“She’s curious,” Bette explained, sitting down at a coffee shop.

Her friend smiled in that sinister way she enjoyed, making it obvious with her expression that she found it quite clichéd.

“No, I know. But … some of it … I don’t know. I don’t feel like I could do that.” And besides, her friend would quickly point out to her, some of that equipment was expensive and difficult to buy at that. It would be best if this Tina came to her house to witness for herself how she uses some of these items. Yes, that would be best.

“I’m not sure that’s what she needs right now. I honestly think she’s just very curious.” I wouldn’t wanna scare her … or maybe she’d realize we haven’t done enough together …

Her friend assured her it would be just fine as she read the look on Bette’s face. Pulling out a cigarette at the thought.

“You can’t smoke in here.”

A week later:

Tina tucked her hair behind her ears in a nervous tell that always gave Bette a smile. They were standing at the front door of Simone Kelpierre’s house, waiting. For what exactly? – they weren’t sure.

Nervous but very much excited, Tina was the first to speak. “Should we knock?”

No, she’ll just sense we’re here, Bette teased to herself, not tempting to voice the joke aloud. Instead, she found herself taking pleasure in Tina’s uncertainty. Usually when they were talking about sex, Tina was the more confident participant, and even when they were shopping for toys or researching an idea. This, however, was different. Tina didn’t know what to expect. She wanted to see, and to meet the mystery Simone, but it was surprisingly difficult to begin on their adventure. Maybe Bette would knock for her, seeing as she knew the woman? She turned with her eyebrows lifted as a sort of question, and Bette understood, but she simply stood there. She smiled warmly at Tina, and waited for her to be ready.

Tina had to knock two times with a long wait in between before the door was opened, and Tina was shocked. This woman before her looked so sure of herself that it nearly caused a wind of its own. There would be no hesitation with that woman, and Tina could sense it right away. It also gave her a sense of fear.