It was one of those moments when time stood still. Her mind went blank and her breath was caught in her chest. For an instant, Tina forgot where she was and who she was kissing. The instant Bettes lips touched hers she was lost, unable to form words and forget about coherent thought. The feeling of Bettes lips against hers sent a shock through her system that shook the foundation of her sanity. What am I doing? Am I really kissing a woman? Tina just stared into Bettes eyes as she stood there holding the earring in her hand. Bettes face was just inches from hers and Tina couldnt help but smile as she let the feeling return to her body.

Bette was shaking on the inside, but remained calm and collected on the outside. She gave Tina a seductive smile and she could tell what an effect she had on this woman. Bette had been with many women in her life, but this was the first one who made her feel like this. Bette looked into Tinas deep brown eyes and she felt herself getting lost in them. Bette held her gaze for what felt like a million years before giving her one more smile and taking a small step back. As she spoke her voice was soft and gentle and Bette felt like a nervous schoolgirl in Tinas presence.

Im sorry. I didnt mean to

Its okay.

Bette smiled at Tina, glad that she wasnt upset about the kiss, and tried desperately to think of something to say. She had to see this woman again, but she couldnt think of a reasonable excuse. When Bette had first met Tina she had come to the party with Eric, and Bette had a strong feeling that Tina had never been with a woman. They stood there looking at each other for a few more minutes before Tina decided she should leave. She wanted to stay and talk to Bette, but Tina didnt know what was going on and she needed to figure it out.

Well, I guess I should be going. Thanks again for returning this.

Bette smiled at her as she led Tina back out to the main gallery. Tina gave her a small wave as she turned and walked away and Bette couldnt help but admire the view. Calm down Porter, Bette told herself as she took one last long look at Tina and went back into her office. She sat down to do some work, but the only thing on her mind was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen.

Tina walked out of the Bette Porter gallery and got into her car. Wow. That woman is amazing. I have to get to know her. Thoughts of Bette were racing through her mind as Tina drove back to her town home in Santa Monica. Her cell phone went off at that moment and for a split second Tina was scared that it was Bette. She doesnt even have my number, Tina said to herself with a laugh and when she looked at the caller ID her smile faded. Eric. *****. Tina let it ring a few times before finally picking it up.

Hi babe.

Hey hows my girl doing today?

Oh yeah, I AM your girl, Tina thought as she listened to Eric. They had been together for about nine months and Tina was genuinely happy with him. He was the first guy in a long time that made Tina feel so safe and loved and she knew he had very strong feelings for her. While Tina knew she loved Eric and cared for him, Tina also knew she was playing it safe by being in this relationship. Her last long-term relationship had been in college and that was enough drama to make her swear off dating forever. She played the single scene for a few years, but when she met Eric everything changed. He was funny, and sweet, and kind, and good looking. Everything she could want in someone, and Eric did everything in his power to sweep her off her feet. Tina was pulled back to earth as she heard Eric talking.

Tina? Are you there?

Yeah, Im here. Sorry. What were you saying?

I was just saying that Mike got tickets to the MOCA opening of the new Basquiat exhibit. Its next Thursday night. Do you want to go?

Tina paused as she contemplated her decision. She liked art as much as the next person but truthfully attending these art shows bored her. Eric was always off talking with some big wig from the LA art scene and Tina often found herself looking at the various works of art, alone. The one benefit that may come out of her attending this event with Eric is that she might get another chance to see Bette Porter again. She smiled as she remembered the feel of Bettes lips on hers and she decided it would be worth a try.

Sure. What time?

Seven. Okay baby, I have to get going, but Ill see you tomorrow.

Tina hung up the phone and turned up the radio. She rolled her window down and felt the warm California air blowing through her hair. She felt a sense of elation she had never felt before, but this concerned her. I dont know what it is about her, but I sure wouldnt mind finding out. Tina arrived home and sighed to herself. She had brought a mountain of work home with her and she knew she would spend the better part of this weekend working. She pushed all thoughts of her dark haired beauty out of her head as she headed inside to get started.

The week flew by and before Tina realized it was Thursday afternoon. She was at work, swamped with meetings and scripts to read, but as she couldnt help but glance at her watch almost every ten minutes. She was going to get off work early and take her time getting ready for tonight. She didnt know if she was going to see Bette for sure, but Tina didnt want to take her chances. At four oclock Tina gathered her stuff off her desk and ran down to her car. She fought the horrific downtown traffic and walked into her house at a quarter after five. After a long shower and a quick check to make sure her nails were perfect Tina was sitting in her bedroom trying to decide what to wear. The entire contents of her closet were strewn around her room and Tina was pacing back and forth trying to find the perfect outfit.

*****, what am I doing? she thought as she held up various dresses, trying to figure out what Bette would like. Why am I even bothering with this? She is a woman, and I dont date women. All week Tina had been trying to figure out why she had such strong feelings for Bette, but after four days of searching her mind and her heart, Tina still had no answers. Tina had always known she was a heterosexual woman, but she never ruled women completely out of the dating scene. In college, she had kissed a couple of women, but it was usually when she was severely inebriated and it was always a one-time thing. Tina always chalked this up to a college experience and she never questioned her sexuality. Until now.

Eric picked her up at six thirty and they arrived at MOCA half an hour later. Eric took her arm in his as he led her into the building. The main room was full of people, and soon they were surrounded by people Eric knew through connections at his work. Once again Tina felt like a trophy on his arm as she looked around hoping to see Bette. She couldnt see much, so she decided to walk around. Eric gave her a look that said are you okay? and she gave him a warm smile and a kiss on the cheek before leaving his side to look around. She walked around the gallery and looked at the various pieces of art, taking in their aesthetic beauty and simplicity. She turned a corner and was looking at a beautiful piece consisting of a mother and her child in front of a run down shack when she heard it. Bettes voice.

Tina turned around and held her breath. She saw Bette talking to two men who seemed to be asking her opinion about the work. A shorter woman with dirty blonde hair stood at her side, not saying anything, just looking between her and the men. Tina felt a sudden flush come over her as she took in Bettes appearance. Bette was wearing a tan BCBG Max Azaria suit with a white blouse under it and black Manolo Blahnik heels. She has good taste, thought Tina as she admired Bette from afar. Tina didnt know if she should go and talk to her, so she stayed where she was. Eric walked up to her at that moment and Tina pretended to look at the piece of art right in front of her. He smiled at her as they stood there talking about the art and Tina didnt notice Bette walk up to them.

Hi Eric, Tina.

Bette gave each of them a warm smile as she introduced her friend. As she was talking Bette couldnt help but notice how beautiful Tina looked. Tina was wearing the black D&G dress that Eric bought her for Christmas, the one that hugged her curves perfectly without revealing too much.

This is my friend Alice, so are you two enjoying the exhibit?

Yeah Bette. This is so different than the last show. Whats coming up at your gallery?

Tina barely heard Eric speaking as she stared at Bette, unable to move. Alice noticed Tina staring at Bette and she couldnt help but smile to herself. Bette has struck again I see. Too bad, shes cute. And so is he. Alice gave Eric the once over and for the rest of the night she flirted with him shamelessly. He didnt seem to notice as he kept asking Bette about her latest project or what she thought of different artists. Before she knew it, Eric was pulling on her arm gently, trying to lead her away towards another set of exhibits. Tina wanted to tell him to go alone so that she could spend more time with Bette, but she knew he would be curious as to why she suddenly had so much interest in this woman. Alice could see that Tina didnt want to leave so she jumped in giving Tina a gracious way to stay and talk to Bette.

Oh did you want to go check out that piece over there? I was just looking at it, why dont we go see what all the fuss is about.

Alice gave Tina a knowing smile as she walked away with Eric. Bette smiled at Tina, knowing that Tina had at least some interest in her, and she contemplated her next move carefully. She didnt want to scare this woman, correction – this straight woman, off but she wanted to know more about her. Tina was standing there saying something about the art as Bette watched her with a thoughtful look in her eye.

I think this piece has such depth to it. The artist was able to capture so much emotion and pain in this simple piece. Dont you think?

I agree. His work is known for being politically rich, and I think his latest work has been the best yet.

Tina looked at Bette and she could feel face break out into a goofy smile. Bette admired Tinas warm eyes and she didnt notice Alice and Eric walking back up to them. Eric put his hand on Tinas lower back and Bette wished it were her instead of him accompanying this woman home. They left soon after that and Bette couldnt help but feel disappointed as she was left watching Tina walk away again. Alice saw the look in Bettes eyes and she could not resist teasing her, just a little.

Bette? Bette? Hello, earth to Bette.

What?

What are you doing?

What are you talking about Alice?

Oh come on. I saw it. You are interested in that woman.

Dont be silly. Besides, shes straight.

Yeah yeah, weve heard that excuse before. Well, good luck with that and if it works out, Ill take him off her hands for a while.

Bette turned and gave Alice a playful slap on the shoulder as they shared a laugh and continued looking at the artwork. Later that night Bette went to check the messages at her gallery, and her heart stopped at the last message she heard.

Hey Bette, its Tina. Kennard. Um, I was just wonderingumI was wonderingoh shitforget itsorry.