Alex: Isnt there anything?

Alex was pleading with the cute boy in the front of the restaurant.

Cute Boy: Well ok, there is one table. But its tiny, is that ok?

Tina: If the table can hold a martini glass then its perfect!

The two took their seats and very quickly ordered their drinks. After having downed one each in record time they ordered their second.

Alex: Ya know…I think alcohol is ***** penicillin.

Tina: Why is everything *****??

Alex: Name something that isnt.

Tina laughed.

Tina: Good point.

The two enjoyed comfortable chit chat until their food had arrived.

Alex: Oh *****.

Tina: What? Is there a bug in the salad?

Alex: Worse?

Tina: What?!

Alex: A broadway diva in the restaurant!

Tinas head spun to meet Bettes eyes dead on.

Tina: *****, *****, *****!!

Alex: Brunette 12 o clock!

Tina looked over Alexs shoulder.

Alex: My 12, not yours. 6 o clock yours

Tina: Yeah I get that! Thanks!

Tina felt Bettes soft hand on her bare shoulder.

Bette: Fancy meeting you two here.

Tina said nothing.

Alex: Yeah, fancy that.

Bette: Its nice to see you Alex…Tina.

Tina: Yeah, we were just leaving.

Bette eyed there untouched salads.

Bette: Really?

Tina: Really.

Bette: I was going to ask to join you.

Tina looked behind Bette.

Tina: It looks like your boyfriend might miss you.

Bette turned to see what Tina was looking at. Chad.

She could tell her words were daggers to Bettes heart and she felt bad, but not bad enough to take them back.

Alex: You know, I actually have to use the little boys room first.

Tina reached for Alexs arm to keep him put but he was already out of his seat.

Bette quickly took his place.

Bette: T, please dont do this.

Tina: Dont do what? Run and hide, like you?

Bette eyed the floored refusing to meet Tinas glare.

Bette: Its not as easy as you think.

Tina: Nothing is easy Bette. Closing that door on you this morning wasnt easy. Getting up and walking away from you like I am about to do, wont be easy, but guess what Bette Porter. Im doing it.

Bette: Elizabeth.

Tina: Huh?

Bette: My real name is Elizabeth.

Tina was taken back by this.

Tina: Why are you telling me this?

Bette: Im not sure really.

The two were silent.

Bette: I guess I can assume you told Alex what happened?

Tina: Yeah but dont worry. Your secret is safe.

Bette: Meet me tonight.

Tina: Why?

Bette: Because you feel the same way I do.

Tina: Im not so sure what I feel…Elizabeth.

Bette saw Alex approaching from the bathroom and she stood up relinquishing his seat.

Bette: I have a show tonight.

Tina: I know.

Bette: If you want to see me then come out to the park tonight.

Tina: What park?

Bette: The same one you were at this morning.

Tina was at a loss for words.

Tina: How did you know?

Bette: I felt you there.

Tina stood and grabbed her purse.

Bette took her hand.

Bette: 11 o clock. If you dont show I wont blame you. I dont know if I could.

Tina quickly removed her hands from Bettes and walked toward the door. She looked back only once to find Bette taking her place at the table next to Chad. The pang of jealousy in stomach burned. She made eye contact with her once more before exiting out the door and into the hot summer air.

Alex: So?

Tina: So?

Alex: You were kinda harsh dont you think.

Tina: Ive been trying not to think lately.

TBC…