Chapter 6

Bette and Tina were huddled around stacks of papers on Bette’s desk.  They had been working steadily since lunch when Bette leaned back and stretched before saying, “There, All done.  I can’t believe we got through all of this today.  I hate doing number crunching.  My accountant is going to pass out when he sees this information a week before the deadline; I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work.  I really don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Bette turned toward Tina for a response, but all she got was Tina staring at her with a glazed far off look in her eyes. 

Tina was tired and her defenses were down.  She was taken aback by Bette’s compliment and kind words, but even more taken by the relaxed expression on those beautiful lips.  ‘OMG’, ‘What did she say?’

Bette’s tender voice rescued her, “Tina, are you okay?”

“Um, yeah, oh, I’m sorry Bette, I guess I’m a bit tired.”

“That’s okay.  What do you say we pack it in for the night?”

“Sure, that would be great.”

“Hey Tina, I know you’re tired but do you feel like catching dinner on the way home?”

Tina could not stop staring at those f—ing lips – Oh shit.  ‘What did she say?  Dinner?  OMG!  She could not seem to speak.  All that came out was, “Um, oh….”

Bette responded quickly, turning to gather her things.  “I’m sorry Tina; I shouldn’t have put you in such an awkward position.  Your private life is your time and after a long week here you probably can’t wait to get away from me and this place.  It’s just that I think of you more as a colleague than an employee, or maybe …even as a friend.  I really shouldn’t have presumed….I’m so sorry if I crossed a line of any kind.  Please accept my apology and be assured that it will not happen again.”

Realizing what she’d done Tina looked at Bette with a horrified expression and with tears threatening. She quickly sputtered:  “Oh no… please Bette…”  Tina reached out and grabbed Bette’s wrist in a panic and turned Bette to face her.  Bette looked up into Tina’s eyes and saw the turmoil and tried to smile but her heart was breaking.  Tina quickly began, “Bette, please listen, I am so sorry.  I am delighted, honored, that you invited me to dinner.  I was really getting down thinking of spending the whole weekend alone in that big house, and you, you,… surprised me.  I really don’t know anyone in LA and feel honored, no privileged, that you would even consider being friends with me.  I love working with you.  Spending time with you has been like nothing else I have ever experienced.  This week has been like a dream, you’ve been so kind and patient…I would love to get to know you on a personal level. Please Bette, accept my apology for acting like an idiot, yet again.” 

Tina’s wide eyes were back and Bette was grinning from ear to ear listening to the heartfelt words of the beautiful blonde.  ‘Maybe this friend thing would work after all.  Uh Oh! No Stop, please.  Don’t cry.  Oh shit .  Quick Porter Speak!!!!!!’

“That’s great Tina, just be sure to let me know if I cross any lines that might make you feel obligated or uncomfortable.  Deal?”

Tina looked at her hand on Bette’s wrist, lowered her eyes and said:  “Oh Bette you have no idea how important you’ve become to me.  You gave me a chance and you believe in me.  I feel more alive when I’m with you…I mean working at the Gallery… than I have in years.  Please don’t worry about any lines between us.  Just be yourself.  Okay?”

They both looked at Tina’s hand on Bette’s wrist and a very sweet, nervous smile passed between them.  Bette broke the silence.  “Okay friend, what do you feel like eating?”