"Sure." Bette opened her door and climbed out of the sedan, then headed up to her door to unlock it.

Tina grabbed the bag of Thai from the back seat and headed up to the porch. Bette opened the door and stepped inside, making room for Tina to pass by.

"It’s not much, but I like to call it home." Bette watched as Tina stepped inside the town house, taking in her surroundings.

Her sandals landed softly on the dark mahogany floor; just outside the French doors across the house, her eyes were greeted with the sight of a glistening pool, highlighted by tall white palms that looked as if they had been painted into the landscape. Tina diverted her attention to the interior, looking through the bar and into the kitchen area, studying the shining world of stainless steel. When she looked to her left, Tina saw the living room: walls the color of sand, earth tones woven into the rug that lay green and crimson and tan on the floor. As Tina walked further into the house, she saw a painting, which immediately caught her eye.

Bette couldn’t stop smiling as she watched Tina study her abode. She saw the admiration in her eyes and couldnt have been happier. She saw Tina stop and look at the painting hanging over one of her tables and walked over, closing the door behind her.

"It’s Yuskavage."

Tina looked over in the direction of the voice. "What?"

Bette smiled and continued." Lisa Yuskavage. She’s an artist I met a couple of years ago during an art festival."

Bette waved over the piece with her forefinger, "She’s one of my absolute favorite artists. In that painting, Tina, I have the very definition of what I love in a woman."

Tina stared at Bette inquisitively. "How?"

Bette looked back up at the canvas. "Look at her: confident, proud of who she is, she knows what she wants and how to get it. She isn’t shy, she makes no apologies for who and what she is – all female. Hair tossed back and carefree, pout on her lips, hands caressing her body – she loves herself fully, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. She knows you’re watching, she wants you to see her. She wants you to see everything, but simultaneously shows you nothing. Strong, unbreakable and charismatic to boot – its a masterpiece, to say the least."

Tina stood staring at the canvas, absorbing the life which now poured forth from it. After a moment, her eyes crept away from the piece on the wall and onto the real woman standing next to her.

Bette looked down at Tina, a simple smile of contentment painted on her face and in her eyes. This was a moment Tina knew she would never forget.

Slowly, Tina drew her hand up and cupped Bette’s cheek, brushing her thumb along her partners cheekbone. She leaned in, placing a light kiss on Bette’s lips. Tina’s hand remained in place as she pulled away, and Bette leaned into her, angling her head so to place one delicate kiss in the palm of her smooth hand. Together they stood in silence and simplicity, watching each other, waiting comfortably for the next step.

Bette brought her hand up to Tina’s and drew it away from her face, turning it over and kissing her knuckles. Never losing eye contact, she asked, "Dinner?"

A small sigh escaped Tina as she nodded. "Dinner sounds wonderful."