Previously: Baby, I dont know if I can get out of here by then. You must be joking. Youre kidding right? Tina, I wish I was. Ive got an opening her tomorrow night and a hundred people and artists and buyers to attend to. Ive got a crew here first thing in the morning. I have to be ready for them or this whole thing doesnt happen. Bette took a deep breath calming herself. Im sorry Baby. I will do my best. Alright. Call me. Tina hung up. She could feel a lump developing in her throat as she shuffled the papers on her desk. Jesus Bette. She whispered to herself as she picked up her car keys and bag. Bye, Marie. She waived pushing her sunglasses on her face to hide her defeated expression. See you Monday, Tina. You kids have fun. Thanks Marie. Ill try. Tina climbed into her car and made her way back to her cramped apartment. ************************************************************* Tina sat on the edge of her bed clicking her half empty wine glass with her newly manicured nails. Where the ***** is she? She said looking at her quiet cell phone. Tina stood a bit and smoothed the material of her long black dress beneath her for the hundredth time. Bette be damned, she wasnt going to show up for her anniversary a wrinkled mess. Tina checked her makeup in the mirror that was leaning against her empty dresser. She kept one eye on her cell phones reflection and one eye on the liquid liner she was perfecting on her upper lid. Fearing any additional primping would result in her resembling a poor excuse for a drag queen, Tina grabbed her cell phone breaking the rules she had set for herself on her way home that night and dialed Bettes office number. After six unanswered rings Tina sighed and hung up. Relieved that at least Bette was on her way home, she quickly dialed Bettes cell. This is Bette Porter. Im unable to Bettes voicemail picked up immediately. Tina threw her phone back down on her bed and headed to the kitchen to refill her glass. Thank you so much for your help. Bette spoke into her cell phone. Everything looks beautiful. The space is just exquisite. Well meet up next week to go over the final paperwork? Great. Thank you so much. I know everything was on such short notice. Oh, well. Thank you. Ill call you next week. Okay, Bye. Bette set her cell phone down on a crate of unopened artwork and rolling up her sleeves, made her way into the other room. Tina paced the small piece of floor left in her living room not inhabited by her boxed belongings. She had foregone a second glass of wine, deciding she needed absolute clarity when she explained just exactly how furious she was when and if she ever did speak to Bette again. I cant believe this! She yelled, throwing her hands in the air, exasperated. Kicking a box out of her way she started charging into her bedroom to retrieve her cell phone but was stopped mid war path by a knock at the door. Finally. Tina exhaled straightening her dress and her hair. She took a deep breath and swung the door open planting her hand on her hip, ready for a fight. Hiya! Oh *****. Tina said stepping back from the door. Oh my, such dirty talk from such a pretty girl. Alice said pulling on Tinas dress strap as she walked into the apartment. Sorry. So ummmwhats up? Tina forced a smile as she closed the door. Nothing. Just stopping by. Saying Hi.. Seeing if you need any help packing. Whats with the dress? You run out of clothes? Alice inquired weaving her way to Tinas refrigerator. No. Tonight is our anniversary. Im waiting for Bette. Ohhhright right. I forgot. Alice said opening a beer. What time are you out of here? Well, our reservation is at 7:30 Who eats at 7:30? Alice asked searching for food. Yeah, well not me apparently since its Tina looked at the time on the microwave, 6:57 and I havent heard from Bette in hours. I tried calling her office and her cell and I just got her voicemail. Well I drove by the gallery on the way here. Alices voice echoed as she ducked her head into the empty cabinets. Admitting defeat in her quest for food, she turned to face Tina who looked very anxious. Her car is still out front. When was thatexactly? Tina hurriedly asked slipping on her shoes. Ummm, bout ten minutes ago Id say. Alright, can you let yourself out? Sure. Alice said quite uncertainly. Thanks. Bye. Wait. Where are you going? To kick some *****. Tina said flatly running out the door. Uh-oh. Bye. Tina jumped in her car and tossed her right shoe onto the passenger seat. She did not want her heel to interfere with her ability to accelerate. Six minutes and several questionable yellow lights later, Tina pulled her car into the space beside Bettes. Taking a deep breathe she pried her hands from the steering wheel. She tried to take a moment to center herself, but it was useless. Her anger over being set aside so carelessly by the woman she loved, the woman she would do anything for was all encompassing. Tina felt the lump returning to her throat. Refusing to cry, she grabbed her flung shoe and made her way to the back door of the gallery. She knew from previous experience that it would be the only door open at this hour; ready to take in last minute deliveries or worse, nervous artists questioning anything from their show choices to their life choices. Bette? Tina called out into the darkened back room. Are you in here? She flicked the light switch on the wall. Hello? Hearing nothing, she moved deeper into the main gallery. The further in she moved, the dimmer the light borrowed from the back room became. She was careful to not disturb the intricate displays waiting to be shown the next night. Bette, its Tina. Where are you? Tina fumbled along the darkened wall feeling for the cool metal bar of the door that separated the main gallery from the smaller show space Bette used to entertain special guests. Finding it, she pushed against the door, its heft requiring her to put her shoulder into it. Oh my God! Tina gasped. She clutched her chest in one hand and smothered her mouth with the other. Tinas heart had stopped at the sight awaiting her on the other side of the door. Its loud clang as it returned to its latch was enough to shock her back into rhythm. Do you like it? Bette asked stepping out from the shadows, her emerald green satin sheath catching the flickering light of the thousand candles that illuminated the room. Tina, still holding her hand to her mouth, could only nod as tears formed at the corners of her eyes. Itsits beautiful Bette. I cant believe Tina looked over the transformed space. Thousands of yards of sheer red material hung from the ceiling creating a canopy above them and the elegant seating area Bette had created. Candles played off the rich colors that filled the room. Exotic flowers spilled onto the floor. Everywhere, everything was breathtaking. I cant believe you did all of this. Tina said turning to look into Bettes beaming eyes. I love it. Im glad Baby. Bette said brushing one of Tinas tears from her cheek before pulling her into a long passionate kiss. Thank you. Tina whispered leaning her forehead against Bettes. I love you. Bette gently kissed Tinas lips. I love you too Tina. Tina rested her head on Bettes shoulder as they held each other, both unwilling to let go. I cant believe you did all this. Howd howd Tinas voice said filled with amazement and adoration. Well Bette said stroking Tinas hair as they both began to sway, I decided that Jamie was capable of finishing up the preparations for tomorrow night Tina picked up her head to look at Bettes mouth, hoping seeing the words as they were formed would help her ears believe what they were hearing. So I spent the last few days and nights preparing for you. Bette continued, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. You? My Bette? You turned over one of your shows to an assistant? Well it wasnt like I wasnt hear in case of an emergency, but yes, I guess I did. Bettes sheepish smile broadened, I had more important things to do. You are the. Tina kissed Bettes lips. most amazing woman. Kiss Ive ever known. Kiss I love you. Kiss I love you. Kiss I love you. Tina pushed a lock of Bettes hair behind her ear. You make me so happy T. Bette closed her eyes as Tina stroked her face. So can I ask you a question? Tina whispered. Bette opened her eyes and set them on her loves beautiful face. Sure. Howd you know Id come here? A sly gin pulled at Bettes lips, I sent Alice. Tina rolled her eyes at herself realizing her set up. Wow. Shes good. Tina shook her head. Shall we eat? Bette said placing her hand on the small of Tinas back. Id love to. Tina smiled taking Bettes lead. That was extraordinary. Tina said wiping her mouth with her burnt orange linen napkin that matched the satin pillows that surrounded them. Everything is amazing. Im glad you like it. Bette said filling Tinas champagne glass before setting the bottle down on to the low table that separated them. I feel awful. Tina said her smile turning into a frown as she looked down on to her lap. I was in such a mad rush to get here, I didnt bring your present, and look at all of this. Tina said throwing her hands up and letting them fall limp beside her. I didnt even bring your card. I promise Babe that I will Tina. Stop. Look at me. Bette commanded. Her tone turning serious Look at me Tina Tina raised her head and looked deep into Bettes eyes. I haveI have everything I could ever need, right here in front of me. All of thisBette waived her hand around the room. is nothing compared to what you Her voice hitched, to what you have given me. I love you Tina. She took a deep breath and reached across the table taking Tinas hand in hers. Im afraid its more than I could ever show you, or tell you. More than anything. Bette blinked as her tears made their way down her cheek. Tina slid herself across the satin cushions bringing her body to lie beside Bettes. You show me. You show me your love, everyday. Every time I look at you, I hear your voice. Every time I feel you. You show me…everything. Tina lifted herself up catching Bettes tears with her lips. Bette let out a faint whimper as she gave herself over to Tina. There under the warm red glow of the candlelit canopy, they made love. Tina? Bette whispered untangling herself from their embrace. Hmmm? Tina asked opening her eyes that had become heavy from their love making. I have something for you. Bette said wrapping herself in a long piece of golden fabric as she walked to the darkened corner of the room. What else could you possibly have for me Babe? I just want you to come back her and lie next to me. Me too. Bette whispered making her way back into the light carrying a simply wrapped box. She sat next to Tina, placing the box between them. Open it. Bette calmly requested. What is it? Tina asked propping herself up on an elbow and searching Bettes face for a hint. Open it. Bettes voice was steady. Tina slipped the small card from beneath the cloth ribbon that secured her gift. She turned it over and read: Never Again. She knit her brow and looked up at Bette completely puzzled. Bette was motionless. Tina hesitantly pulled on the ribbon and removed the top of the box. She reached in and pulled out a stack of papers. What is…Tina started before recognizing the little yellow flags that pointed to her signature. Tina looked up at Bette, utterly confused. Why do you have Never again. Bette interrupted. Never again do I want to wake up without you beside me. Never again. Tina smiled but still she was unsure of what all of this meant. I went to see John today. Bette continued. and I asked him to give you, us one more day before filing your lease. Tina’s smile grew wider as she listened to Bettes words. Tina, Id like you to live with me. Bette took a breath I want to sleep with you every night. I want to wake up with you every morning. Bettes words quickened with her racing heart, I want you take up my closet space. I want you to hog the bathroom, and I want there to be absolutely no doubt that the milk carton in my refrigerator has had your lips on it. I though you hated it when I did that. Tina laughed. I love it Tina. I love it, and I love you. Bette pushed the box aside and pinned Tina beneath her. So what do you say? Bette asked her ***** grin hovering over Tinas lips. I say, yes. I say yes. Tina strained her neck reaching for Bettes lips with her own. Bette fell upon them as they tangled in each other again and again. The early morning sun streamed across Bettes perfect skin as Tina took in her beauty. She leaned in kissing Bettes forehead as she began to stir. Her eyes still closed, Bette smiled. Tina placed her mouth next to her ear and whispered. Lets go home.