There women everywhere. All kinds, all colors, all dimensions Bette and Simone stood in a circle with several and raised their shot glasses. Salute! and down went the SoCo and lime immediately followed up by another shot. The women were hot, liquored up, and dancing the night away to whatever was pumping through the speakers which at the present time was TLCs Creep.

Randle had made his own way back to the hotel. He didnt feel like going to a ***** bar. But, that didnt mean he was going to let Simone win that easily. He still wasnt sure that was what Bette was in to. Hed be able to weigh his options in the morning. He was sure of it.

Simone had slowed down considerably from the beginning of the night wanting to make sure they would get back all right. Bette, on the other hand, was working the drinks and the room like a stock broker on the floor at wall street. She was wheeling and dealing with the best of them. Nor had Bette gone unnoticed as the new eligible art director from back East. A bit of jealousy crept in as Simone watched Bette approach and be approached by women. But Simone keep her distance, she wanted Bette to come to her in her own time and place. Simone had boundaries that she wouldnt cross.

Bette swaggered unsteadily over to Simone.

Hey good lookin! Why are you moping by yourself over here?

Admiring the view.

And a beauuuutiful view it is. She waved her arm at the crowd.

Then throw her arm around Simone and kissed her full on the lips, wet and sloppy. I love you.

You love everyone at the moment.

I love everyone. Bette hollered at the top of her lungs throwing her arms in the air. The crowd answered back with a roar.

Bette pulled away from Simone and nearly fell over.

Maybe we should get going. We have an early start tomorrow.

NO! Another shot! Bette waved at the waitress, who came over dutifully.

Two of those tubie things. The waitress handed her two Kamikazes. Bette pushed one into Simones hand.

To us and a beautiful new friendship!

They downed the drinks. Simone having to keep Bette from falling backward as she throw back her shot laughed lightly.

Honey, lets go.

Not yet. Another dance.

Simone shook her head and followed Bette out to the dance floor resisting yet wanting. The music changed and Color Me Badds, I Wanna ***** You Up flowed out of the speakers. Their bodies moved close and tight to the rhythm. Bette stepped over the imaginary line of personal space that Simone had put between them. Bette moved in close singing into Simones ear, I wanna ***** you up. Simone laughed. This was not the Bette Porter shed meet a few months back at the caf.

Simone reached out and grabbed Bette, both as a brace to keep her from falling and just to feel her. The two moved together to the song. No space lingered between them, they were body to body pressed close. When the song switched to something faster the two stayed close, intertwined with each other. Simone leaned back to look into Bettes eyes. Bette let her forehead fall against Simones and kissed her lips lightly and pulled back a bit and smiling Bette leaned in again to take more. The two intertwined in a passionate kiss.

Simone stepped out of the elevator supporting Bette with her body as they walked to their room. She leaned Bette against the wall to get her key out and open the door. Bette leaned forward onto Simones shoulder and whispered, I love you. Simone stepped back bracing herself to make sure that the two of them didnt fall back.

Im sure you do. You told me so earlier hun Simone laughed.

Bette straightened abruptly and fell back against the wall and reached out to grab Simones shoulder for stability.

No! I mean–

Lets get you to bed.

Bette stumbled through the door with Simones help and then flopped onto the nearest bed. She propped herself up on her elbows and smiled mischievously at Simone.

Come here.

Hold on.

Simone unlocked the mini-bar and took out a bottle of water. Opened it, grabbed some aspirin from her purse, and handed it to Bette.

Take this and drink that entire bottle of water otherwise youre going to be in bad shape in the morning.

Come here first.

Bette reached out and grabbed Simone closer, almost spilling the water. Simone ended up straddling her to not fall over.

Drink first.

Bette grabbed the bottle and aspirin. She drank it all down quickly while holding Simone in place then threw the bottle on the floor.

Now lets get you to bed.

Kiss me first.

Simone leaned forward and kissed Bettes forehead tenderly.

Thats not a kiss. This is.

Bette reached a hand around Simones neck and pulled her down towards her lips kissing Simone hard. Simone pushed away and jumped back. She smiled shaking her head and wiping her lips from the sloppy kiss.

Bette, not like this.

I know what I am doing, what I want.

Bette went to get up and almost fell off the bed, deciding the attempt was futile she only moved to the edge of the bed.

I thought this is what you wanted, Bette sneered. Come here and take it. Bette reached out an open hand.

Simone took it in hers and kissed the top of Bettes hand softly. She smiled and sincerely said, Maybe next time. Let me help you to bed.

Bette snatched her hand away. She got up and staggered into the bathroom and locked the door. Simone didnt try to stop her. She only grabbed her suitcase and pulled out a tank top and boxers and changed. When she was done Bette still hadnt come out of the bathroom. Simone rapped lightly on the door.

Bette, are you alright? Simone could now hear the running water.

I am fine. Just washing up.

Bette stared at her reflection. What was she thinking? Of course Simone didnt want her. She was the boss. Not only that, she knew she was three sheets to the wind. Look at her. Her make-up was a mess, her hair sprouting in every direction, not to mention her breath. Bette thought about the kiss on the dance floor. Smiled, but that was just the dancing playing into the moment. Even still Bette lightly touched her lips as she dreamingly thought about it. She glanced in the mirror, shook her head, and cleaned her face with cold water. After drying off, she looked again and asked, Is this what you want women? Internally, the question didnt even need to be asked.

Hearing her mumble Simone yelled out.

Did you need something, Bette?

No, she replied as she stepped out of the bathroom in a robe. Bette suddenly felt sober and avoided looking over at Simone not wanting her see that she was hurt by the rejection.

Bette turned out the lights, pulled off the robe and curled up under the covers on her bed the furthest away from Simone and past out. Never noticing Simone was lying on the other bed coveting her. Simone resisted crawling out of her bed into Bettes. There would be other opportunities. Ones when their minds were clear and she was sure Bette knew what she was doing. In the meantime, she admired and lusted from her side of room till she drifted off to sleep.