Bette’s Elixir 

I woke sometime during the night and lay still with my eyes closed.  It used to be like this some nights when insomnia would be my only companion.  But not tonight.  And not for months.  I smiled to myself thinking about the woman lying next to me.  Nicole.  I mouthed her name.  A sexy name for a sexy woman.  Hell, I laughed softly at myself, if her name was Eisenhower, I’d think it sexy too. 

Our schedules had us so busy lately, it wasn’t often that we saw each other but when we did, the passion was off the charts.  And it’s been the same since the first time we made love.

We met at my gallery when she came in search of the perfect gift.  I was helping a customer when I felt as if I was being watched.  When I turned I looked into the face of one of the prettiest women I’ve ever seen.  Big round eyes, smooth skin, high cheekbones, long hair, full lips.  I felt stunned.  Somehow I managed to politely disengage from the customer I was helping and allowed myself to be pulled to her.

And she watched me walk.  I mean, she turned to fully face me and watched intently as I walked over to her.  I felt like someone shone a spotlight on me and feared a stumble.  When I reached her I extended my hand, “Hello, welcome to the Bette Porter Gallery.  I’m Bette, could I be of assistance to you?” 

Her soft hand accepted mine and she looked into my eyes and said, “Nice to meet you Bette, I’m Nicole.  I came today to find a gift.” 

“Okay,” I said after we released hands.  “Tell me, is the gift for a friend or relative?”

“Friend.”

“Okay, woman or man?”

“Woman.”

“Great.  Now Nicole, maybe if you tell me a little about her, I can help you better.”  Damn I thought.  I hoped I wasn’t helping her choose a gift for a girlfriend.

We walked around the gallery for a while as she told me about her friend.  Unfortunately she said nothing to indicate the nature of the relationship but I so enjoyed being in her presence it hardly mattered.