”If we leave right now,” Bette replied softly, looking at Nicole through lowered lids. A quick glance at Alice and her friends in the midst of more drinks and laughter, and both women silently agreed that they had made their appearance and wouldn’t be missed.

***

Nicole’s bedside clock read 11:48. Bette stretched, sighed, and gently maneuvered herself out from under Nicole. The blonde stirred, a little drowsy but not asleep.

”I was enjoying that cuddle,” she murmured, smiling. Bette despaired – mostly at her lack of despair, really. Tina had ruined other women for her.

”I need to go,” Bette said just above a whisper while clasping her bra back on. ”Angie is at home.”

”Of course, I know,” Nicole smiled. She was so easy, understanding, and never asked Bette for more than she was willing to offer voluntarily. They shared a chaste kiss goodbye, and as Bette walked out into the street to her car she thought about how her evening had been almost completely upended. They had wasted no time going to bed when they arrived back at Nicole’s apartment, with Bette almost physically fighting mental images of someone else the entire time. Flashes of Tina’s bare breasts and strawberry blonde hair had taken her out of the moment, making it difficult to stay present with Nicole. As far as the actual sex went, well, it was enjoyable. Gratifying, which is what Bette needed. But not explosive, not a karmic moment of two people who are so connected, having sex so mind-blowing that they think they invented it. Not like with Tina, a small voice in Bette’s mind said.

Maybe I have to end this Tina thing, whatever it is. Bette had had these thoughts before, but never been able to put them into action. A small part of her realised she didn’t want to. But it’s making a liar out of me, and I don’t want to be that person again. She felt like her mind was frazzled with competing thoughts, all different versions of herself that she wished she could be at once. As she started the engine and pulled out into the dark street, only one thought remained.

Only two more days until Saturday.