On the way home from the concert, all Tina could think about was Bette. What was with that woman that had her so obsess? She wasnt sure why while listening to the beautiful concert, she could not stop looking around trying to find Bette in the audience. When she finally did it felt like if air was filling her lungs again. She was intrigued, Tina told herself. From the very few things Lilly told her about Bette, she was a very successful woman in her field. But then, shaking her head, Tina reminded herself that successful women never impressed her before. It was something else, there was something in Bette that was bugging her, there was something in the way she acted, in the way she talked… in the way she moved..in the way she smiled, there was something in Bettes shy smile that was melting tinas insides even when she could name what was going on.
Tina didnt know what it was but she was dying to get home and work in the dark room. Maybe see could find out what she was looking for in the pictures she took of her.

***
It was another early day at the Planet. Closing the door of the car Bette prayed for her friends not being there. It was Sunday morning so there was always hope, she thought walking towards the door. But the moment she entered she heard Alices unmistakable laughter.

Hey Porter! Alice yelled, waiving at her friend.

Ordering a coffee Bette walked towards the table where her friends were lazily chatting.

You left early yesterdayyou ok? asked Alice, always the inquisitor.

Yeah, had things to do for today Bette said, taking an empty chair from another table.

Dana, how did it go in Houston? she wondered, not voicing her real thoughts.

It was ok, I got to the semi-finals Dana said, shrugging.

Wasnt Mauresmo the one that won? asked Alice, biting a straw.

“Yeah sighed Dana, nodding. Then seeing Bette getting her coffee, added, So Bette, how do you know TK?

Who? asked Shane who till that moment was quietly watching her friends talk.

My friend, Tina Kennard proudly said Dana.

You know Tina? asked Shane, leaning on the table.

You too? asked Alice, Bette and Dana in unison.

Sure met her the other day nonchalantly answered Shane sipping from her coffee.

“What? asked Bette unable to hide her curiosity.

Yeah, the other night, at Radar nodded Shane, noticing the cute brunette walking in the Planet.

Ok, I have to go said Bette, standing up, taking her coffee.

What? You just came here said Alice looking around, confused.

Have things to do, will see you later ok

Nodding to her friends Bette started walking away not giving them time to add anything else.

What did I say? asked Shane, looking at Bette leaving the Planet.

Nothing, its hershe is in love nonchalantly answered Alice, shaking her head.

What?, with whom? asked Dana, confused.

The photographer Alice answered, watching Bette walking on the parking lot.

What?…Tina is not a ***** said Dana looking at Bette, even more confused.

Yes she is added Shane, taking the morning paper.

What? asked Dana again, leaning forward, How you know? her eyebrow rising.

I knowShe just dosent added Shane nodding, nonchalantly reading the paper.

Oh God, she is ***** Sighed Alice rolling her eyes, watching Bettes car passing by.


***

Tina was reading the paper, trying to find something, anything to distract her messy thoughts. So lost she was in her own world that she didnt notice Marco talking with her.

Bimba? He said again, repeating her name while moving closer to the table.

Uh?..ohGood morning Tina said.

Morning Marco mumbled, leaning down, kissing Tina on the cheek.

I thought you were going to be in the dark room he said pouring a cup of coffee.

I wasbut for the first time in my life I ran out of developer liquidsI need to get out and by more Tina said, placing the paper on the table.

I see nodded Marco, scratching her bald head, sitting down on the chair in front of his friend.

What about you? What are you up to? Asked Tina, refilling her cup.

“I dont knowwas thinking the beach Can I borrow your bike? He asked, finally opening his eyes, looking at Tina for the first time that morning.

Yeah (Tina chuckled, noticing the sleepy eyes)but remember, this one is not like the Vespas we used to drive while in Romethis is the real thing Tina said, nodding.

Yes mom Marco teased.

Ookthe keys are behind the kitchens door added Tina, smiling. Standing up she leaned down and kssing Marco on the cheek just nodded, lost again in her own thoughts.

Have fun said Marco, waving at Tina, taking the paper.

Yeah, you too answered Tina, walking to the door.

***

Turning the engine off, Bette sighed placing her head on the wheel. God am pathetic! She thought once again. This cant be it I have to find out I have to do something. She said to herself, taking the paper sheets that were resting on the passenger seat. Checking the sheets Bette read about Tinas life all over again. For the hundredth time, her birth date, family, schools,jobs, awards lots of facts that were just the road to what Bette guessed was the real thing. The real woman. The woman who she was dying to know about. The woman that had nothig to do with what those sheets were talkig about. The woman that with her smile was able to melt Bettes kees, the woman that with her sweetness was able to calm Bettes anxieties, the woman that just by lightly touching Bette was able to close her lungs, make her whole body to shiver and weak her heart.

Taking her cell, Bette checked her palm and then, opening the cars door, dialled.


***

Placing the box full of developer bottles in the back of her car Tina felt her cell vibrating.

Hello? she answered in a rush.

Hi, Tina? a shy voice asked.

Yes, who is it? Tina asked, sitting in the car.

Eh, ohHi am Bette Porter the voice mumbled, surprising Tina with the answer.

Oh, HiBette said Tina, unsure of what to say.

Yeah, hiII was just doing some work, checking the article that will go with your pictures andand it occurred to me that maybeif you are not busymaybe youd like to have that coffee Bettes words tentative, shy but with just the right amount of confidence not to sound pathetic.

Noticing the long quiet seconds filling the air, Bette added,

..or maybe notwe could do it when you have the pictures if you want

Bettes words sinking in Tinas conscience, awakening her.

EhnosorryI meanyeah…rightwe could do it today if you want Tina mumbled, shaking her head, confused.

Ohokgreat!…where do you want to go? Bette asked, her face glowing with the biggest smile.

I dont care, where are you? Tina asked.

II am at homewhy dont you come here? I can show you the article Bette said, feeling quite silly by her lame excuses.

OkI have to stop at my place first by will be there in an hour if thats ok said Tina, turning the engine on.

Perfect Cheerfully nodded Bette, trying to hide her excitement.

OK, see you then finished Tina.

Tina wait interrupted Bette.

Yes? Asked Tina.

Maybe I should tell you where I live said Bette, shyly smiling.

Right whispered Tina, feeling her cheeks turning red.