The next week passed like a dream. Tina had called the very next day, and Bette had been thrilled to hear Tina’s voice on the other end of the line, asking if she wanted to go to a movie. It was a very casual date – the movie was a fairly engrossing Oscar contender, so Bette actually managed to pay attention even though her mind strayed to Tina throughout the duration of the film. They went to a little restaurant afterward and had a late dinner, talking over the plot of the movie and eventually straying to more personal topics, learning more about each other. They parted ways with no kiss or anything, but Bette had enjoyed it immensely.

Alice had been relentless in her digging, but Bette refused to be drawn and wouldn’t say much, just kept a silly smile on her face that drove Alice crazy.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this to me!” Alice had cried dramatically.

“Doing what, Alice? I’m just sitting here drinking my coffee. Don’t make a scene.”

“You’re sitting there looking like the cat that ate the frickin canary, and you won’t even throw me a bone. Who is this woman that’s got you looking so… so…”

Bette had raised a curious eyebrow. “So…?”

“Happy!” Alice has said, exasperated.

Bette laughed. “Sorry that my happiness is such an annoyance for you, Alice.”

“It’s not. But you won’t tell me anything!”

“Alright, alright. I went out with Tina again last night.”

“And?”

“And what? We saw a movie and had a bite to eat afterward, and talked.”

“Uh huh. And?”

“And nothing, Alice. I went home, that’s it.”

“Huh. Then why are you like, glowing? It’s sickening, by the way.”

Bette had had to laugh at that. “I guess because you’re right, Al. I’m happy.”

***

Bette had floated through her day at work, and spent more time agonizing about whether to call Tina. She didn’t want to seem overeager, but she didn’t want Tina to always be the one reaching out. When 4 o’clock came and Tina hadn’t called yet, Bette assumed she wasn’t going to hear from her and decided against calling herself. She didn’t want to come across as desperate.