"So, what do you do for a living Miss. Porter."

"Please Captain Kennard, call me Bette. And I am an artist, my work as been featured all over the U.S. and in Europe. Currently I work at the California Arts Center as curator."

"Oh really? Anything I might have seen?"

"It is my understanding that Colonel Mann is your superior officer."

"Yes, how do you know the Colonel?"

"I sold Colonel Mann and his wife a Venetian sculpture last month."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, I did that piece when I was a junior at Yale. The Colonel’s wife saw it and had to have it."

I smiled to myself, if there is one thing Bette’s good at is selling herself. It seemed like my parents may have bought it. He was impressed with her work ethic and the fact she was so driven at a young age, oh shit, they’re talking about her age.

"You’re twenty-four, are there no other women your age you fancy," he asked. Ouch dad, don’t be such an asshole, I thought but Bette answered quickly.

"It’s true that there’s a six year gap, and you have every right to be worried. But my intentions with your daughter are pure. She is mature well beyond her age, and it was her mind that attracted me first. She’s very intellegent and she’s going to go far in life and I merely want to be apart of that life."

Oh my, she wants to be a part of my life. The funny thing is, I didn’t mind the idea. Bette and Tina, it had a nice ring to it. Ring. I wonder if one day we’ll get married. I wanted a big family. Would she want that as well? I need to know. But when should I ask? The first date is too soon. Hmm, maybe the second. My thoughts were cut short by the sound of my father calling me. All of a sudden my heart started racing.

I walked down the stairs, holding my breath. I had my black heels on and my legs were cleanly shaven. I wore a black dress that feel just below my knees and a sleeveless top that didn’t reveal too much. My hair was wavey and fell at my shoulders. My mother smiled and my dad nodded and Bette stared, with her mouth open. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and the awkwardness that was my parents staring at us made me blush.

"You look stunning," Bette said and took my hand and opened the door.

"Midnight," my father called.

"Of course," Bette said and we walked to the car and she opened my door and I got in. This was really happening, I was going on a date with Bette Porter. My inner goddess was sqeualing with delight and we drove off. I was nervous and excited. I couldn’t wait to see what she had in store for our first date.