“Seems romantic,” Bette answered ostensibly commenting on what was on screen, but very well could have been commenting on their ‘non-date.’

“It does.”  For a moment or two Gail and Bette stared into each other’s eyes, then each pulled away, feeling awkward and a bit exposed.

When the ‘Out of Africa’ preview ended, it was followed by a preview of ‘The Color Purple.’  “Great book,” Gail said.  “I bet Steven Spielberg ruins it.”

The theatre’s directional lighting dimmed and “Jagged Edge” began.  During the movie, Bette handed the bucket of popcorn to Gail and accidentally brushed across the front of her top, definitely skimming over her breast.  Bette cleared her throat and slunk deeper into her seat.  As the movie was coming to an end, the killer leapt out at the attorney in a way that insured the audience would react with one loud gasp and scream.  Gail jumped in her seat, cried out, and dug her fingers into Bette’s thigh.  Bette laughed, throwing her head back and placing her hand on top of Gail’s.  “I guess you didn’t expect that.”

“Jesus.”

After the movie, they walked the few blocks to Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant.  Gail looked up at the awning in surprise.  “You guys have a Mamourn’s up here.”

Bette blinked, not understanding.

“There’s one in the Village in the City.  Wow.  I love this place.  Totally excellent choice.”

Inside, Bette steered them to the back of the restaurant.  She didn’t want Ash to see her sitting there when she was supposed to be in her dorm room asleep.

The two women shared a combination platter of Middle Eastern appetizers, they both ordered sandwiches—Bette, a Shawerma and Gail a falafel.

When the two of them looked up again, Mamoun’s crew of clean up workers were placing chairs upside down on tables and mopping the floor.  It was after midnight and their time together had flown by.  Bette couldn’t think of a way of extending the night, though she tried. 

Bette drove Gail home in her chocolate milk colored 4-door Volvo, a boxy, safe, and responsible gift from her father for her twenty-first birthday.  She let her out at the main entrance to the driveway because in the dark, she’d never be able to manage the width of the drive nor see all of the trees and shrubbery that grew on either side of it.  Gail got out of the car, went around to the driver’s side and when Bette lowered the window, she bent in and kissed her very gently on the lips.  “I had a great time, Bette.  Thank you.  It’s just the kind of break I needed.”