“Alright, so you’ve left your fiance and your parents hate you. Now get to the good stuff. You. Bette. The kiss. Now what?” Tina a bit taken aback by the quick synopsis sat back in her chair staring at Robert. “Do you really want to hear about all this?” “I’ve come this far haven’t I?” Tina smiled, “Yes. Yes you have” She took a deep breath wondering how she would tell this story ****************** Tina rushed through the apartment, her hair still wet from the shower. “Damnit!” she howled slamming her foot into the coffee table. A circumstance of great timing, Tina, had been apartment sitting for Karen for the last week. She was grateful, but her friend’s eclectic furniture groupings were taking a toll on her body. Tina was running late and the limited wardrobe in front of her was less than inspiring. She knew that she had been emotional the night she packed this bag; the night she left Eric; but two bathing suits and seven pairs of granny panties? “Jesus.” Tina sighed, holding the useless contents of her duffel bag in her hand. Just when she was wondering how bad a pair of khaki shorts and a tank top that read “Daytona ’92″ could be; she saw it. There balled up at the bottom of the bag, was her favorite dress. It was red, slinky, and fit her in all the right places. More importantly with Bette less than 15 minutes away, the damn thing never wrinkled, no matter how badly she treated it. Tina shook the dress out, “Magic”. Bette Porter was running late. One nervous artist and seven crates of misplaced artwork meant she had no time to go home before her date. She had spent much of the night before, planning the perfect outfit. That perfect outfit laid out on her bed was of no help to her now as she licked her finger and furiously rubbed at the remnants of her lunch that had found their way to her suit jacket. “*****.” Bette muttered catching her reflection in the rear view mirror. Her red-light makeup application had gone a bit awry. She grabbed a tissue from her purse and wiped away the misplaced lipstick. Bette pulled up to the curb checking the directions Tina had given her over the phone one last time before sliding them into her purse. Stepping out of the car she noticed the spot on her jacket had only gotten worse from the personal dry cleaning she’d given it. Bette whipped it off and tossed it in the back seat, revealing a form fitting white silk tank. She looked at her watch realizing she was later than she thought and hurried up the walk. Tina glanced at her watch resting on the sink. Bette was late. Tina was thankful. Although she had remembered the dress, the shoes had not found their way into her bag. She had to borrow a pair of Karen’s. Karen wore a size 6, Tina a size 7. Karen was also 5’3″. There, Tina stood in Karen’s three-inch heels that were a size too small wondering what the ***** she was getting herself into. Bette rang the bell and ran her fingers through her hair. A few moments later her finger hovered, wondering if it was weird to ring again. She looked left and right afraid she had the wrong address. Just as she was about to ring again; the butterflies multiplying in her stomach; the door buzzed loudly. Startled, Bette jumped back. “Jesus. Calm down” she whispered to herself and pushed the door open. Tina stepped out of Karen’s first floor apartment at that exact moment, colliding with her date. Bette had to grab Tina’s shoulders to catch her balance. “OH!” Tina tripped. She found Bette’s hips between her hands, steadying herself. “Sorry. Sorry” Bette said taking a step back. Tina’s hands lingered for just a moment before slipping from Bette’s waist. “Hi.” Tina said with an embarrassed blush. “Hi, Tina” Bette beamed. She wondered if Tina could see her heart beating beneath her skin. Tina could feel her face growing hotter as she looked at Bette’s beautiful smile. “II just have to” Tina stammered unable to concentrate “ummgrab my bag” “Okay.” Bette nodded. “I’m sorry I’m late. You..you look beautiful.” , Bette said pressing her hand to her chest trying to contain her quickening heart. Tina looked back from the doorway and smiled, “I’ll be right back.” Not wanting Bette to see what happened next, Tina stepped around the corner into the kitchen. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and started spinning around in circles pumping her pointed fingers in the air. It was her happy dance. The last time Tina performed it was 1978. She was in the third grade and under the Christmas tree she had found the most beautiful bicycle in the world. It’s banana seat and pink streamers were more than she had ever dreamt of. She’d never again had an occasion for such bliss, until now. Gathering herself, Tina straightened her dress and caught one last glance in the reflective surface of the toaster. “Okay.” Tina exhaled. She stepped back into the doorway and Bette had to quickly hide the amused smile on her face. She did not want Tina to know, that her kitchen dance, was totally visible in the three mirrors that lined the entrance way. “Ready?” Bette asked. “Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Tina said shooting a ***** smile. “Do you need this?” Bette said pointing to Tina’s purse lying on the side table next to the door. “Oh, yes. There it is.” Tina picked up her bag feeling the reddening of her face, “Thank you.” “Sure.” Bette said stepping back while Tina locked the door. She could feel Bette’s eyes on her and she was not sure if it was the shoes or Bette, but Tina’s knees were weakened. “This way.” Bette said placing her hand on the small of Tina’s back leading the way to her car. Tina closed her eyes and swallowed hard. Bette’s gentle touch sent shock waves through her body. “Umm, this one?” Tina said clearing her throat. “Yes. Let me get the door for you.” Bette watched as Tina slinked into the soft gray leather seat. Tina firmly tucked in, looked up at Bette who was standing in the opened door unable to move. “Thanks.” Tina smiled, enjoying Bette’s reaction. Bette closed the door and shook her head, “Try to be a little cool Porter.” she mumbled under her breath. Tina leaned across the seat and started fumbling with the door lock. “It’s okay. I’ve…I’ve got it” Bette waived her off as she withdrew her keys and opened the door Tina had mistakenly locked and re-locked again. Laughing, Bette took her place behind the wheel. “Okay, so I’m a bit nervous” Tina admitted, staring into her lap. Bette smiled and reached for the hand resting on Tina’s leg. “It’s alright Tina. So am I.” Tina looked up and locked eyes with Bette. “I forgot something.” Tina said sounding suddenly serious. “Hmmm?” “You look beautiful.” Tina’s eyes fixed on hers. Bette’s face glowed as she smiled the smile that was sure to be emblazoned on Tina’s memory forever. “Thank you.” Bette squeezed Tina’s hand before releasing it so she could start the car. “Where are we going?” Tina asked catching her breath still feeling Bette’s withdrawn hand in hers. “Do you like Chinese?”