She should be here any minute, Bette said with an uncomfortable smile as she looked around the table. Maybe you should give her a call, you know, its probably just really bad traffic, Alice suggested after sucking her soda noisily through a straw. Bette had gathered a group of her friends for dinner to meet the woman she was kind of seeing for a while now. Alice loved that title; Short and to the point! she had told Bette, sarcastically slamming her fist on the table. Bette looked at her watch and fished her cell phone out of her purse as she stood up and excused herself, Ill be right back. She walked toward the lobby and stood next to the pay phone as she dialed Tinas cell phone number. She got the voice mail, Damn it Tina, she muttered under breath. She hung up and dialed Tinas home number and only got her answering machine. She exhaled in frustration and finally dialed Tinas office number, tapping her foot in annoyance.

Just as she was going to hang up she heard Tinas breathless voice, Hello? Tina where the fuwhere are you, weve been waiting for a half hour! Tina interrupted her, still trying to catch her breath, Baby, Im so sorry, I just got to the phone, we were supposed to be in the meeting for like an hour tops and this guy just kept going on and on Bette was beyond irritation at this point, And you couldnt pick up your cell phone and call me? Tina stuttered slightly; she didnt like Bettes tone and she didnt understand why she was blowing up like this; Tinas voice had an edge as she answered, BeBette my phone was in my office and even if I had brought it with me, its not like I could just leave the meeting to answer a personal call. Bette was too upset to even register the change in Tinas voice, Tina, just forget it okay, by the time you even make it the freeway, well be ordering dessert. Tina was thoroughly pissed now, Fine! she shouted slamming the phone. She couldnt remember the last time someone had gotten her so angry.

Bette looked at her phone in disbelief and pressed it to her ear again to convince herself that Tina had hung up on her. She stomped out of the lobby and back into the restaurant. It had been Tinas idea, anyway, to meet some of Bettes friends; and, now she was stuck having dinner with them alone. By the look on Bettes face, Alice assessed the little conversation had not gone well. Stuck in traffic? Alice asked with a grimace. Bette sat down with a sigh, Uhher meeting went longer than she expectedso she probably wont be joining uswe should just go ahead and order. She knew it was a lie, but she didnt feel like discussing the fact that she was in the midst of what seemed to be her first fight with Tina. Are you sure? I mean we dont mind waiting a little longer, right? Alice offered, looking around the table. Bette smiled, but her face was still tense, No, well just reschedule for some other time. With that, Bette opened her menu and tried to steer the conversation away from Tina.

At Tinas apartment

*****! Tina shouted out loud. She had just sat down at her computer to get some work done when she realized she was missing a floppy disk with the files she needed at her office. She slumped in her chair and groaned, then got up quickly. She needed the notes, which meant she needed to go back to her office. Hopefully, she wouldnt have to spend another hour and half in traffic. She had grabbed her purse and her hand was on the doorknob when the door bell rang. She opened it and saw Bette standing there with what looked like Chinese take-out in a brown bag. I hope you havent eaten? she said softly. Tina set her jaw, I havent, but I need to head out. Without saying another word, she took the bag from Bette and walked toward the kitchen. Bette followed her in taking a deep breath before speaking, T, Im really sorry about Tina walked passed her and toward the door, I dont have time for this Bette, I need to go. Well, where the ***** do you need to go? Bette asked bristling slightly. What Tina wanted to say was, none of your ***** business, but what came out of her mouth was, I left something at my office and I need to go get it. She stood by the open door waiting for Bette to walk out, but Bette sat down on the arm of the couch, Well, do you mind if I wait for you here? Tina shrugged her shoulders and sarcastically replied, Well, I just need to warn you ahead of time, Im gonna be LATE getting back.

Bette decided she had enough and got up, marching out the door. Tina followed her out, closing the door behind her and turning to lock it. Bette was pacing back and forth behind her ranting, You know I came all the way over here to apologize, the least you can do is hear me out. Tina turned to her with a look of utter disbelief and started walking down the hall with Bette right beside her:

Tina: Well, thats really funny, Bette, coming from you.

Bette: What the ***** is that supposed to mean?

Tina: Well, first of all you barely let me get a word in edgewise, and second when I was finally able to say something, you werent even listening to me.

Bette: Look, I didnt even want to do this dinner thing in the first place!

Tina: Bette, Im really sorry for having inconvenienced you today, but it was out of my control!

They stopped short at the front entrance, yielding to an elderly woman coming in from walking her poodle. Tina pushed the door open, bounding down the front steps angrily; she knew Bette wasnt following because she couldnt hear the clicking of her Nine West heels. She rethought turning around and just forged ahead to the parking lot.

***about an hour later***

Tina pushed the door open wearily. She had successfully retrieved her floppy disk in record time (for Los Angeles anyway) and would finally be able to get a little work done. But she felt awful about fighting with Bette. She wanted to call her so they could exchange their apologies, but she couldnt get over Bettes rudeness on the phone. She was used to Bettes impatience and the occasional flaring of her temper, but usually these were over trivial things or, at least, not solely directed at Tina. Tina walked into the kitchen and saw the bag of take-out on the counter. She was trying to apologize, you idiot, she thought to herself. She looked into the bag and noticed that it wasnt Chinese food but Thai from this place Tina absolutely loved. She vaguely recalled mentioning it to Bette; she noticed that all the dishes she told Bette she drooled over were in the bag as she pulled out carton after carton. She suddenly felt extremely guilty and looked at the phone reflectively. She decided against calling Bette and instead packed all the food back into the bag and grabbed her keys. She could wake up early tomorrow and get her work done then.

At Bettes apartment

Bette rubbed her eyes for the hundredth time and tried to focus on the words on the page. It was to no avail, she couldnt read the book, she couldnt look at the proofs sitting on the coffee table, and she had already tried watching TV to get her mind off Tina. She had never been that cold with her; but, then again, Bette had never treated her like that before. Bette looked at the ceiling and shook her head at her own stupidity. Im such a ***** idiot. She got up from the couch, deciding to take a long bath instead of trying to call Tina. Bette figured she needed to get work done and would just get angrier at her if she was interrupted. She thought she heard a knock at the front door and spun around, craning her neck and listening more intently. She heard a louder knock and ran to the door. Opening it, she found Tina standing with a brown bag in her arms. Dj vu? Tina asked grinning.

Bette smiled back and opened the door wider for Tina to go in. Tina made her way to the kitchen and placed the bag on the counter. Turning to Bette, she rubbed her chin and launched into the speech she had worked on during her drive, Bette, Im really sorry I was so curt with you But before she got another word out, Bette hugged her and began her own heart-felt apology, Its ok, I was an *****, you dont need to apologize. Since Bette was holding her so tightly, she was having some trouble breathing and saying anything else. Bette finally pulled away after several moments and looked into Tinas eyes. It was the food wasnt it? she asked with an arched brow and a big smile. Tina just laughed and nodded her head, but became a little concerned when she saw Bettes smile disappear into a more serious expression, I really am sorry, T. Im sorry too, babyeverythings fine now, Tina said softly, smoothing the hair around Bettes face.

Bette leaned forward and Tina met her halfway; they kissed softly, taking turns to gently suck on each others lower lip. Tina finally pulled away, disengaging from Bette and reaching into the bag, Were youre friends mad? Bette still had her arms around Tinas waist, mesmerized with the way light danced off the hair on the back of Tinas head, No, they just figured you were a scared little straight girl. Tina spun around in Bettes arms, What did you call me? Bette leaned in closer and enunciated clearly, Little StraightGirl. Tina pushed Bette away slightly as she spoke, You think I was trying to avoid meeting themBetteIm the one who wanted to meet them. Bette smiled impishly and Tina realized she was just trying to get a reaction. I wouldnt push it missyyoure still on thin ice, she warned, turning around in Bettes arms and opening a carton of food.

Bette nuzzled her nose through Tinas hair, But I thought you saidand I quote everything is fine now. She finally found the nape of Tinas neck and kissed it, sucking lightly. She felt Tina inhale sharply, and suddenly realized what she was doing it. Bette saw Tina lower her head and felt Tina press her body further back into her own. Bette felt a surge course through her body as she pressed her forehead into the back of Tinas neck. She felt the soft hair tickling her face and smelled the sweet perfume of Tinas shampoo. She pressed her lips against the exposed skin on Tinas shoulder, while slowly sliding her hands underneath Tinas shirt to caress her tummy. Tina exhaled and gripped the edge of the counter; even though she wasnt sure what to do, she knew it was impossible leave Bette tonight. She turned around once again in Bettes arms, swallowed hard, and pulled Bettes face to her own.

They had kissed deeply before, but never like this. Tina pressed her body into Bettes and kissed her hard, trying to explore every part of her mouth. Bette pulled away, catching her breath and pulling Tinas shirt over her head. Tina smiled at her and started to unbutton Bettes shirt. Bette leaned in impatiently for another kiss, while Tina continued to undo the buttons. She suddenly felt Tinas fingers playing across her chest and pushing the shirt off her shoulders. Bette pulled away with Tina still seeking her mouth, Tina, are you sure you wanna do this? Tina was breathing fast; she looked from Bettes face to her chest and then back again, II just dont know whatto do? she finally said. Bette weaved her lips into a smoldering smile and, gripping the back of Tinas neck, pulled her in for a deep kiss. She tightly wrapped her arms around Tinas waist and began walking backwards toward the bedroom.

By the time they made it to the bedroom, they both only had on their underwear. Bette crawled onto the bed and Tina did the same, finally settling down, cradled in each others legs. Bette leaned forward, kissing every part of Tinas face while reaching around to undo her bra. Tina followed her lead and unclasped Bettes bra, then pulled back to slide it off her arms. The only sound in the room was their steady breathing as Tina took in the sight of Bette. Bette smiled, reaching for Tinas hand and placing it over her collarbone. Tina gently caressed Bettes collarbone, then moved her hand slowly down over Bettes left breast. She never thought she could feel aroused by seeing another woman, but Bette wasnt just any woman. She squeezed gently, looking at Bettes face to watch her reaction. Bette just smiled as she placed her hand over Tinas and brought her face closer to kiss her.

Bette gently pushed Tina down onto the bed and began kissing her neck, tracing her way down to the collarbone. She lifted her hand to cup Tinas breast, pinching the nipple gently between her fingers. Bette, Tina sighed breathlessly, tangling her fingers in Bettes hair. Bette used her other hand to slip under Tinas underwear, kissing her way down Tinas body and caressing the skin with her lips. BetteI need to see you Tina breathed, tugging tenderly at Bettes hair. Bette complied with Tinas request, licking the length of Tinas body with her tongue, and finally landing on her lips. Bette began to stroke Tina gently, feeling Tinas hips move with her hands rhythm against her own hips. Tina pulled Bette closer and whispered into her ear, Show me. Bette looked at Tinas face, but her eyes were closed and her mouth was open. Bette pressed her mouth over Tinas, found her hand, and placed it between her own legs. Soon, Bettes hips were moving rhythmically with Tinas hand. Tina clutched the back of Bettes neck tightly until she could feel Bettes hot, uneven breath on her ear. Bette sucked on Tinas ear and gently pressed her teeth into the lobe as Tina pushed her over the edge. Bette could feel Tina muffle her own moans on her shoulder, sucking hard on the skin as her body finally relaxed.

Bette lay on top of Tina, breathless. She mustered the strength to raise herself on her hands and look at Tina. Her eyes were still closed, but a faint grin was playing across her lips. Bette leaned in to kiss her, but just as their lips were about to meet, Tina flipped them over and off the edge of the bed. They landed on the floor, a tangle of limbs. Bette quickly got to her knees and inspected Tinas head and face, Oh, God Tina, are you okay? Tina just laughed at her attempt to be daring as she rubbed her elbow, Im fine Bette, I just bumped my elbow. Bettes face contorted in pain as she gingerly brushed the reddening circle on Tinas elbow with lips, Poor baby. Watching Bette, Tina licked her lips seductively, realizing that since Bette wasnt a man, they could pretty much do this all night. Thats making it feel BETTE-ter, she said in smoky voice, and what could only be described as a wicked grin spread across her lips. Bette met her eyes and saw the desire lurking just beneath the surface. She extended Tinas arm and gave her wrist a wet kiss, gently biting the skin afterward. Does it hurt anywhere else? Bette asked arching an eyebrow, and returning an equally wicked smile.