Tina bit her lip and closed her eyes, still clinging to the wall as her breaths became even. Ohfuck, she sighed as she dissolved into her chair. She pressed her head into the back of the chair, crossing her legs tightly, hoping that the throbbing would soon die away. She looked around her office, running her hands through her hair slowly. She noticed the faint scent of Bettes perfume still lingering on her arms. She groaned and began shuffling papers and files on her desk searching for her cell phone. She found it and dialed Bettes number, slowly running a hand up and down her thigh as she listened to the ringing. Bette picked up her phone smirking, thoroughly proud of herself, I have to sayyou look mighty healthy for someone so ill. Tina sat further back into her chair, now caressing the remnants of Bettes kisses on her neck and spoke softly, I cant make it to lunch, Bette

Tinaare you ***** kidding me? Bette scoffed and shook her head as she waited for the light to turn green. Tina ignored Bettes interruption, Be at my place at seven sharp. Tina closed her cell phone and gathered her things for her 10 oclock meeting. Bette pounded the steering wheel in frustration with her fist; she stuffed her cell phone back into her purse, chest heaving as she muttered, This ***** woman!

Bette spent the rest of the day in a very irritated mood, snapping at anything and anyone while she ran around the gallery making phone calls and giving orders. She spotted Michael who was hauling a case of wine over to the bar and quickened her steps to meet him. Michael, what the ***** is that stuff! Michael took a few steps backward after placing the case on the bar, Umits the wine for Friday night. That is NOT the wine I ordered but Michael put his hands up to stop her from biting his head off, Bette, it isits justI put em in this case to bring it all up at once. He looked at her dubiously, expecting her to blow up in spite of his explanation. Bette looked at the case then at Michaels frightened face. She impatiently waved her hand and turned around to leave. Michael exhaled out of relief and mumbled, Someones on the rags. Bette whipped her head around and glared at him, What did you say? Michael just grabbed a bottle and ducked behind the bar.

**around seven oclock**

Bette had managed to not call Tina all day, and Tina hadnt called her either. She stood in front of Tinas door debating whether to use her key or ring the doorbell. She bit her lip and opted for the key, slowly turning it to minimize make noise. She slowly turned the ***** and opened it quietly, peeking in to see if Tina was in the living room. Bette stepped in and softly closed the door behind her. She took her shoes off and began taking small, soft steps. She peeked around the corner into the kitchen, but Tina wasnt there either. She continued walking, a little bolder, toward the bedroom and slowly pushed the door open. Tina was nowhere in sight; she walked into the room peering around the bed and through the closets. Her face suddenly brightened, she walked toward the bathroom and reaching it realized the door was closed. She opened it with a flourish, but Tina wasnt there either. Bettes shoulders fell, disappointment pulling her lower lip into a pout.

She walked back into the living room and slumped onto the couch, This has gone on for far too long, she muttered staring blankly at the TV. Just then she heard Tinas phone ringing and draped her body over the length of the couch to reach it. Hello? she answered with an irritated tone.

Tina: Hey babyyoure so punctual.

Bette (sitting upright): Tina, where the ***** are you?

Tina (chuckling): Wouldnt you like to know.

Bette (whining): Alright, T, I think Ive had enough of thiswhere are you?

Tina: My, my, myis that the sound of Bette Porter begging.

Bette grabbed a pillow and used it to muffle her yelling as Tina continued, Listen, theres a bottle of wine in the fridge and theres an address stuck on itgrab the wine and get here soon. She hung up before Bette could say anything in reply. Bette just heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes. She pushed herself off the couch and walked into the kitchen, tearing the note from behind the magnet as she opened the door to the fridge. Her face twisted with confusion as she reached for the bottle on the top shelf, This is the gallery, she thought. She stood in the open refrigerator for several moments, thinking of what Tina could be up to. She tucked the bottle of wine under her arm and crumpled the note in her fist as she walked toward the front door. It doesnt matter what the ***** she thinks shes doingIm through playing games, she thought, locking Tinas door and bounding down the hall.

Tina adjusted her black knee-length trench coat and leaned her back against the cold brick of the gallerys exterior. She figured Bette would be arriving in about 20 minutes (15 if she was speeding, which given the circumstance was altogether likely), so she decided to cross the street and grab a bottle of water and maybe a bag of chips. The clerk behind the register stared at her as she casually walked through the store in the black Manolos Bette had bought her. At first Tina thought it was strange to have her girlfriend buy her shoes as a gift, but Bette insisted that when she saw them she knew they would look great with Tinas gray suit, which Tina had purchased for her trip to New York. Now Tina realized what Bette meant by them being striking, feeling the hot stare of the teenager behind the counter. Theyre ***** me shoes, Tina thought chuckling as she picked up a roll of Mentos. She was rather striking as well: the shoes accentuated her long calves, the black coat was a stunning contrast to her milky white skin, and her hair was swept up, several loose strands falling gracefully around her face and along the back of her neck.

After being rung up, Tina grabbed the little plastic bag containing her purchase and gave the love-struck boy a flirtatious grin as she turned toward the door; his ears turned an even brighter shade of red. Just as Tina reached the opposite side of the street, she saw Bettes car tearing down the street and pulling into the parking lot. Tina looked at her watch, Eleven minutes, thats gotta be a record! she grinned, thoroughly pleased with herself. She ripped the wrapper of her Mentos and popped one into her mouth, chewing happily as she watched Bette walking, rather quickly, toward her. She held out the opened roll to her, Want a mentos? Bette just glared as she fumbled with her keys to open the door to the gallery. Tina just shrugged her shoulders, looking Bette over and realizing she didnt have the wine, Wheres the wine, babe? she asked innocently. Bette sighed and hung her head, Tina, youve got to be kidding meits in the cartheres wine inside! Tina gave Bettes shoulder a little pat as she stepped inside, Go get the wine. Bette threw her arms up in frustration, but started walking back toward the car nonetheless.