Well go on then girl, go change, Ill wait for you, said Greg, his chocolate brown eyes smiling kindly at Bette. But Ill have to wait across the street”no fraternizing with the guests, you know!

OK, its a date. Ill meet you at the Starbucks in 15 minutes? said Bette

***

An hour later Bette and Greg were strolling along the streets of Greenwich Village, taking in the unique energy of that part of town and enjoying the warm, but unusually dry August air. Bette hadnt been to New York for a while and was enjoying her tourist status. Greg kept her entertained with a running commentary on the people and places they passed.

Ok, this is your stop lady, Greg gestured to the door of Rubyfruit, where a small line of women had developed waiting to be let into the club.

What, you arent coming in with me? Bette protested.

Honey, you dont know what theyd do to a queen like me in there–I shudder just to think of it. Dont get me wrong. I like you dykes well enough–on a one-to-one basis, but in there, brrrrr, Greg shook his body like cockroaches were crawling over him.

Im off to Babylon sweetie. Its been a pleasure to get to know you better Bette. Better Bette, Better Bette, oh, I like that! I think Ill call you BB from now on! squealed Greg, getting more animated by the second. I wont see you tomorrow, Im off and expect to be sleeping in late, if you get my drift.

Greg, youve been very kind, thanks, smiled Bette, actually a bit relieved that Greg was off on his own adventure.

Bette entered the club after a few minutes of waiting. She didnt mind, it gave her time to check out the clientele, and be checked out as well.

Bette headed straight for the bar and ordered a Tanqueray and tonic with a lemon, no lime. She then found a place to stand in the pulsing crowd, sipping her drink and hoping that outwardly she appeared much cooler than she was feeling inside. The crowd was much more diverse than she was used to at Milk. Not that the LA womens community wasnt diverse, it just seemed that the women segregated themselves into splinter communities much more than Bette saw in New York. That was challenging for Bette when she first arrived in LA and wanted to find a place where she belonged, where she felt comfortable. She never felt at home in any of the clubs and purposely pulled on a disguise of sorts, a cloak of confidence that dared anyone to question that she belonged. She put on her actually I own this place demeanor and scanned the room.