You seem a little nervous, she says opening her door. Why dont I get us some wine? She goes to what I assume is the kitchen and returns with a bottle of wine and two glasses. She extends the bottle as if asking for my approval.

Beausejour Duffau, 1989, I read the label. Thats an expensive bottle of wine.

I have connections. Her answer is as simple as it is perplexing. She hands me a glass and reaches in her back pocket for the corkscrew. She sets the bottle on a nearby table and opens it. Pouring the wine she asks, is there anything youd like to toast?

Uh, nonot that I can think of.

Well then, she holds up her glass, to good wine and good timing. I hold up my glass allow her to clang it with her own. I raise my glass to my lips and allow the silky, smooth tonic to linger in my mouth. Im Karen, by the way. She holds out her hand.

I reach out my hand to shake hers, Bette. I quickly drink the rest of my wine, nervously fidgeting. Why am I so nervous? I used to do this all the time. My palms are sweating as she pours me another glass. I down that one right away also.

She lowers her glass and grabs mine from my hand. As she places them both on the table I feel the effects of yet more alcohol running through my body. She turns back to me and pulls me into her. Her lips sensuously, softly touch mine momentarily then glide along my cheek to my ear. By this time, one of her arms is around my waist and her other hand is on the back of my neck. She licks my earlobe then blows on the moisture left behind, sending a shiver through my body. She turns our bodies around and begins walking me backwardtoward the hallwayand the bedroom. Her lips roam my neck and chest as she unbuttons my shirtstill steering me to the bedroom. Oh T, I whisper as she guides me through the door and to the bed. She pulls away and looks at me as if to ask a question. I feel my head spinning more than ever.

I think I need some water. I drank too much in such a short period of time.

She looks at me with a sympathetic grin. Ill be right back.

While shes gone I sit down on the bed and lay backthinking. How did I get hereto this place? Where did I go wrong in my life? What happened to me? She re-enters the room rousing me to sit up quicklytoo quickly. She sits down next to me and stabilizes my body. I take a few deep breaths to compose myself as she hands me the water.

How much did you drink at Milk?

A couple of triple Tequila shotsI think, I confess. I drink the water and start feeling better. Taking one more deep breath I reach over and start lifting her shirt over her head. She places her hands on my back and guides me higher up on the bed. I lay my head on the pillow and close my eyes, feeling the soft, moist tingle of her lips on my skin

To Be Continued