“Umm just some water” Bette nods and goes into the kitchen.  The painting above the fire place catches Tina’s attention. It was a beautiful landscape image of a naked woman wrapped in vines. It captured Tina’s imagination and made her wonder about what the artist was thinking about when they painted it

“Beautiful isn’t it?” Tina jumps slightly at the sound of Bette’s voice from the doorway “The artist is a friend of mine, she lives in Toronto” Bette approaches Tina and hands her the glass of water, which she takes

“Thank you” They turn their attentions back to the painting, Tina was truly drawn in by it “Do you know what her inspiration was for it?” Bette chuckles making Tina melt inside ’Oh god her laugh is so sexy’

“She had recently ended her relationship with her long term partner because she felt as if she was being suffocated which, in the painting, is shown by the vines that are wrapped around the woman” Tina couldn’t believe how in tune Bette was with her work and passion. Her knowledge of the artwork blew Tina away “Like you were when you were with Eric” Tina locks eyes with Bette. She was right. Tina had been suffocating in her marriage

“How come you know so much about me?”  Bette smiles and shakes her head. Tina, to Bette, was an open book. In the few hours Bette had known Tina she had learned a lot from the way Tina acted and all the emotion in her eyes

“You’re just easy to read I guess; are you complaining?” Tina shakes her head. Tina wanted Bette to get to know her better so they could get along and become friends or maybe more, if the chance ever arose

“No it’s just we only met a few hours ago and I feel as if I’ve known you for years” Bette smiles and nods

“I agree but we still have a lot to learn about each other” Tina nods and sits down on the nearest seat

“So why don’t we?” Bette smirks and sits opposite Tina on the other chair “Ok when’s your birthday?”

“20^th May 1980” Tina couldn’t believe Bette was thirty years old, she didn’t look it “Yours”

“24^th December 1981” Bette shakes her head in disbelief; Tina was 29 years old

“Christmas baby how cute” Tina shakes her head and smiles at Bette’s comment “I take it I’ll have to buy you a few presents then for Christmas” They both laugh before they begin asking questions again

 “Favourite colour?” Bette thought Tina to be at the most 25 years old but 29

“Blue, yours?” And this is how the night went on till they were too tired to talk anymore. They had learnt a lot more about each other. Their likes and dislikes were almost identical; they liked the same music, had similar tastes in art and theatre, great taste in cars and similar tastes when it came to food and drink. They were meant for each other even if they didn’t know it yet.   

TBC…