Bette arrived at the gallery around 7pm; she had made up her mind that she was going to stay till 10 tonight and would just come in late tomorrow. Besides, she only has one meeting tomorrow and it doesnt start till 1pm. Just when Bette got settled into the big comfortable chair behind her desk, the phone rings.

Bette: Bette Porter speaking.

Male voice: Hi Ms. Porter, you may not remember me, Im Bryan Landers. I got a message from James telling me that the paintings are in and that I can pick mine up at anytime?

Bette: Sure Mr. Landers, when would you like to pick it up?

Bryan: Well, if its not too inconvenient for you, can I pick it up sayin 30 minutes? I have a full week ahead of me, and afraid that if I dont get it tonight itll just sit there collecting dust and take up your space (Bryans lets out a soft laugh).

Bette: Sure, no problem. Ill be here. See you in a bit.

Bryan: Thank you Ms. Porter. Bye.

Bette sat there thinking about this Bryan Landers guy; suddenly a light bulb pops up in her head. Tina had mentioned that her boyfriends name was Bryan. Wonder if this is the same person, this will be interesting Bette thought.

Thirty minutes later right on the dot. Bette heard the door buzzer go off. Bette glanced up at the clock and thought how punctual this Bryan guy was. Bette stood up, walked around her desk and out toward the front of the gallery. She noticed a nice looking man standing in front of the glass door waving at her. Bette opened the door to let Bryan in.

Bette: (fake smile) Hi, you must be Mr. Landers.

Bryan: Yes, and please call me Bryan. Thank you for letting me come by this late.

Bette: No problem, customers always comes first. (Bette flashing her million dollars smile)

Bryan: (mesmerized by Bettes beauty) Thank you.

Bette told Bryan to wait for a few minutes while she goes to the back room and get his painting. As Bette turned to walk off, Bryan couldnt help but to check out Bettes body from head to toe. She is so hot Bryan thought, wonder if she is seeing anyone, maybe Ill ask her out. Bette returned a few minutes later carrying the painting with her.

Bette: Here you go (handing the painting to Bryan). I must admit, you have good taste, this is a beautiful painting.

Bryan: (grinning from ear to ear) Thanks, and Betteyou dont mind me calling you Bette do you?

Bette: No, not at all.

Bryan: I was wondering, are you seeing or dating anyone right now? (Unaware that Bette is *****)

Bette: (looking puzzled) excuse me?

Bryan: (smiled shyly) well, I thought maybe we could meet up sometime for a drink or dinner?

Bette: You mean likeon a date? (Bette arched one of her eyebrow)

Bryan: Yeah, something like that.

Bette couldnt help but laugh and it made Bryan wonder what was so funny about him asking her out. Bryan was beginning to feel insecure and inadequate around this woman.

Bette: Bryan, Im flattered that you want to take me out, but as handsome as you are, youre just not my type. Besides, I dont date customers.

Bette was trying to let Bryan down easy, in turn, her curiosity kicked in and she was wondering if this is the same Bryan that Tina had talked about, she decided to test the water.

Bette: (nonchalantly) By the way, dont you already have a girlfriend or a wife?

Bryan: (shaking his head) No, but I did have a girlfriend this morning. She walked out on me tonight.

Bryan didnt feel like elaborating and Bette could tell by the look on Bryans face that he was hurting, she didnt know if it was from her turning him down or from losing a girlfriend.

Bette: Im sorry; I hope things will work out for you.

Bryan: Yeah, me too. You know, sometimes I just dont get women, no offense to you Bette (Bryan wanting to let out his frustration). Tina saysoh, thats my girlfriends name. Damn, I almost forgot, Tina mentioned that shed met you in Vegas last Friday. Do you remember her? The pretty blonde thats about an inch shorter than you?

Bette: I meet so many people Bryan, sometimes its hard to keep track (Bette lied).

Bryan: I understand. Anyway, never mind, I dont want to burden you with my personal problems. Im sorry for keeping you here this late. I better go. Thanks again Bette.

Bette: Anytime.

Bette let Bryan out and waved him good-bye as she watched him sped off in his black convertible Porsche. Bette went back inside of the gallery and was about to lock up for the night when she looked up through the glass door and noticed a figure standing under the dim street lights by the bench in front of the gallery. Bette stood there and watched the figure approached towards the gallery. When the figure came into full view, the widest smile spread across of Bette Porters face.

Bette immediately ran out of the gallery to greet Tina. As Bette got closer she noticed that Tina looked like she had just lost her best friend. Bettes look of excitement quickly turned into a look of concern.

Bette: Tina, are you okay?

Tina shaking her head no. Bette then opened out her arms as Tina quickly fell into Bettes embrace. The two women stood there in silence holding onto each other tight as neither wanted to let go. Bette finally pulled back and told Tina that they should go inside. Tina held on tight to Bettes hand as they walked hand in hand back inside the gallery.

Bette lead Tina into her office, they both remain standing.

Bette: T, whats wrong baby?

T, thought Tina, I like that, especially if its coming out of Bettes mouth. And she called me baby. Tina liked the sound of that too.

Tina: (looking deeply into Bettes big brown eyes with a few tears rolling down her cheek) Im scared Bette.

Bette: (taking Tina back into her embrace) I know baby. Im here, you can tell me anything okay?

Tina: (slightly pulled back) Bette, I broke up with Bryan tonight weve been together for over a year. I I know that Ive made the right decision, its just that this new feelings that I have for you its scary, but yet at the same timefulfilling. Im not sure if I know how to handle it.

Bettes hand reached up to remove a lock of hair from Tinas face and gently caressed her cheek. Bette then leaned forwards to place her lips on Tinas. When Tina felt Bettes tongue licking her bottom lip asking for entry, Tina obliged and parted her lips. Tina moaned softly as Bette began to devour her mouth while their tongues began to entwine and exploring each others mouth.

A few minutes later, both women pulled back gasping for air. Being in Bettes presence suddenly erase most of the doubts that Tina had had regarding if the relationship was worth giving a shot.

Bette: (labored breathing) Tina, I think Im falling for you.

Tina: (smiling) I think Im falling for you too.

Bette: (resting her forehead against Tinas) Tina, have you ever heard of the song happy together by the Turtles?

Tina: Of course I have.

Bette and Tina: (saying a few lyrics together) Imagine Me and You, I do, I think about you day and night, its only right, to think about the girl you love and hold her tight, so happy together

They both laughed at their silliness but know that deep down inside they have feelings for each other, however, unsure of what the future will bring. Bette knew that she has to be patient with Tina, and as for Tina, Bette is all she needed right now. Their tender moment was interrupted by the ringing of Bettes office phone.

Bette let go of Tina with a quizzical look on her face and shrugged as she walked over her desk to answer the phone. Out of habit, Bette pushed on the speaker phone.

Bette: Bette Porter speaking.

Male voice: (blaring through the speaker phone) Hey Bette, its Bryan Landers


TBC