Three weeks have passed since my lunch situation with Tina. Situation, thats what Alice would call it; neither a date nor a business lunch. However much I wished it was a date, I know it wont happen. Within those three weeks Ive been my happiest. I see Tina during lunch and although I hoped it was her I go home with at nights, I find ways to enjoy myself with her. I make the most of my lunch with her by taking most of my afternoons off.

Melanie called me around nine to ask if I wanted to go out for lunch. Mel was someone I dated for a year or so, years before Alice. We drifted apart cos our work was so demanding. She is a sculptor I got to know at art school. We were good friends and decided to have a go at relationship. But it just couldnt work out as she had to go here and there and I had to wait around for her. It just wasnt me. Im never one to wait around for anything or anyone. I was always on the go, if I like something then Ill take it or someone for that matter.

Melanie: So how about it Lizzie?

I used to love it when she calls me that. But that was all in the past. Me and Mel? Were just different people now. Mel has a way with people she knows just which strings to pull. She visits me whenever shes in LA. She never stays put! Everywhere she goes, people would stop and look. Shes beautiful; in fact I can safely say she was the most beautiful girl Id seen, well of course until I saw Tina.

Bette: Haha I havent heard that name for a long time, Mel. Nice of you to call me in such short notice!

Melanie: So how about it? Lunch? We can catch up on things.

Bette: Umm Ill have to get back to you on that. I need to check my schedule. Ive got your cell and Ill call you ok?

Melanie: Ok but dont disappoint me.

I wanted to have lunch with Tina more than anything. So as soon as I hung up on Melanie, I called Tina to make arrangements for lunch and I was ecstatic that she didnt have any plans with Eric. I planned on taking her to a Spanish restaurant not so far from here but obviously far from the girls especially Alice. God knows what shed say when she sees me and Tina. Well, I have to call Mel now.

Jason: Bette? Tinas on line 1.

I looked up to see Jason signalling for me to pick up the phone. Tina? Calling me just a few minutes after we hung up? This isnt a good sign. Either that or shes eager to see me. Well Ill bet on the former and hope for the later!

Bette: Thanks Jason.

I wonder why shes calling Please let it not be bad news.

Bette: Tina?

Tina: Hey Bette. Listen about lunch

Bette: You cant make it? (Please say thats not 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. (Darn it.)

Tina: Bye Bette and thanks!

She hung up. Well, since I dont have anything else Ill just go ahead and have lunch with Mel. She sounded excited when I told her I was free for lunch. At least Ill have a chance to catch up with her.

Mel met me at my gallery and we decided to have a light meal. The bistro we went to was jammed packed at this hour but we got seats nonetheless. We talked and had a good time at lunch. Turned out she was here for a good two weeks. I love having Mel around we have things in common like our passion for art and of course girls. The fact that we only ever see each other on our business trips and not to mention sparsely, I keep forgetting how much we enjoy each others company.

My lunch with Mel went well over 2 hours and within those two hours there were a lot of flirting. Mel hasnt changed. But I know the flirtation was harmless. Theres no way we could ever go back to being Mel and Bette or more famously known as Belanie! After lunch I dropped her off at the hotel she was staying and made a promise to see each other again at least once before she flies off to god knows where!

As I got to work, I felt more relaxed. I sat behind my desk and automatically my mind went overdrive to think of Tina. Oh well, might as well call her up.

James: Miss Kennards office how may I help?

Bette: Oh hey James its Bette here. Is Tina in?

James: Well she had a meeting but let me just check if its over Bette.

Bette: Thank you.

No wonder she cancelled lunch. I wondered if she wanted to make up our lunch with dinner plans.

Tina: Hello Bette?

Bette: Hey Tina. I am so sorry you had to cancel lunch today and I was wondering if youd like to join me for dinner tonight. (Please say yes and please dont tell me you have plans with Eric)

Tina: Umm I dont know Bette.

Bette: Its just dinner. I mean if you dont already have plans with Eric.

Tina: I dont but…

Bette: So youll come? Really its just dinner

Tina: Well, I guess if you put it that way. So where should I meet you?

I put it that way?!?! What way?

Bette: Tina are you ok?

Tina: Yeah Im great Bette. So where do you want to have dinner? Where shall I meet you?

Bette: Oh dont worry about it. I can pick you up.

Tina: Its ok, I prefer to meet you somewhere.

Okay Whats going on here? Thats not what I had in mind. But thats okay too.

Bette: Well I can get us a table at Miguels if thats ok with you. Since youre gonna drive meet me there around seven? I feel like Tapas tonight. Is that ok?

Tina: Yeah thats fine Bette. Ill see you there.

Bette: O

Tina hung up before I could say anything. Now, that was weird. Whats going on here? What is up with Tina? She must have had a bad day. Must be her meeting then. Ill work magic on you tonight and cheer you up Tina, oh I will. No one can resist the Porter Charm, youll see