Chapter Nine

I stand infront of my full length mirror, the sound of Bettes car horn beeping persistently in the background. A peaceful distraction to my reflected image. I take in my chosen outfit, scrutinise its rich blue colour, and sloping front. I spin around holding up my dress in a courtsey. Nice to meet you I smile into the mirror, but my smile fades into a grimace. Nice to meet you? I dont think thats going to be good enough for Bettes friends, I dont even know whether Im going to be good enough for Bette. I try to remember Bettes friend Alice, try to remember her girlfriend, but I think its pretty safe to say that the only thing on my mind at that time was Bette. I think of how intimidated I had felt at that dinner party, and then I think about how warm and reassuring she had been. I smile into the mirror before walking out of my apartment, closing the door behind me.
I notice Bette immediately, watch her waving at me with a smile on my face as I walk over to her. Its no longer surprising the effect she has on me. In fact its almost routine the way I cant look at her without touching her.
I open the door to Bettes car, sitting down my body sighing against her leather seats. Hey baby. You look incredible She greets me removing her sleek shades to capture my lips with hers.
Not next to you I insist taking in her crisp black shirt and white trousers with desire, our faces still inches apart as her hands move expertly across my body, cupping my breast and then winking at me as she pulls away.
We have reservations at eight and its… She looks at her watch. …eight
Sorry I apologise, smiling sheepishly.
Im not complaining She purrs her eyes roaming appreciatively across my body.
Reservations at eight I remind her just as her hands reach out for me. So whose going to be there again? I ask.
Just Alice and her girlfriend Jean She answers, her hands gripping the steering wheel her eyes concentrating on the road.
Alice and Jean I repeat, fidgeting in my seat. God forbid I get them mixed up or forget their names.
She glances sideways at me her gaze soft and warm as she holds my hand, her thumb caressing my fingers. You dont need to be nervous, theyll love you
What if they dont?
She chuckles. Come on babe, whats not to love? I look down at my dress and she sighs. If they dont like you then I dont care. I like you enough for all of them
I squeeze her knee lovingly, the grin on my face growing wider by the second. Thanks baby

We walk to the restaurant our shoulders touching, our fingers clasped tightly. I look into Bettes comforting face, that raised brow and those soft gentle lips. I kiss her gently and she wraps her arms around me. I really think you should come back to mine She whispers into my ear, her breath hot against my neck.
I think so too I hear somebody clear their throat, and we pull apart the cold clinging to my body seconds after Bette has left it.
A long haired blonde woman is stood infront of us, grinning as she links arms with a sullen faced brunette. Didnt I tell you She chats excitedly, keeping her eyes on Bette and me. Youre one ***** of a quick starter Porter She grins, pulling away from her girlfriend to throw her arms around Bette. Its about time She complains, observing me with curious eyes. She purses her lips, giving me the once over before breaking out into a smile.
Couldnt tear myself away Bette grins, and I know that Im grinning too.
I bet you couldnt. Tina right? She asks holding out her hand. I shake it nodding my head and smiling.
Thats right
This is my girlfriend Jean Jean rolls her eyes at Alice, the smile directed at me feeling more like a smirk. Dont mind Jean she hates people Alice teases, touching Jeans cheek.
Shall we go in? My stomach is begging to be fed Bette remarks. She starts to walk away and I join her side.
You should ask Tina to take care of that Alice chuckles, nudging me with her shoulder. Something tells me that Im going to like Alice. I look back at Jean as she lags behind, Im sure shes ok too.
Were lead to our table, everything is so soft and delicate, varnished floors, glistening chandeliers and white roses. Bette picks one, stroking my hair before she slides the rose into my blonde strands.
I notice almost immediately that Jean is nothing like Alice. While Alice babbles and grins and gossips, Jean sits by her side complaining, her eyes every so often catching mine and fixing me with a look that I dont want to put my finger on.
All through dinner I find my eyes drawn to Bette, find myself gazing hungrily at the way her shirt fits to her body, exposing those ample *****, that slender stomach. I look at her hands as she eats, as she picks up her wine glass, I think about how theyve touched me and feel myself blush.
You know… Jean begins her unnerving voice distracting me from my thoughts of Bette …I feel like I remember you from somewhere Jean says as she pushes her plate away. Have we met before?
I feel Bettes hand slide ontop of my knee. I think so, were you at the opening a few weeks ago?
Jean nods. Its funny, I could have sworn I saw you leave with a guy She sniffs.
I did I feel the guilt creeping up. Feel myself tense as I wonder what Eric would think if he could see me now. If he could see Bette and I now, together. I hold onto the hand ontop of my knee. But would you be able to resist Bette? I ask. Bette smiles, kissing my cheek.
Well Alice couldnt Jean grumbles, poking at her food.
Anyway, do you want to grab a coffee or do you and Tina have other things on your mind?
Bette observes me with a wink. Im sure we handle that right T? I look at Jean with her disconcerting eyes and Im not sure.
When we walk to the coffee shop its dark out and while Alice and Jean walk together Bette and I lag behind. She snakes her arm around my waist, pulling me to her when I shiver from the cold. You ok baby? She asks. I nod my head, holding her steady fingers in my own. Its not far now She assures me. Alice seems to really like you. I know its difficult to tell because shes so…energetic but she does
I like Alice I tell her. I think the two of us could be friends
Thats great baby She beams, her eyes smiling for her. Alice is a good friend of mine it means alot to me that you like her Right now what Id like to do is have Bette all to myself, that soft look in her eyes like melting chocolate does things to me that I cant even begin to explain. I dont know how or why I met Bette but Im happy that I did. I look into Bettes eyes, holding her hands infront of me. She kisses me and the tender look on her face throws me completely. I know what this feeling means. She leads me into the coffee house, I know what it means but there is no way that Im ready to admit it.
The four of us sit down at a booth Alice and Bette sliding out to fetch our drinks. Jean leans in her eyes trained on me. So this thing with Bette, is it new for you? She asks leaning on her elbows.
Being with a woman?
Right She answers dryly.
Yes
Shes famous for this you know She chuckles, glancing over her shoulder at Bette. She makes all the girls cry, she did the same thing to Alice She tells me lighting a cigarette. She does the same thing to everyone. A pretty girl catches her eye and the more unavailable they are the better
I dont believe you I tell her my voice plagued by insecurity, my anger faltering.
Not so sure though are you. She winks at me, a trail of smoke leaving her lips as she exhales. Look Im just giving you the heads up, Bette never stays with anybody. Not Alice… She whispers. …and not you
I look at Bette, Jeans words haunting me even after shes spoken them. I get up from my seat. I dont want to have to face Bette and think about the things that Jean has said. I dont want to believe Jean, and yet a part of me is starting to think that maybe shes telling the truth. I turn away from Jeans smirking face and walk out of the cafe.