“Yes, Tina.”

James scurried away. 

“I want to get on Julia’s schedule as soon as possible.”

Bette nodded. 

“Okay. Well. I guess I will be going too.”

“Okay.”

“Ummmm…do you have any plans for tonight?”

Bette looked into Tina’s eyes. They were hopeful. Bette melted a little. 

“Umm…no. I don’t have any plans.”

“Would you like to come over to the apartment?”

“Oh. Ummm…”

Bette wasn’t sure how to answer. Going over to Tina’s apartment would really make it real that Tina was back in LA and not staying at their house with her. Tina waited. She did not charge. Whatever Bette decided was going to be fine. She just really hoped she’d say yes. 

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Tina beamed.

“Okay.”

“It’s a date.”

“A date?” Bette raised her eyebrows.

“Yep. Date number three.”

Tina smiled.

“Three?” Bette questioned.

“Yep.”

“How is it date three?”

“Well, we went for a walk this morning. That was our first date.”

“So, you said.”

“Yep. And this lunch was our second date.”

“This counted as a date.”

“It did.”

“How?”

“Well, we were both present. There was food. You held my hand.” 

Bette threw her head back and laughed her signature laugh. Tina wanted to lick her protruding vein. She grabbed the back of her neck instead. 

“So, let me get this straight. Any time we are together you are going to consider it a date.”

“Pretty much.”

“Wow.”

“I was just warming up this morning and just now.”

“Warming up?”

“Yep.”

“What’s going to be different about tonight?”

“You are just going to have to wait and see.”

Bette shook her head. Tina opened up her arms. Bette walked into them. Tina was definitely not wearing a bra. Tina squeezed tighter. Bette squeezed too. Bette resisted the urge to caress Tina’s back. Instead, she took several deep breaths. Tina smelled so fucking good. They stayed like that for five heartbeats. Tina was the first to pull away. If she stayed in Bette’s arms any longer, she was going to charge. 

“I’ll see you tonight then. Is 8 okay?”

“Yeah. That’s…that’s fine.”

“Do you need the address or will you just check my location?” Tina teased.

Bette rolled her eyes. Tina giggled.

“What should I bring?”

“Just you.”

“I have to bring something. A bottle of wine?”

“If you insist,” Tina said. “See you tonight.”

Bette nodded. Tina put her hand under her chin and wiggled her fingers.

“See you tonight.”

Bette watched Tina leave.

“What the fuck am I doing?”

Bette shook her head. 

“James. JAMES!”

James came running down the hall before Bette had to call him a third time.

***

“Al! She said yes.”

“Of course she did, Tee. She fucking loves you.”

“I hope she does.”

“She does. Geeeez. Both of you are idiots.”

“Thanks, Al.”

“I just call it like I see it.”

“Whatever. Did you get everything?”

“Almost. Finishing up the last of it now.”

“Meet me at the apartment when you’re done?”

“You’re lucky I love you.”

Tina giggled.

“I love you too.”

“I’ll be there in about an hour.”

“Thanks, Al. You’re the best.”

“I really am.”

“You’re an asshole. Byeeee.”

“Eh. A lovable asshole. Bye, Tee.”

Tina rolled her eyes. 

“Let the wooing begin, Baby.”