When Jason walked into my office letting me know that Tina was here, I became nervous. Tina is here, she is here! I straightened myself out looked at my reflection in the mirror; ok Im all set! I picked up my handbag and walked out of my office slowly.

Bette: Tina? Sorry to keep you waiting.

I noticed she was holding the LA magazine and caught her reading Alices Top Ten list. She placed the magazine on the table and extended her hand. I took her hand and shook it.

Tina: Hi. No problem. Ive only been waiting a minute or two. So where should we go?

Bette: Umm what do you feel like eating?

Tina: I dont really mind.

Bette: Heavy or light?

I hope shes very hungry so I could have her longer. Heavy meal means we go to Emilios and if she wanted light then Id have to settle for a caf or a bistro but definitely not at the Starbucks!

Tina: Im kinda hungry.

Thank god! Today must be my lucky day!!!

Bette: Good I am too.

I smiled as wide as my lips could stretch. I guess it must have looked amusing cos she smiled in return; probably as wide.

Bette: Ok well go to Emilios its just around the corner so we can just walk? Its Italian. Is that ok with you? Or youd prefer someplace else?

Tina: No, no its fine.

Bette: Jason, please hold all my calls and not direct them to my cell? Thanks. Ok come on lets go.

That was our first proper meal together, ALONE! It was sweet, both of us were nervous. Well at least I know I was. Tina was very polite and not so chatty as I thought she would be. I knew then that she was quite a shy person who would open up once she gets comfortable being around you. But mind you, Tina can make someone feel comfortable and open up to her so easily. Well, the rest of the story was this

On the way to Emilios I did most of the talking unsure of what to talk about so I talked about my work; the gallery and how its my most important thing in life at the moment. She seemed to take everything in quite nicely or was she just trying to be polite and maybe was uninterested in all that babbling? I dont know. I dont think I would know anytime soon. I was just so nervous and trying as hard as I could to stay cool; I couldnt stop myself from talking! I really hope I managed to at least look relaxed yeah right!

As we got there the place was packed as usual. Pedro greeted us at the counter.

Pedro: Ah Bette, its so nice to see you again. Ive reserved your usual table. Please

Tina looked at me weird. Uh oh!

Bette: Well, I like to be prepared for every occasion. You see how many people are in here? Its best to make reservations especially this time of day.

Tina smiled at me. I hope thats a sign of satisfaction.

As we walked through the crowd I saw a few familiar faces; some Ive worked with, some I just knew and some, well, some Ive had one night stands with. And some of those Ive had one night stands with were giving me cold stares and some seductive smiles while others just acknowledged me with a nod. And Im sure I knew what every one of them was thinking; here she is with her latest conquest! Who cares what they think I only care what Tina thinks. I hope she didnt give any thoughts as to why theyre giving me the looks!

Pedro: Here we are.

Pedro pulled a chair for Tina and then for me.

Pedro: Here are the menus; one of our waitresses will be with you beautiful ladies very shortly.

Bette: Thank you Pedro.

I looked at the menu knowing exactly what I wanted to order.

Tina: You are quite popular in this restaurant Bette. I see people noticing you as we pass by them.

I stiffened. *****. She did notice.

Bette: Umm yes. Many people know that I own the gallery so yeah. Sometimes its good that they know who I am cos it means they know my gallery. But sometimes it just gets a bit claustrophobic; if you know what I mean.

I really hope she knows what I mean well just move on to another subject now

Tina: Why is that?

Here we go

Bette: Well umm you know like when you want to have a quiet meal and then sometimes I just get people asking about artists and asking about art pieces, its just I mean not the right time right? I mean they can call the gallery themselves. I mean its good for business but I do need to eat right?

Thats such a see-through lie! She just looked at me nodding. Oh god. She didnt fall for it. Why was I being so nervous? Come on Porter, relax. Take deep breaths!

Bette: Well, you know like now. Id really like to have a good quiet meal with you so we can talk.

Tina: Thanks for that thought Bette.

Bette: My pleasure.

*****! Change the subject quick!

Bette: Umm are you ready to order?

Hmm that is funny. She hasnt taken off her shades. I wonder if thats how she likes them.

Tina: Umm yes.

I signaled for the waitress to come over and take our orders. When I was done ordering, I turned to Tina who by now had her shades off. She had dark circle around her eyes. I didnt know what to say, but I guess she mustve read my mind.

Tina: I know, any amount of make-up wouldnt be able to hide this.

She smiled shyly. Even through her bad days (I assumed it was) she still looked beautiful.

Bette: No amount of make up can make you as beautiful as you already are

Oh my god, Im totally hitting on her! Take it slow Porter! I smiled. She just blushed.

Bette: Im so sorry. I didnt mean it. I mean I do mean that youre beautiful but I just didnt mean to make you uncomfortable.

Tina: Its ok Bette. It was sweet of you, thank you.

Bette: Tina? Can I ask you something?

Tina: Yeah sure.

Bette: Is everything ok? I mean, you dont seem yourself today.

Her smile faded. Hmm I mustve hit the wrong button there.

Tina: Yeah everything is fine. I just had a fight with Eric last night is all.

Her mentioning Erics name made me want to run.

Bette: Oh. Im sorry. Is everything ok now?

Tina: Yeah everything is fine now.

The food came and we both ate quietly but glancing over the table every once in a while. When I think about our first meal that day, it always brings a smile to my face, how both of us were trying to be polite even though our hearts were raging like mad wanting to go across the table and touch the other. It was awesome and definitely sweet.

Bette: So Tina, what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?

Tina: Umm Bette. I dont know how to say this but Im just going to say it flat out ok? I hope you dont mind me asking, did you mean what you said at the gallery?

My mind was reeling to the day I poured my heart out. — . Im really sorry for kissing you yesterday. I just couldnt help it but youre all I could think of –

Bette: That I couldnt stop thinking about you?

Tina: Yes. What does that mean Bette?

Bette: It means youre all I could think of ever since I met you. (I looked at her noticing her hurt and confused expression so I had to try a different tactic) But you know, you told me and I understand and respect your decision. So you dont have to worry about anything ok? Everything is fine. Im good just being your friend. (I swallowed hard! God If I could, Id have her no matter what! I want her so bad but this isnt the right time)

Tina: Oh, ok. Yes we can be friends. (Tina smiled at me took my hand, squeezed it and released it)

We continued eating as I talk about lighter subject to get my mind of the one person I was talking to. It turned out Tina just moved to LA just a year ago and didnt really have that many friends. So I offered to help her out. When we finished eating I asked the waitress for the check.

I took the check and paid for the meal even though Tina insisted on paying; it was just not my style to let others pay for me. Pedro helped us get out of our seats and we walked out of the restaurants. I still get glares from the women Ive had dates with. I just ignored them and kept smiling cos I was very very happy at that time.

Tina: I like this place Bette. Its very nice.

Bette: Thank you. And I hope youve enjoyed your food (as well as the company I hope)

Tina: Yes I did. The food was delicious; lunch was great Bette thank you. Dont you think the food was delicious?

I looked at her not really caring about the food I stuffed in my face at the restaurant. God, she really is beautiful. I couldnt take my eyes off her. She exudes this warmth that it just makes you want to embrace her. I smiled.

Bette: Everything was divine