It was on her way back to the dormitory after classes that Tina saw the photograph of the woman who would be giving the talk on Art and Film in Taylor’s Hall that night.  She hadn’t intended going; it had been a long and grueling day, but there was something   about the woman’s smile that changed her mind. She had an impressive list of credentials, was aYale graduate, and owned an up-and- coming art gallery in LA.

Her name was Bette Porter, and she  proved to be a compelling speaker as well as extremely beautiful. Tina was captivated.

“What’s the matter with me?” she asked herself.  “Am I becoming gay or something?”

 She decided to get up and leave quietly after the talk, but found herself moving in the direction of the group surrounding the speaker.  Coffee and cookies had been provided, but Tina had a good idea what that coffee would taste like.  She managed to get within speaking distance of Ms Porter, and said, predictably enough,

“I really enjoyed your talk, Ms Porter.”

“Thank you,” Bette replied.  There was that smile again. They continued to chat until they suddenly realized the rest of the group had gone and they were the only ones left in the Hall.   Tina took courage in hand and said,

 “I think you deserve a better cup of coffee than that!”  She removed the styrofoam cup of coffee that Bette was holding.  “Would you let me buy you a decent cup  at Tim Horton’s?  It isn’t far…”

The smile.  “That would be lovely…” She hesitated.

 “Tina,” Tina supplied.  “Tina Kennard. Come on…” She looped her arm through Bette’s and they were both shocked at the instant electricity that ran between them.  Bette glanced at the young woman walking beside her.  She was tall, as tall as Bette herself, dressed casually in faded jeans and a nondescript red sweater, with long, honey-blonde hair tied back in a pony tail. She smiled at Bette, her hazel eyes crinkling at the corners.  Bette’s heart, for some reason, skipped a beat.

They talked until late into the night.  Tina told her about her dream of working for a Hollywood studio, and about  the difficulties of the course.  Bette recounted her college days and her struggles getting her gallery started.  Neither of them wanted to leave, but finally Tina mentioned that  she had an early class and Bette reluctantly said good bye, but before she left she handed Tina her card.

“Come to the gallery some time,” she invited.  “I’ll be glad to show you around…”

“I will,” Tina promised her. 

What’s happening here?  Both of them were asking themselves that question as they walked away, Tina to the house she shared with several other students, and Bette to the parking lot where she had left her car.  They were both smiling happily to themselves.

— End of Chapter 1 —