Bette plastered a fake smile on her face and shifted her gaze from Tina to the bar. As she walked she made sure to portray a strong confidence in each step, but if only everyone could see what she was really feeling inside. Sitting down at the bar she ordered a vodka tonic replaying the scene she just saw in her mind over and over again. If she didnt want a relationship with Tina, then she didnt understand why she was feeling this way. An intense jealousy festered inside of her causing anger and hurt to build. She denied that it was her fault, secretly blaming Tina for ditching her so quickly after everything they had been through. A young dark haired woman approached Bette, sitting next to her, sipping on a whiskey.

Youre Bette Porter, right?

Bette looked over to see a very attractive woman, though seemingly very young. Smiling, she replied, Thats me. Whos asking?

Im Esther.

Esther? Thats a fine biblical name, isnt it? Bette flirted.

You might change your mind about that later. She stood up and gestured for Bette to follow her to the dance floor. As Bette began to oblige, Alice stepped in between them.

Hey there, Porter, care to join me for a drink?

Not now Al. Bette said through clenched teeth.

I insist, my treat. Alice pushed her back to the bar, looking over her shoulder to Esther, giving her an evil glare. She walked away shaking her head.


After Bette broke the gaze between her and Tina, Tina stepped away from her dancing partner and searched for Mandy. She was found dancing across the room.

Tina grabbed her arm. Mandy, will you sit and have a drink with me?

Mandy nodded and they headed towards a table by the bar. After getting their drinks and sitting down, Mandy spotted Bette at the bar, wondering if she should tell Tina. She decided it would be better to be honest.

Tina, did you know Bettes here?

Yes, I saw her when she walked in and she saw me dancing with that little red head. Who knows what shes thinking about it. I hope she didnt get the wrong idea. Why do you ask?

Mandy nodded towards the bar. Shes right over there at the bar. Maybe you should go talk to her.

I dont know. Everything is so awkward all of a sudden. I dont know what happened. What did I do?

First of all, you cant blame yourself because you did nothing wrong. Second of all, go talk to her otherwise this party is going to suck and youll be watching her every move all night.

Tina sighed and stood up. Youre right. She took a long drink of her gin and tonic and headed towards the bar. Out of nowhere came a ***** brunette, placing herself right next to Bette, close enough to almost be in her lap. Tina watched the interaction, hiding behind a group of women next to the bar. She only could catch a few choice phrases from their conversation and when she saw them head to the dance floor, she turned around and joined Mandy again at the table, defeat written all over her face.

Tina didnt even have the heart to turn around and watch Bette dance with the woman. It hurt her inside and feeling dejected, she tapped her fingers on the table in silence.


So Al, want to tell me what the ***** youre doing? A frustrated Bette asked.

Saving your sorry ***** from making a mistake.

The only thing you did was ruin a promising opportunity.

Alice looked at Bette, squinting, studying her. Do I even know you? What happened to the woman who was smitten with a pretty blonde for the last couple of months?

Look, Alice, its just not going to work out. Bette looked away and took a drink.

Dumb *****. Alice mumbled as she started to walk away, disgusted.

Bette grabbed her by the belt. Excuse me?

Sighing, Alice said, Dumb *****. You are a dumb *****, Bette Porter. Now if youll excuse me, there are other more honest and interesting people Id like to socialize with.

Honest? Please explain what the ***** youre talking about. Bette didnt loosen her grip on Alices belt.

If you let go of me, Ill tell you. Bette obliged and Alice sat down again. Bette, I dont know where you get off just dropping Tina like that. I mean, how can you rationalize your actions? Ive seen you drop women before but only when you never promised them anything. They knew what they were getting themselves into, but Tina? Why?

Alice, I have a perfectly good reason for what Im doing. She paused.

Enlighten me.

Bette hesitated before responding. Well… I dont want a commitment and things are starting to get too serious. I dont want Tina to get the wrong idea.

The wrong idea?

Yes, I never meant to have a big commitment with her.

Liar.

Excuse me?

You heard me, Bette. I think youre a liar. From day one youve fallen for her harder than a brick from the fortieth floor, so cut the bullshit.

Bette glared at Alice. What makes you think Tina is any different than all the other women?

Do you ever listen to me? Alice rolled her eyes. She pointed Bettes gaze to a table across from the bar. Look at her. She is stunning and obviously hurt. Do you even care? She has been to ***** and back to be with you. Her life has been turned upside down and all you can say is youre not into relationships. Go ***** yourself, Porter because Ive heard enough of this *****.

Alice once again stood up but Bette clenched her arm. Please stay, Al. Dont leave me here. Alice raised her eyebrows. I promise Ill speak… openly, honestly.

Alice sat again waiting for Bette to talk.


Well, Tina its almost midnight and it looks like your woman isnt going to kiss you when the new year strikes. Liz shook her head.

What a *****. Tesa added.

I must admit, she does have some nerve waltzing in here in that gorgeous outfit, turning all the heads. She knew what she was doing before she even walked in the door. Think she knew youd be here, Tina? Mandy asked.

No, I really dont. Judging by the look on her face when she saw me, her surprise was just as great as mine. Tina sighed and finished off her fourth drink. I think Im going to go home.

How? Liz asked.

Cab. You guys stay here and have fun. She stood up and headed towards the door not even looking for one last look at Bette.


Back at the bar, Alice waited for Bette to spill.

Ok, Alice, I admit I fell for Tina hard and fast. It was fine for a while as she came to terms with who she was. I was there for her, supporting her and giving her the space she needed. It was a pursuit for me… a very long pursuit. But she was mine in the end.

And…

And the ***** was great. Bette closed her eyes and smiled.

Got that, Porter. Continue.

I just dont do relationships well, Alice. How long before it all gets fucked up and we destroy each other? I dont know how to wake up with someone the morning after *****, never mind sharing a life together. Its so… foreign.

God, Bette will you just get over your insecurities for one minute and think about how lucky you are to have found someone like Tina? Do you think opportunities like this come around all the time?

Bette had never thought of it in this way before. She had always allowed her fears and insecurities to dominate any other thoughts. But what Alice just said struck a nerve that had once been dormant.

I never thought about that, Al. Bette looked terrified.

Well, start thinking and try to fix things before its too late. How many times do I have to tell you that Tina fits with you. Shes like the perfect pair of jeans. God knows I dont have that yet. Alice reached her head over her shoulder to look at her *****.

So you think I should just push through all this other stuff and go for it with Tina?

Duh. But youd better be quick. Looks like she just walked out the door.

Bette chugged the rest of her drink and quickly walked to the door, pushing past women to stumble outside. Tina was talking to a cab driver, ready to jump in the back seat.

Tina! Tina wait! Please! Bette yelled as loudly as she could, waving her arms. Tina didnt hear her. Deciding to go for it, Bette sprinted towards the car, not caring about anything except reaching Tina before she was gone. As the cab started to roll out of the parking lot, Bette caught it before it sped off. She threw herself against the window, looking Tina in the eyes, banging her hand against the glass so the driver would stop. The window fogged with Tinas breath, the glass dividing them. Tina stared at her with question and doubt in her eyes and Bette stood there hoping Tina would plant her feet firmly on solid ground with her.