On an intuitive level she knew that few would dare cross the line that the dress flagrantly flaunted.  There was an expression that came to mind – many are called but few are chosen.  The dress and the woman both called many but it was understood that few if any had what it took to answer that call. 

            Tina did not hesitate, she answered. 

            Tina watched as Bette came to Susan to retrieve her phone.

            “I’m having it shipped directly to me.”  Tina informed her flatly.

            “What?”

            ‘The dress, babe, shipped directly to me.”

            “Why would you do that?” Bette frowned forgetting that Tina could see her.

            “I don’t want you to get tempted to give it a trial run while you are there in NYC at loose ends.”

            “Why is that a problem?”  Bette replied innocently.

            “Well since I just bought it I think I should have the pleasure of seeing you in it first in public.”  Tina huffed. Silently she thought if Bette thought that she was going out in that dress with anyone but her she was crazed.  She wasn’t even sure she would let Bette out of the house in that dress.  Dress up at home could be quite entertaining.

            Bette smiled imagining Tina seeing her in the dress in person.

            “What are you smiling about Porter?”  Tina became suspicious that Bette would try to undermine her shipping instructions.

            Bette jumped. How did Tina know she was smiling?

            “I can still see you through the video link.”

            “I was just thinking that wearing it for you in person would be nice.”  Bette answered honestly. ‘That’s why I was smiling. I used to like dressing for you.”

            Tina held her breath at Bette’s declaration.  The door between them was wide open. “Thank you for asking for my opinion on the dress.  You’ve never done that before, you used to just surprise me.”

            “Oh.”  Bette responded, perhaps she had ruined the surprise.

            “It was very nice to be a part of the selection process.” Tina declared earnestly, soothing Bette’s doubt.  “Is there anything else in that shop that you are considering?”