Bette sat in her office, thinking of Tina. It had been 3 days since their lunch and she had not seen or talked to her since that day. It was killing her not to talk to her. She had to try so hard not to call her. Bette just could not shake Tinas thought from her head. Why hasnt she called me? Bette was not used to having to work for anyones affection. What has this woman done to me? Bette could not concentrate at all, she called Chris into her office. I am just going to go home and try to get this girl out of my head, and out of my heart.

Chris: hey Bette, whats up?

Bette: Chris, I am useless here, I am going to just go home, and will work from the house. If you need anything, just call me. I am just not doing any good here.

Chris: so that blonde has not called you back? You mean someone out there is actually immune to the Bette Porter charm?

Bette: ha-ha very funny, Chris. But yes, someone is giving me a hard time winning their affection and I am not used to this. It makes it worse that I like her even more because of that. Strange huh?

Chris: Bette, she is straight. I hear you are good, but my guess is not THAT good. Now go on home, and just relax, do you want me to get the invitations out for the show next weekend?

Bette: yes, please, and do send one to Eric and Tina.

Chris: you are encourageable. But I will get that done. See you later, Boss and have a nice weekend.

Bette: thank you and you do the same.

Bette walked to her car. Tina is all she could think of. She decided to stop off at the coffee house on the corner to grab a quick coffee, hoping Alice would be there. Alice was always a good listener. She walked in and surveyed the room, she saw Alice in the corner, and she gave a quick wave and ordered a cup of coffee and made her way to Alice.

Bette: hey Al, how is it going? You going to make the show this weekend?

Alice: yes, of course, I am trying to find a date, no such luck yet. You going with anyone?

Bette: no, I really have not thought about it. I guess if you dont find someone and I dont find someone we could go together.

Alice: oh Bette, you are too kind. (laughing) Porter, you really are the lady killer arent you?
Bette: Al, you know I did not mean it THAT way, I just meant, well, we have always had the arrangement. You would not want to go with me?

Alice: Of course, I would go with you IF you would just ask me and not make it seem like a privilege.

Bette: FINE~Al, would you like to go with me to the show on Saturday?

Alice: I would love it, Thank you Bette.

Bette: great, then I will pick you up at 7. Hey have you seen Tina Kennard? You know, Erics girlfriend.

Alice: I knew IT, I knew you were holding out for that girl. Hahaha I do know you Porter. Spill it.

Bette; there is really nothing to spill. She came back after the show last time to pick up her earring and I kissed her. (Alice is smiling) she left pretty suddenly, but, then we had lunch a few days later. I told her I was attracted to her, she admitted liking the kiss, but it scared her. She told me she was not sure what she wanted, and my response was as long as she could handle knowing what I wanted. I have not spoken to her since.

Alice: what do you want, Bette? Do you know?

Bette: (sighing) honestly, Al, I can not get her out of my mind. She is all I think of. I know her smile, and the softness of her skin, and the feeling I had when I kissed her, I am not sure what that means. I just know she is in my skin, on my mind.

Alice: hmmm, interesting, Porter, your charm is not working, that has to be a first.

Bette: ***** you Al, (smiling) but it is an ego bruiser. I am not used to such hard work, but something is telling me that she is worth the hard work, worth the wait. What should I do?

Alice: for starters, I will meet you at your place on Saturday and we are going to make you so ***** HOT all the eyes will be on you. You need to be ready to woo Ms. Kennard and show her what you have to offer. Open her eyes, Bette.

Bette: okay Al, come on over and you can help me get beautiful for Tina. You are a great friend. Thanks Alice.

Alice: you are more then welcome, I liked her too, you guys looked good together. You have your work cut out for you though, she is straight, and she has a boyfriend.

****at Tinas

Eric: so you never really told me how lunch went with Bette?

Tina: it was nice, she is an interesting woman. She wants to be a director of a larger museum, but loves her gallery. I think she is having a show again soon, I hope she invites us, that was fun last time

Eric: I knew you would like it, and Bette, well she is so charming, everyone falls for her. She is an amazing woman.

Tina nods her head in agreement, as she thinks of Bette. She has been dying to call her, but afraid of what she would say, she really would like to see Bette again, but is that a good thing? Tina could not get the kiss out of her head. Kissing Bette Porter, it made Tinas heart race, but she loved Eric. Didnt she? I am not, can not be attracted to a woman, I am straight, I have a boyfriend. Tina was so involved in her own thoughts she did not hear Eric talking to her.

Eric: so what do you think, Tina?

Tina: umm, I am sorry, what did you say? I went off somewhere.

Eric: I said, I need to go San Fransico this weekend, would you like to come?

Tina: this weekend? Eric, I wish I could, but remember, I need to go in to the office this weekend? I told you that.

Eric: oh yea, I forgot, well it is only for a couple of days. Hey, lets go watch that movie

Tina: sure,
She walked into the living room, Bette Porter still deep in her thoughts.

TBC