Bette walked out of the room and Tina followed.

“What do you want me to do first?” Tina asked.

“We’ll get you started with something simple” Bette walked over to the counter and picked up a towel and cleaner and handed them to Tina.

“Could you wipe down those tables?”

“Yep.” Tina said.

She got to work right away. Bette kept an eye on her. Especially when Tina dropped the towel and bent over to pick it up; she enjoyed the view very much.

The truth was Bette had a hard time not looking at Tina. Even though she said her only intentions were to be ‘just friends’, she didn’t want that…at all. She had only said that so she wouldn’t scare Tina away. And if a friendship was the only thing she could have with Tina; she wouldn’t risk not having anything at all.

As Tina was wiping the tables; she could feel Bette’s eyes on her. Bette’s words from a few nights ago kept playing over and over in her mind… I really value what we have…as friends…

Just friends…she thought to herself. After she finished the last table, Bette showed her how to work the coffee makers. Tina didn’t have a hard time with anything and started taking orders.

Around 5:30p.m. Bette told Tina it was time for them to go. They both went into the back and took off their aprons. Bette showed Tina the closet they kept them in. Tina said goodbye to Bette and proceeded towards the door.

“Hey Tina?” Bette said before Tina left.

“Yes?”

“Do you mind if I walk with you? I hate walking alone.”

“I don’t mind at all, I would love the company.” Tina said with a smile on her face.

~~~~~~

It was very cold out. Tina buttoned up her jacket as they were walking. The sun was setting and beyond the skyscrapers you could see the red and orange fading into a grey and dark blue.

“So, did you enjoy your first day?” Bette asked.

“Yes I did.” Tina replied.

“Good, I’m glad. It will be nice working with a friend.” Bette said.

“Yeah.”

They made some more small talk as they were walking; both enjoying the company of one another. Bette was happy that things weren’t weird between them after that incident at her apartment. Tina felt the same way; she couldn’t get over how comfortable she felt being with Bette; like they had known each other for years rather than a few weeks.

They walked up to Tina’s apartment building and stopped at the stairs.

“Well I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Bette said.

“Okay, see you tomorrow.”

Tina started walking up the stairs. When she reached the top she stopped and watched Bette walk away until she turned the corner.  She then walked in and went up to the 3^rd floor. After she got her keys out she walked inside; Alice was sprawled out on the couch watching TV.

“Hey Tina…how was work?” Alice asked.

“Great.” Tina took off her jacket and went into her bedroom. She laid down on her bed and turned on her side holding her pillow. She couldn’t stop think of Bette; and it was driving her crazy.

This is insane…I hardly know her, and besides…she’s a girl…but why should that matter?

Tina thought to herself. She needed to talk to someone. She sat up and got out of bed and walked back into the living room. Alice was still on the couch watching TV.

“Hey Al?”

Alice looked up at Tina from the TV.

“Yeah?”

“If you’re not too tired…could I talk to you?”

“Sure.” Alice said as she turned the TV off with the remote. She scooted over on the couch and patted the cushion next to her. Tina sat down and took a deep breathe. No more hesitating.

“Well, I wanted to talk to you about this the other night…and I think you’re the only one who could understand what I’m going through.”

“Okay.”

“I think I’m falling in love.”

Alice smiled.

“That’s great! So what’s up? Is it anyone I know?”

“It’s Bette…”

To Be Continued…