Tina was sitting on the patio step looking at the garden with a glass of wine when Bette arrived. Tina felt her as soon as she walked in. She waited to see what Bette was going to do. Bette watched her from the patio door for five heartbeats. 

God you’re beautiful, Bette’s soul said.  

Tina smiled and turned to look at Bette. Bette smiled back.

“Would you like a glass of wine?”

“I would love a glass. But we don’t have time.”

Tina stood up and walked towards Bette. Bette noticed Tina’s jeans. She was also wearing a flowy white button down shirt with sandals. The perfect outfit for what she had planned…except the shoes. 

“Is this okay?” Tina pointed towards her outfit.

“You’re beautiful.”

Tina blushed.

“Thank you. Hi.”

“Hi,” Bette said.

Bette cleared her throat.

“But you should change your shoes.”

Tina looked down. She loved those sandals.

“But these are so cute.”

“They are cute. But they are not practical.”

“Hmmm…and you’re still not going to tell me what we’re doing tonight?”

“No. I am not.”

“What kind of shoes should I change into?”

“Umm…tennis shoes or hiking boots. Something to that effect.”

“Hmmmm…okay.”

Bette smiled as Tina looked down at her white strappy sandals. 

“Okay. I’m going to change and then we can go.” 

Tina was in the kitchen downing the rest of her wine when Bette walked in wearing…her favorite jeans and a flowy button down lavender shirt. Tina coughed and almost choked. 

“You okay?”

“Out of all the jeans in your closet, those are the ones you picked? 

Bette smirked.

“You are gorgeous.”

“Thank you. The shoes are perfect.”

Tina looked down at her hiking books.

“Good. I wasn’t sure since you won’t tell me what we’re doing.”

Bette laughed. Tina was always a brat when it came to surprises.

“You are such a brat.”

“Yes, I am.”

They both giggled. 

“Are you ready?”

Tina nodded. 

Bette put on one of Tina’s favorite playlists which included Whitney, Colbie Caillat, Joni Mitchell, Traci Chapman, Hope and a few others. They chatted as they drove up the coast. Tina hummed along. She shifted in her seat and watched Bette as she drove. Bette reached over and put her hand on Tina’s bent knee. Tina covered Bette’s hand with her own. They stayed that way until Bette pulled into their destination.