“What?” Bette asked .

“I’ve never been on a date with a woman before”

Bette looked over at Tina arching one eyebrow “You haven’t?”

“No…”

“Do you mean a real date or a fake date?”

“Neither”

“Can I ask you something?” Bette said.

“Of course”

“Did you say yes to this date because I offered more money or because you wanted to?”

“Look Bette…this is my job” Tina said “Of course I couldn’t say no when you offered more money”

“So you didn’t want to come?”

“I didn’t say that” the blonde smirked.

“But…” Bette started but was cut off by Tina “Bette…can’t we just enjoy our evening?”

“Ok” she sighed.

The rest of the drive was in silence as both women were deep in thought.

They arrived at the art center and walked in.

“So this dinner… what is it for?” Tina asked Bette.

“It’s just a thing they do every year” Bette started “They invite artists and other people in the art industry…it’s great for making new connections”

“Oh” Tina said looking around “You know I gotta say I like your gallery more than this” she smiled.

“Thank you” Bette smiled back “I actually worked here before I started my own gallery”

“When did you start your own?”

“About five years ago”

“Bette!” A beautiful dark haired woman exclaimed as she hugged Bette and kissed her on the cheek.

“Vanessa” Bette smiled “How are you?”

“I’m great” she said “I heard about your show last Saturday I’m sorry I couldn’t be there myself, I heard it was pretty amazing”

“Well yes it was probably my best work” Bette smiled “Oh Vanessa this is Tina Kennard” Bette introduced them.

“You always had a thing for the blondes ha Bette?” Vanessa winked as Bette blushed.

“Did she tell you about us?” She turned to Tina.

“Um no?”

Bette shot Vanessa killing looks as she started talking “Well you see Bette and I dated for a couple of months before she decided to sleep with my assistant who for your information was a blonde” Vanessa chuckled but her eyes were cold as ice.

“Well thank you for that information Vanessa” Bette gritted through her teeth before walking away leaving the blonde behind.

Tina followed her outside.

“Hey” she said softly.

“Tina I’m sorry…Vanessa can be a real bitch”

“Hey you don’t have to apologize to me” she said placing a hand on the brunette’s arm.

Bette calmed down when she felt the blonde’s touch, she turned to her smiling.

“Thank you”

“For what?”

“For coming here with me tonight…I couldn’t have done this alone”

“I’m sure you could have gotten someone to come here with you” Tina smiled “From what I hear you’re quite the player” she teased.

“Tee…I know the impression you must have of me”

“Tee?” Tina said arching one eyebrow.

“Oh sorry” Bette blushed.

“No I like it” Tina smiled.

They looked into each other’s eyes neither breaking the gaze.

“Why don’t we just forget about Vanessa and everyone else and just enjoy this evening?” Tina said softly.

“That sounds perfect” Bette smiled and they headed back inside.

TBC