There was a throng of people standing outside The Mandarin Caf. Some were clamoring for a table or realizing it was useless, yelling into cell phones going for Plan B. Bette surveyed the crowd as she handed her keys to the valet. Alice and her damn lists Bette muttered. This place is popular. Tina said stretching her neck to see over the crowd. Yeah, my friend wrote it up in her magazine. Top 10 something Bette trailed planning her attack. Hold on. Bette took Tinas hand as she weaved them through the crowd. Bette smiled, catching the eye of the hostess, she waived, Hi Julie. Hey you. Julie greeted Bette with a kiss on the cheek. This is Tina. Bette said stepping back. Nice to meet you. You too. Tina said shaking her hand. Table for two? Yes, please. After a quick glance around the full capaicty room Julie excused herself, Give me just one minute. K. Bette smiled turning to face Tina who had been distracted by an older womans need to find the ladies room. I think its right over there. Tina said pointing the way, her high vantage point in Karens shoes making it easier for her to see. The woman gone, Tina turned to find Bettes smiling eyes focused on her. Wow. Tina said breathlessly, Bettes overwhelming beauty betraying her inner monologue. A ***** giggle escaped Bettes lips. Mortified, Tina looked down at her shoes wondering how fast they could carry her away. Bette cradled Tina’s chin in her hand lifting her eyes from the floor. She leaned in softly pressing her lips to Tinas. Although it was just a moment, in that moment they had been able to make the world stop. The bustling dining room was silenced. The raucous bar had been emptied. The moons gravitational pull, rendered useless. All was gone as they drifted into each other. Wow. Bette sighed her eyes still closed as they parted. Ahem. Julie interrupted, bringing them both back down to earth. Right this way. She said walking briskly towards the back of the restaurant. Tina caught Bettes hand in mid-swing as Bette followed Julie. Bette feeling her, smiled to herself and pressed Tinas hand tighter. Have a great night ladies. Thanks Julie. Here okay? Bette said pulling out Tinas chair. Tina sank into the plush high backed chair that didnt seem to match the other diners. So, do you come here often? Tina asked, not realizing her clich. Bette playfully raised an eyebrow at Tina as she sat down. Tina laughed, I just meanOh GodI just mean the table. I think they brought it out for us. Yes, I started coming about a year ago. The bartender over there Bette pointed to a young man who was pouring the contents of a metal shaker into an over-sized martini glass, he had a showing at my gallery. He does the most amazing abstract pieces. He was the one to introduce me to this place. Its nice. I like it. Tina said looking around the room. She wasnt so much interested in the restaurant as she was at maintaining some semblance of composure. This woman had her at a loss. She had never felt such an intense attraction to anyone or anything ever before. Every inch of her body felt pulled to her. Having her here in front of her, all to herself, was almost too much. If she could distract herself with wall sconces and carpeting maybe she could get through the night. What beautiful lighting. Tina said desperate. Gorgeous. Bette nodded, wondering if Tina had noticed the perspiration on her hand when she had reached for her. Breath. Just breath. Bette silently reminded herself. How could she? Tina was radiant. Bette had agreed the lighting was beautiful but she had never taken her eyes from Tina. In all the times she had sat in this dining room, she had never remembered this glow. So would you like to share something or Bette said holding her menu trying to get Tinas attention from a particularly interesting spot on the carpet. Sharing is good. Tina nodded still not looking at Bette. Okay, well the chef has an amazing tasting menu. A little of everything? That sounds great. Tina said. Against her better judgment meeting Bettes eyes. Her body immediately reacting, she pressed against the table. Good. Bette smiled. And wine? Yes! Tina said a bit too excited. She quickly recovered, I can suggest something if you like. Okay, sure. Please. Bette nodded at the wine list. Tina flipped the pages finding exactly what she was looking for. I took, some courses a few years back. I once flirted with the idea of becoming a sommelier. Really? Well Im in good hands then. Bette sat back admiring. Tina looked up from the list and shot Bette a ***** grin. Yes you are. She said, surprising herself with her new found confidence. The food ordered; the waiter stood at Tinas side presenting the wine. She took her eyes off Bette for only a moment to nod her approval of the bottle. The waiter poured a mouthful in Tinas long stemmed glass and stood back waiting. Tina smiled as she lifted the glass to her mouth. Bette watched as the crimson liquid poured past Tinas parted lips. She tipped her head back ever so slightly holding it in her mouth for a moment before releasing it past her palate and down her throat. Bette had to grab the table leg to keep from gasping. She had forgotten to breath again. Thank you. Tina said glancing at the waiter. Its perfect. Bette rolled the cork of the freshly opened bottle of wine in her nimble fingers. For the last four and a half hours she and Tina had talked, laughed, and flirted their way through dinner and their life stories. Is this really our third bottle? Bette said noticing the other two identical corks that lay on the table, the only links to the passage of time. Yes Tina said looking around the half empty dining room. I guess it is. Bette checked her watch. What time is it? Tina asked picking up the cork Bette had been playing with. Quarter of 1? Bette said verifying her watch against the time of the wall clock. I had no idea it was this late. Me either. Are you tired? Do you want me to take you home? Bettes tone conveying she wanted anything but to leave this woman. No. Tina said abruptly. I mean, if you want to go home Not even a little bit. Bette reached across the table sliding her hand over Tinas. Good. Tina smiled noticing how beautiful Bettes skin contrasted her own. Bette flagged the waiter and he presented the bill eager for his last table to go home. Bette reached for it. No you dont. Please let me. Tina said placing her hand on top of Bettes. Tina, I insist. Bette protested pulling the bill and Tinas hand with it. I called you. Remember? Tina pulled back. Alright. Bette said relinquishing. You can get the next one. Tina winked. Deal. Tina tucked her crisp bills in the leather folder. Ready? Tina said pushing her chair back. Exact change? Bette asked standing. Youre prepared. Yes, Im like a girl scout. Tina giggled. I hope not. Bette said a coy smile spreading across her face. Tina rolled her eyes and held her hand out for Bette. Lets go. Where are you taking me T? Youll see. Tina said leading Bette through the dining room. She stopped and turned to Bette. Did you just call me T? I guessI guess I did. Bette said surprised at herself. It just came out. Its okay. I like it. I dont think anyone has ever called me that before. Then Im the first? Bette asked. Tina looked into Bette’s brown eyes, both knowing this question was about more than just a name. Yes. Yes you are.