. This was new ground for Bette, usually the physical attraction was mutual and after a roll in the hay, she decided if she wanted to pursue a relationship. This time she was learning about Tina with no chance of anything physical and she didn’t mind. They talked about their work and experiences at school when they were younger, swapping stories. Bette spoke at length about her future plans for the Art Gallery and upcoming show. She was really enjoying herself. Tina was smart (beautiful), witty (beutiful) and did I mention beautiful? She seemed to hold much of the same values as herself. She couldn’t help but admire her, wanting to get to know her better and if friendship was all Tina could offer, she’d just learn to take a few more cold showers

Tina was thinking along the same lines. What was it about this woman that fascinated her so much. She listened intently when Bette spoke about her past. She noticed the way her eyes crinkled up when she laughed. She was in a word, stunning but didn’t flaunt it like some women she knew. She was not pretentious in any way. She seemed quite comfortable in her own skin and Tina felt herself relaxing and fully enjoying the conversation. The waiter brought Bette another drink and a club soda with orange and lemon slices for Tina and they both reached for the glasses at the same time, brushing their knuckles together slightly. They both felt the jolt of a slight electric shock and Bette smiled at Tina. "Static?" in way of a possible explanation. Tina smiled back. "It’s really nice being here with you like this." Bette picked up her glass and queried, "Like this?" Tina explained, "Yes, you know, with no pressure and I can be myself, laugh, when I think something is actually funny. Smile because i want to smile and I don’t need to stroke your ego." Bette choked on her drink as she thought of just how much she wanted Yina to stroke her ego and any other areas she felt like stroking. "Are you okay?" Tina said reaching over to touch Bette’s hand and again they both felt the current that passed between them. "Yes, but I just realized how late it is and I really should get home. I have that big Gallery showing tomorrow night" Bette said as she wiped her mouth with her napkin.. Tina picked the orange slice out of her glass and delicately sucked the flesh off the rind. Bette gasped slightly as she watched Tina’s tongue lick her lips. Tina saw Bette starring at her "What? Did I make a mess on myself?" Tina asked. Bette jumped on the explanation, "Just a little, here let me get that" and she reached out with the napkin she had in her hand and gently wiped a nonexistent drop of orange juice from the corner of Tina’s mouth. Tina watched Bette reach over with the same napkin that had just touched her own mouth, gently wiping her face and she supressed the urger to press her tongue onto it to taste the previous user. "Got it," Bette said. "Thanks" Tina said a bit dazed by her brazen thoughts. "Shall we?" They both exited the Planet and walked back to Tina’s car. "I had a really great time tonight" Bette said as they climbed into Tina’s Pontiac Sunfire. "Me too, I can’t remember a more enjoyable evening" Tina said sincerely. "What about when you spend time with your other female friends?" Bette asked as she gave the directions to her home. "I don’t have any woman friends, I have female co-workers but we don’t interact. The nature of my job keeps me busy and the opportunity never really came up, until now," she said as she reached out and squeezed Bettes hand that was resting on her lap.