Sunday morning arrived with Tina wrapped tightly in Bettes embrace. Bette had awakened to the bright beams of sunlight thinking of everything she had on the days agenda. James had agreed to come by to get some new artists information to present to the board. Bette and Franklin had surprisingly agreed to the artists and the pieces they would show. Bette did want James to show Franklin two photographers she had just recently discovered as she had gotten back into photography herself. Bette decided shed try to get Dana to come over a little early to finish their discussion about relationships”namely hers with Tonya. Bette didnt like the fact that Dana said she didnt know Tonya that well and what she did know she didnt like, why would she make a lifetime commitment to someone she feels that way about Bette thought. She sighed out loud and Tina turned to face her. Good morning T, I didnt mean to wake you. I was just thinking about everything I have to do today for work and what we have to do to get ready for the barbeque. You didnt wake me. Ive been up for a few minutes just enjoying being close. Tina replied.

Bette lay there and held Tina tighter and looked into her eyes. T I love you so much. Youve made me the happiest woman in the world. I cant remember when I felt more loved, more hopeful, more alive. Tina gazed deeply into Bettes eyes she was so appreciative of this new and improved Bette”she was so open and so accessible Tina was more in love now than she had ever been before. Babe I feel safer and more loved now than I ever have too. I think its because you are so open now. A few months ago you would have never felt comfortable saying anything like that to me and Bette I need to hear things like that from time to time”thank you. Tina answered with a wide smile and sparkling eyes. Bette leaned in and softly kissed Tinas lips it was such a soft love-filled kiss Tina let out a low moan. Babe we have a lot to do today and James will be here soon. Lets not start something we wont be able to stop”but later tonight youre all mine”okay? Tina said with a sly smile. T I wouldnt have it any other way.

With that Bette got up and showered and prepared for her day. She let Tina shower and went to develop her last roll of film. The negatives looked great and as she looked through the photographs as the images were becoming more visible she saw the images of Tina that had inspired one of the best nights of her life. Her heart skipped several beats. Bette felt so much love for Tina and those images represented the Tina she trusted with her whole heart. The one that didnt realize how beautiful she was. The one with one look could cause her to crave her touch. The photographs were beautiful but Bette didnt quite know what to do with them. She treasured them she wanted to show the world and to keep them all to herself. She stood there in awe totally mesmerized by the woman in the photos. The woman who held her heart and who always would. She was in fact Tinas and she knew it. The realization of this made Bette feel totally and completely at home for the first time in her life. Any feelings the old Bette would have felt with this realization, feelings of being deprived of what else may be out there were nonexistent. Tina was more than enough and Bette was proud and safe with this knowledge.

Knock Knock

Tina: Babe James is here.

Bette: Ill be right out.

Bette enters the room and hugs James. James held Bette in his arms a little longer than he should have but he was so glad to see how far Bette had come since her attack. He remembered in the hospital she recoiled at anyones touch and that broke his heart. To see Bette now, so happy, so strong, so Bette, he was just relieved. He wanted to know when shed return to work but he didnt have the heart to ask. He knew she was making progress at her own pace so he left well enough alone.

James: Hey boss lady. I dont want to take up too much of your time but Franklin wants to see you presentation tomorrow. The board is really curious to see what artists you two have chosen for the next exhibit. The Provocations run was such a huge success theyll back anything you recommend.

Bette: Its good to know I have their support. I hope Franklin will like these last two photographers I want to add. James look at these proofs and tell me what you think.

James goes to the table and immediately picks up some of the proofs Bette shot and hes amazed at the clarity and how the shadow and light changes the images altogether.

James: Wow this guy is amazing look at how this image changes with the shadows. Its funny because he seems more detached when hes right up on it without using the shadows thats really different its really awesome. I could look at these all day and see something different each time. Whos the artist and what else has he done?

Bette was impressed with James critique she had never seen her work like that before but she didnt want James to know they were actually hers. She was curious why James thought the shooter was a man shed ask him later after she revealed the identity of this artist. Right now she decided shed steer James to the right pile.

Bette placed the other negatives she had in her hand on the same pile James was perusing.

Bette: Oh no James wrong pile. Interesting critique though. These are the ones Id like to consider. I like the raw talent this guy has to really see things that no one else would probably notice.

James looked he was slightly interested but not nearly as enthusiastic as he was about the other guys work.

James and Bette went through the presentation and caught up on a few more things. It took a lot of restraint for James not to ask Bette when shed be back to the CAC. The truth was he missed her more than shed ever realize. As he was leaving he reached in for another hug. Ill call you as soon as the meetings over and tell you how much they all like the presentation. BetteBette I miss you. With that James tried to make a quick exit and Bette pulled him back into her embrace. James I miss you too. II dont know when, or if Ill be back I cant tell you that but in the meantime well continue to meet, itll be okay, alright? Bette said this to reassure James all the while she felt the pang of uncertainty that she hated every time she rode by the CAC”she felt so defeated.

Tina stood and watched James and Bette. Her heart sank she knew Bette missed going to work. She had managed to stay very busy over the last few weeks but Tina knew Bette missed her meetings and wearing her power suits and just being in the mix of it all. She walked over to Bette. For an instance it seemed the e weight of the world climbed onto Bettes shoulders. Babe youll be back there before you know it, dont rush it”youre doing so well right now and Im so proud of you. Bette gave Tina a pained weakened smile; thanks T was all she could say as Tina held her close.

A few minutes later Dana was at the door again without Tonya of course Bette would take this opportunity to see if Dana was up for a little one on one time.

Bette: Hey Dana do you mind helping me set up outside?
Dana: Not at all”what do you need me to bring?
Bette: Grab the chips and the beer for now well get the rest in a few minutes.

As they approached the table Dana sat down and stared at Bette.

Bette: What?
Dana: You knew all the time didnt you?
Bette: Knew what?
Dana: The person I was thinking about was Alice.
Bette: Al told me a few things”yeah I knew. Look I dont like to meddle in other peoples business but the other day you said something that concerned me. You said you werent sure if you trusted Tonya you admitted you didnt know her that well and the things you do know about her you dont like”Dana explain to me why youd make a lifetime commitment with someone you feel that way about?
Dana: Shes already ordered the invitations. Its just too late. Ive already committed and way too soon. I feel awful about it too. So now I give in to her every little whim. I just dont know how to get out of it Bette.
Bette: Dana its not too late until you say I do. Be honest with her now and save yourself a lot of heartache later.
Dana: She hasnt done anything. I cant just break her heart you know.
Bette: You cant stay with her if you dont love her. How long do you think it will last? Dont you think she will be heart broken to know you dont love her?
Dana: I never really thought about it that way. Shes not a bad person and she makes me feel good about myself. I hate to break her heart or to hurt her feelings Bette. God I dont know what to do.
Bette: Getting married not to hurt someones feelings doesnt sound like a recipe for a good marriage Dana.
Dana (sighing heavily) God Bette youre right”you are so right. Thanks
Bette: For what?
Dana: Helping me to see what Im doing.

Tina walked out with the phone. Babe its Shane she wants to talk to you. She isnt trying to skip the barbeque is she? Bette asked. I dont think so”she didnt say. Here she gave the phone to Bette.

Bette: Shane whats up? You are on your way arent you?
Shane: Yeahabout that
Bette: Shane you cant stand us up come on you said youd be here. You arent still upset about Dana and Alice picking on you. Look Ill help you get them back will pulverize them in some pool volleyball to shut them up once and for all. Please say yesplease.
Shane: Yes”Bette I was wondering if I could bring someone.
Bette: (hesitates and thinks Shane has never once brought anyone around before whats this about?) Sure ummmwho is she?
Shane: Someone new. Ill introduce you when we get there. I hope you like her. See you in a few minutes.
Dana: Is she coming? I still feel really bad for Al and I picking on her.
Bette: Shes coming and shes bringing someone new with her.
Tina/Dana/ Kit: Shes bringing someone with her?
Bette: I cant wait to meet this woman.

Alice comes back to the pool bringing more beer and chips.

Alice: Hello everyone, Bette can I talk to you for a sec?
Bette: Whats up?
Alice: Look when you guys left the Planet yesterday after telling Dana and I to deal with our issue”well we didnt and now that everyone knows and everyone knows everyone knows. I feel real nervous around her. I mean I would like to just act normal”whatever that is, but shes officially still with Tonya and its still so weird. I dont know what to do.
Bette: Al, no worries no pressure. Its Dana just talk to her and if relationships come up”either between her and Tonya or you and her just let her talk through it. You guys cant avoid one another”it wont help in the long run. Just relax and trust Dana will make the right decision okay? Above all else have fun.
Alice: Relax, no worries, and have fun”Ill try.

Bette took the time to run in the kitchen to check to see if Tina needed any help with food prep and then she fired up the grill.

Bette: T do you need me to do anything else? Im going to put on my swimsuit so I can get ready to kick some serious butt. Ive already put up the net.
Tina: Go ahead babe the grills on and Im all set here.

Shane walks in with a beautiful brunette with piercing blue eyes. She makes her introductions and gets Janice a drink. Shane explained to Tina she met Janice at Lather and theyve been inseparable ever since.

Shane: Heres your drink Janice
Janice: Its too warm”more ice now.
Shane: Oookkk

Bette walked through the kitchen and out to the patio she noticed the hot brunette and winked at Shane. She hadnt witnessed the sheer rudeness of how Janice ordered Shane to fix her drink.

Shane noticed Bettes nod in Janices direction and the wink but mostly she noticed Bette standing there in a bikini that would arouse anyone with a pulse. Shane stood there frozen for a moment and then shook her head as if to shake the image from her mind.

Alice and Dana even gave Bette a few catcalls.

Looking mighty hot Porter.

Tina turned around and noticed her very beautiful wife and her pulse raced and didnt seem to slow down. She pulled Bette back into the kitchen.


TBC