Bette: (as they reached Tina’s car she reached out and gently touched Tina’s arm so that she would turn and face her) “Tina, I was so sad this morning and you have no idea how happy I am right now.”

Tina: “Oh believe me, I have an idea because I was the same way. I am so sorry Bette that I hurt you.”

Bette: (reaching out and stroking Tina’s arm to keep from pulling her in to her arms) “You’re with me now. That is the only thing that is important.”

Tina: (reaching up to cover Bette’s stroking hand with her own) “Yes. I am and I’m planning on really getting to know the woman standing in front of me.”

Bette: (smiling) “I can’t wait. Well I guess I should let you get going.”

Tina: (questioning) “I thought you were coming with me.”

Bette: (checking her watch) “I better not. I need to call and check things out at the gallery and make sure no major catastrophes have come up and besides I have plans for this evening or at least I think I do.”

Tina: (showing her disappointment that Bette had apparently made other plans) “Well, I guess I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Bette: (picking up on Tina’s disappointment and smiling) “Is that your way of saying that you are planning on standing me up tonight?”

Tina: (smiling) “No. I thoughtnever mind what I thought. What time are you picking me up?”

Bette: “How about five thirty?”

Tina: “I’ll be ready.”

Bette: (gently running her finger along Tina’s jaw line before she started to walk away) “I’ll see you then.”

Tina stood there and watched as Bette walked away. She realized that she was happier than she had been in a long time and she couldn’t wait for their date tonight.

After Bette made sure everything was running smoothly with the gallery, she began to ‘plan’ her date with Tina. ‘You want to make this special, Porter. This is your first ‘official date’ after all’ she thought. Yet at the same time, Bette was apprehensive of pushing Tina too hardagain.

Bette wants so much to give Tina the fantasy she deserves ‘I want to sweep that straight woman right off her size 6 & feet’ Bette smiles, as she realizes what must be done. She picked up the phone to start making preparations but decided she better check in with Tina first to make sure there wasn’t something specific she wanted to do.

Bette: (anxious, not even allowing Tina to speak when she answered the phone) “Hi Tina”

Tina: (smiling) “Hello Bette!”

Bette: (happy that Tina recognizes her voice instantly) “Heyare you busy?”

Tina: (teases) “Yeah, I can’t talk longI’m preparing for a hot date tonight.”

Bette: (pauses before responding) “.well, that’s what I was calling about. I ended up at the Gallery and now I’m calling you to”

Tina: (she feels her heart sinking, as she interrupts) “Ohdid something come up at the Gallery? If you need to cancel I will understand and we can get together another time then.”

Bette: (realizing that Tina thinks she is going to cancel their plans) “No, Tinanothing is stopping me from showing up at the Kennard doorstep at 5:30nothing.”

Tina: (doesn’t realize it but she lets out a sigh of relief that is audible to Bette) “okay, I just thoughtnever mind. Well, I am happy to hear that because nothing is stopping me from greeting you at my door at 5:30nothing.”

Bette: (smiling) “I just wanted to know if there is anything in particular you’d like to do.”

Tina: “I’ll make this easy on you, Bette, okay?”

Bette: “Okay”

Tina: “I promised you I was through running. So, I’ll leave tonight in your handsI’m easy and I am game for anything!”

Bette: (teases) “Hmmm. Easy? Anything, huh?”

Tina: (blushing) “WellI meant.I’m”

Bette: (lets out a soft laugh) “Tina Kennardam I missing the sight of those adorable blushing cheeks?”

Tina: (puts a hand over her face in embarrassment as if Bette could see right through the phone) “Blushing? Not me…”

Bette: “I’ll see you at five thirty. And Tina?”

Tina: (still shielding her face with a hand) “Yes?”

Bette: (teasing) “I’ve never met a woman who looked better in that shade of pink. Bye!”

Tina: (feels her face begin to feel even more warm) “Bye”

Two minutes before five thirty, Tina hears a knock on the door. Her heart begins to race, in excitement of what’s to come

Tina: (opening door) “Bettehi”

Bette: (she is speechless and just stares at Tina for a few seconds) “Tinawow, you look incredible!”

Tina: (begins to feel her cheeks flush at Bette’s reaction) “thank you.” (Bette’s form fitting dress does not go unnoticed by Tina) “You lookwonderful, Bette.”

Bette: (smiling, she leans in to kiss Tina on the cheek) “Shall we go?”

Tina: (going to grab her purse) “Yes. I’m all yours.”

Bette: (smiling as she thinks to herself ‘yes, TinaI hope you’re all mine’) “Oh, I almost forgot”

Tina: (locking the door and placing her keys into her purse) “Hmmwhat’s that?”

Bette: (moves her hand from behind her back to reveal a present) “Thiswould be for you.”

Tina: (smiling up at Bette as she took the pink rose from Bette’s hand) “Thank you.”

The two began their journey as the Southern California sun blared above them. Bette had two hands on the steering wheel to make a turn and then rested her right arm on the console. Tina would occasionally glance at Bette’s hand and her mind urged her ‘live a little, Kennard!’

Tina: (she looked up to see Bette staring at her, suddenly shy) “Ium”

Bette: (looking concerned) “Tina? What is it?”

Tina: (softly, gently placing her hand on top of Bette’s) “Is this okay?”

Bette: (smiles in relief) “Tina” (she turns her hand upward and allows their fingers to entwine one another) “This is very okay.”

Bette felt euphoric. She was driving along the scenic route of the Pacific Coast, clutching unto the hand of the woman who apparently was clutching her heart. Tina loved the way her hand seemed to be molded for Bette’sit felt so good, so right.

With fingers entwined, the two enjoyed each other’s company and never experienced a lull in conversation. They attempted to appreciate the beauty of what California had to offerbut were too consumed absorbing the sight of the woman beside them.

Tina: “So, where are we off to Bette?”

Bette: (smiling at Tina) “Ahpatience, Tina. It will be a surprise.”

Tina: (pouting) “Tell me you’re going to make me waitagain?”

Bette: (laughing) “God, that pout is quite irresistible.”

Tina: (still pouting but perks up) “So, you’ll reveal?”

Bette: (laughing) “Uh no. I’m like a Swiss vaultthis secret is safe. Nothing will get me to reveal.”

Tina: (leaning in to whisper in Bette’s ear) “Hmmmnothing?” (she places a light kiss on Bette’s cheek)

Bette: (feeling a shiver race along her spine) “Tinadon’t tease me. We’re going 55 mph in a moving vehicle!”

Tina: (retreating back to her seat, laughing) “Okay finesurprise me!”

Bette: (winking) “Oh, I will…”