Bette found herself back in Seattle a week after her dinner with Tina. Things had been going well between the two of them and she was hopeful that they would ultimately wind up together. They were taking things slow, just seeing one another when time permitted usually with the kids. After all they were such an important part of their lives now. Bette was in Seattle to meet with the artist she didnt sign on her last business trip. The artist had called her once she found out that Bette had signed the other 3 artists.

Bette entered the hotel restaurant and spoke to the hostess. The hostess informed her that her guest was already there.

Please follow me to your table Miss Porter.

The restaurant was full so Bette followed the hostess as they weaved in between the tables, Bette not looking up until the hostess came to a stop. When she looked up she was stunned to see the woman she had slept with on her last business trip. Bette open her mouth to say something but nothing came out.

The hostess said, Michael will be your waiter this evening, please enjoy your dinner.

She turned and walked away leaving Bette still standing and staring. The woman smiled and said small world huh? Let me formally introduce myself Im Fiona Applegate.

Bette pulled herself together and smiled, shaking the hand that Fiona was offering. Bette Porter, but then you knew that.

Yes, now I do, but I didnt before. Bette took a seat and shook her head.

I had no idea and if I had it wouldnt have happened. I learned the hard way not to mix work and pleasure.

So does that mean you wont show my pieces?

It might be a bit awkward. How would you feel about it?

Look, it was one night, a great one that I wont soon forget but still just one night. I know you showing my pieces would be good for my career so why dont we just pretend that it never happened?

Okay, but just to be clear, this relationship is strictly business from here on out.

Agreed.

The two woman ordered dinner and a bottle of wine and settled in, discussing Fionas sculptures. Bette reviewed each one with her, explaining how she envisioned showcasing each one. The time flew by and 3 hours later they found themselves talking about current events, films, anything that came to mind. They got along like to old friends despite their age difference and Bette knew she would end up taking Fiona under her wing and mentoring her. Fiona realized she had made the right decision in giving her pieces to Bette and while she might have lost a wonderful lover she most definitely had gained a friend and perhaps even a mentor.

The waiter came by to ask them if they wanted anything else and the two women ordered coffee and one dessert to share. Bette and Fiona were having such a good time they failed to notice that the restaurant had cleared out with only a few customers besides them left. Bette also failed to notice Tina, sitting in a corner of the room, watching her every move.

Tina had gotten short notice that she was needed in Seattle to settle problems on the set of a film her company was financing. She and Bette had both missed each others calls so neither knew where the other was going on their respective business trips. Tina had just finished a long working dinner that coincided with Bettes. Now everyone had gone except Tina who decided to have a cup of coffee before approaching Bette. She felt a knot in the pit of her stomach. It had been there from the moment she laid eyes on Bette having dinner with the stunning brunette. She watched for signs of intimacy, jealously mixing with the painful memories of their past. It looked like it was a business dinner in some ways but in other ways it seemed more. The two hadnt touched but there was something in the way they looked at one another. Tina wasnt sure what was going on but she wasnt going to play games this time, waiting to see if Bette mentioned anything. She took her last sip of coffee and stood up to make her way over to Bettes table.

Fiona saw Tina as she approached the table and let out a soft whistle. Bette asked what was going on.

Beautiful hot blonde approaching at 6 oclock. I hope shes a fan of my work.

Bette turned to see whom Fiona was salivating over and was stunned for the second time that evening. She jumped up Tina, what are you doing here?

Tina smiled and leaned in to kiss Bette briefly on the lips. I could ask the same of you.

Please sit down and join us. Let me introduce you to Fiona Applegate, Ill be showing her sculptures at the gallery next month. Fiona this is Tina Kennard my wife.

Wife? Fiona and Tina said in unison.

Im sorry Tina, it just kinda slipped out. Now that I think about it Im not sure how I should introduce you.

Tina smiled and looked at Fiona who wore a puzzled look on her face. Bette and I were partners once, we broke up for 5 years and I guess you could say were dating again. So baby why dont you introduce me as your girlfriend. I think that would be appropriate for now.

Bette leaned over and kissed Tina full on the lips and then pulled way. Well, I guess Ill have to settle for girlfriend but I hope not for too much longer.

Behave Porter and anything could happen.

Fiona was feeling like a third wheel all of a sudden and decided to head home. Well it was nice meeting you Tina perhaps Ill see you again in LA when Im there for the show. Bette, thank you for agreeing to showcase my sculptures. I look forward to working together with you.

She leaned down and kissed Bette goodbye and whispered in her ear Shes a keeper, dont keep her waiting too long. With the last remark Fiona turned and walked slowly to the restaurants exit.

Bette turned to Tina and smiled. Im so happy youre here Tina. We really need to communicate better. Had I known your business trip was to Seattle we could have traveled together.

So Bette, want to tell me exactly what is going on between you and Fiona?