont have to. Its at a ***** bar and dont you all have other plans anyway?

They all looked at her and shook their heads sheepishly. Tina laughed and bought another round in order to say thanks.


The next two days flew by for Tina. She started her job back up after her sabbatical for quite some time and it felt good to be back in the swing of things, especially since she received a raise after finally graduating. Her projects were inspiring and original. Despite all of her work she couldnt stop thinking about Bette. She hadnt called in days and it worried Tina. But she held firm in not calling her. Alices words rang in her mind as well and Tina felt stuck between her heart and mind. Right now her mind was winning out.

Tina, its four oclock, think its ok if I head home? Tinas assistant stuck her head into the office.

Geez, Beth you couldve left hours ago. Its New Years Eve, please go and have fun. Be safe. Tina smiled.

Thanks, have a good holiday. See you next year!

Laughing, Tina said, Same to you. Oh, Beth? There arent any phone messages for me are there?

Nope, sorry. Expecting something?

Um, no I guess not.

Well, have a good night.

Tina sat back in her chair and turned her computer off, throwing a large manuscript aside before propping her feet up on the desk. She closed her eyes and attempted to remove the anxiety that tugged at her insides. The party was in six hours and Bette still hadnt called. Maybe she wasnt even going to the party. Tina didnt know what to think. Her mind drifted to the last night her and Bette spent together, their naked bodies in the throws of passion. Falling asleep together was so simple and it had felt so right. Tina wanted that to happen every night. She stood up and walked out the door, heading towards Mandys apartment to plan their outfits for the evening, putting aside all thoughts of Bette.


Bette didnt leave the gallery until after five despite the holiday. She didnt mind because it took her focus off Tina. Bette couldnt believe Tina hadnt called her but then again, in the note Bette said that she would call her. Maybe Tina was giving her space or maybe Tina was angry and never wanted to see her again. Wanting to be able to embrace Tina every day, Bette sighed as she pulled into her driveway. She had picked up the phone several times a day to dial Tinas number but her fears took over and she decided against it. A void filled her inside and she blamed it on a bad holiday with her family. If she had been honest with herself, she wouldve admitted that it was because of the distance between her and Tina. She wondered why she couldnt just give in and love Tina in the ways she had only dreamed of.

Sorting through her closet she pulled out three different outfits that would look stunning for the party. Then again, she didnt even think she would actually go to the party. What was she so afraid of? She thought of losing control of her life and losing her identity. Bette feared Tina trying to dominate her life and her way of living. How could she adjust to sharing everything with someone else. Was love really worth it? She bit her lip and decided to go to the party. Maybe she could meet someone to take her mind off Tina. The phone rang.

Bette, its Alice.

Hey, Al, whats up?

Just making sure youre going to the club tonight.

Dont worry Ill be there. Im actually picking out an outfit as we speak. Bette grabbed a maroon sleeveless blouse and a black skirt. Practical but she knew shed turn heads.

Excellent. Its gonna be a great time. Cant wait.

Im sure. See you tonight?

Youd better. I swear if you dont show up Ill come to your apartment and drag you there.

I dont doubt it. Thanks for the threat.

See you tonight.

Bette hung up the phone and smiled. Who needs love when you have friends?


What about this? Tina held up a little black dress with thin straps. It rested just above her knees with a slit up the side, revealing enough to be ***** but hiding just enough to leave much to the imagination. Her ***** fit snugly and it showed off her great cleavage.

That is a daring dress but at the same time it seems so simple. I love it. Perfect for tonight.

Its not too much? I really dont wear things like this too often.

Wear it. Trust me.

Well, what are you going to wear?

Mandy held up a long plum wrap around skirt and a cream tank top with thick straps. What do you think?

Excellent choice. We are going to be two hot ladies tonight. Too bad youre not *****, youd have your choice of women tonight.

I know, its a shame. All dressed up with no chance of any action.

They laughed as Tesa and Liz came in the door, dressed and ready to go.
Mandy drove, knowing that she wouldnt be drinking much. When they arrived at the club, it was packed already. Women were everywhere, dancing, laughing and socializing. The television showed ***** Clark posing with pictures of Times Square. It was well past midnight on the east coast but the party was just beginning in LA. Tina and the girls headed towards the bar and started to drink. Alice spotted Tina and ran over.

Im so glad you came!

It looks like a crazy party! I brought Mandy, Tesa and Liz.

The more the merrier. Have fun, dance. Im gonna run now but Ill catch up later. Alice walked away towards a cute brunette who was waiting for her on the dance floor.

Well, you guys want to dance? Tina asked.

They nodded and followed her to the crowded dance floor. Several women approached Mandy, Tesa and Liz to dance and they were good sports about it, feeling relaxed and trying to have a good time. They just went with the flow. A spunky red head bumped into Tina, trying to catch her attention.

Can I jump in here? The girl asked, even though Tina was dancing by herself.

Sure. Tina thought it wouldnt hurt anything.

They danced and the music was thumping. Tina started to sweat and as the music slowed, she wanted to grab another drink and end the charade with this woman. She pulled Tina closer and held on, moving her body against Tina. As Tina put her mouth close to the girls ear to explain she was done dancing, Bette walked in the door. Bette spotted Tina immediately, her bright blonde hair blinding in the dark club. All she saw was Tinas face close to a cute red heads, bodies pressed against each other, dancing in close proximity. Tina pulled her head away, laughing and looked over towards the door. She froze as her eyes met Bettes.