Chapter 41

Streets of West Hollywood

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Bette slapped her steering wheel as she continued her drive home. Shaking her head at herself, she couldn’t believe she had actually resisted a sure thing. Tina was so ready for the taking. Of all times for her common sense and conscience to take over, tonight had to be the night they colluded against her physical desire. She felt cheated, but at the same time, she was proud of herself.

Admitting to herself that she started to like Tina was difficult given the circumstances.

What are you thinking, she’s straight for Chrissakes!  Bette was trying to talk herself out of her feelings but to no avail.

In the past, being a straight girl’s experiment was a welcome endeavor for Bette. It was a symbiotic relationship which provided her with a quick and dirty lay while at the same time providing the experience that those straight girls were seeking in one form or another. No strings. No feelings. No problem.

Except where Tina was now concerned, it could be a problem. A huge problem. Bette knew that they needed to have a discussion about where this thing with them could go. It was scary, but so very necessary. She resolved to talk to Tina about their potential at lunch tomorrow.

I get to see her again tomorrow.  The thought made Bette smile again.

Pulling into the driveway, Bette could hear the familiar sound of Alice’s guitar coming from the backyard. She rolled her windows up and killed the engine. She walked towards the back and saw that all four of her neighbors were in the studio. Tayo and Alice were standing side-by-side playing together and Shane was just behind them tapping the bongos as they all stared at the Mac notebook set up on the table.

Carmen had her headphones around her neck but sat on Tayo’s bed listening to her fellow band members as they played. She noticed Bette walking up the driveway.

“Hey, Little Porter!” she greeted their manager.

“Hi, Carmen.” She stood at the doorway of the studio. The other three looked at her and smiled as she nodded at them.

Bette saw Angus on the laptop screen through the Skype window. He was playing a few guitar licks that were unfamiliar to her. She stood by and watched the virtual jam session until Angus cut it short and looked back up at the camera.