All right mom, Ill see you next week, Bette said and then hung up the phone. She sat back in her office chair and looked wistfully over at the closed door of her office. Daydreaming, she found her mind drifting to Candace.

After a minute, she leaned forward again and pressed the intercom button on her phone. She spoke assertively. James, put together a list of all the New York and Philly artists that are in my contacts file.

You got it James replied.

***

Later that evening, Bette answered her hotel room door; she knew itd be Candace. God, she said, surveying Candace up and down. You look great. Bette pulled Candace into the room, then dragged her hand along the outside of Candaces thigh. Those leather pants are making me breathless, Bette murmured.

I thought you might like them, Candace whispered seductively with her lips nearly touching Bettes ear.

Where are we going again? Bette asked into Candaces neck while her free hand began a slow stroked down the sheer, tight black shirt Candace wore.

Um, at this rate, maybe nowhere, Candace smirked and then kissed Bette. Her mouth was hungry in its insistence. They both let their hands run freely over each other as their lips stayed locked.

When Bettes hands started to make their way under Candaces nearly see-through shirt, Candace eased herself away. Ok, whoa, we cant start this or we will be late to meet Yolanda for dinner.

Oh right, Bette said brushing the hair back from her face. We are going out. Like out in public. Like respectable people. Bette grinned slightly at Candace. Ok, let me just put on my lipstick. She took a step towards Candace before turning away and towards the bedroom. As she walked away, Bettes hand reached back and dragged along Candaces stomach.

Candace circled around the living room, looking everything over slowly. Then she moved into the bedroom and ended up in the bathroom doorway, leaning against the doorframe. Candace watched as Bette teased her fingers through her hair and primped in the bathroom mirror.

This is a big suite. I guess youre planning to stay here for a while, huh?

Uh-huh, Bette said while blending one lipstick color on top of the other. She was leaning in towards the mirror, her mouth in a perfect O.

Do you need me to help you bring more stuff over?

Bette snapped the top back on her lipstick and dropped both colors back into her make-up bag. Actually, Im meeting with a broker to look at rentals this Friday. She turned towards Candace, reached over and hooked her finger into Candaces belt loop. Do you want to come with me? Bette pulled Candace to her so that their hips were pressed against each other.

Sure, Candace said and moved in to kiss Bette on the mouth.

Dont, Bette tipped her head back away from Candace. Youll mess up my face.

Looking at Bettes long elegant neck, Candace only paused a moment. Then she redirected her kiss to the place below Bettes chin, causing Bette to arch back further and moan.

***

Yolanda sat up straight in her chair with her hand absentmindedly resting on her protruding stomach. She sipped at the herbal tea that she had ordered after dinner. So, you guys are going to meet Mikela now?

Yeah, were meeting her and Yasemin at Ripe Melon. Its a new womans night that just started, Candace said while signing the credit card receipt for the bill. She said its really good.

I havent been out dancing in years, Bette interjected. She finished the last sip of her cosmopolitan. Looking up she caught Candaces eye and sparks passed between them.

Yolandas looked back and forth between Bette and Candace, noticing how they looked at each other. Well, my pregnant self hasnt been out in quite some time either. You dont even know how this big ol belly scares women off.

You should come with us. You could clear the dance floor with that stomach, Candace joked to Yolanda. Besides, in another month, youll be too tired to go out anymore.

Tempting, but no thanks, Yolanda said dryly. Anyway, Im too tired now. Pregnant and hot new club dont seem to go together.

Candace excused herself to go to the restroom and for a moment Bette and Yolanda looked at each other in silence.
So, Tina had a miscarriage and then barely a month later, you left her for another woman. Yolanda said leaning towards Bette in an aggressive manner.

Bettes face flushed bright red. I didnt I just …

And now, here you are toying with Candaces heart, Yolanda kept going despite Bettes stammering.

What the *****, Yolanda! Bette was outraged. Do you have nothing better to do than attack me constantly?

I dont think this is about me. Its about you, Yolanda said remaining calm. I dont want to see Candace getting hurt just because you are working out your issues. I mean, Ill bet she is the first woman you have been with that wasnt white. Isnt that right, Bette?

Is that still what this is about? Im just never going to be black enough for you, is that right? Bette said gaining her composure. Well let me tell you something. Who I date and how I live my life is none of your goddamn business.

It is my business when it concerns Candace.

What did I hear about Candace? Candace smiled innocently coming back from the restroom.

Yolanda continued to stare at Bette as if challenging her to say something first.

Yolanda was just telling me how much you mean to her, Bette said gritting her teeth.

Hmm Ill bet Candace said skeptically.

Well, I have to be going, Yolanda said curtly. She got up and kissed Candace on the cheek while her eyes stayed locked on Bette. You two have a good night.

Yeah, you too. Get home safe, Candace called after Yolanda. Then she looked worriedly at Bette who was shaking her head in disbelief. What happened? What did she say to you?

Candace sat down beside Bette who continued to shake her head, fuming. Im so sorry. Shes really possessive of me. Whatever she said, I apologize. I promise I will talk to her tomorrow and tell her to back off.