Bette spent the morning in her office shuffling papers and returning phone calls. Even though she went to work Friday afternoon she was still behind. She had several sets of proofs to look at. The same ones she had planned to go through over the weekend, but the events of the past three days had kept her distracted. At 11:15 she couldnt take it any more. She pushed her chair back a little from her desk, leaned back and stared at the ceiling. Bette knew she had come to a crossroad in her life. Lately she had started to loathe going in to work. It was becoming a chore for her. The love she used to have for her job at the CAC had started to slowly fade away a few months ago. Actually it had started well before that, but she didnt notice it until Tina left. Just like she told Layla on Saturday, she just didnt have the passion for it anymore. The politics of the business was beginning to be too much for her. She couldnt even take the time to walk around the gallery and enjoy the art like she used to. Errrr, Bette what are you going to do? she asked herself. Just then the phone rang.

Yes, James.

You have a call on line one.

Do you know who it is?

No they didnt give a name.

Okay, thanks. Bette took in a deep breath and pressed the button for line one.

Bette Porter, may I help you?

Hey you, Ms. Porter.

Bette sat straight up in her chair.

Tina. Is that you? Bette said wondering if her ears were deceiving her.

Of course its me, who did you think I was?

Well I wouldnt have thought it was going to be you. I havent received a call from you here at work for at least 7 months. I can really say that Im shocked.

Well I thought I would surprise you and I guess I succeeded.

Yes, you succeeded. I was going to call you at 11:30. I remembered you said you were going to be in meetings until 11:00. I wanted to give you time to get situated before I called and bothered you.

First thing Bette, it is 11:30. And the second thing is you wouldnt be bothering me.

Bette turned and looked at her clock. It was 11:32. She wondered where those 17 minutes went to.

Im sorry T, time just got away from me. I was sitting here thinking about a few things and next thing I know, youre calling me.

Can I ask what were you thinking about? Tina asked.

Well nothing much really. Just me, my career and my future.

Whoa. That seems pretty heavy to me. Whats wrong with the career you already have? You dont like what you do anymore?

Bette rubbed her forehead with one hand while holding the phone with the other.

T, to be honest with you, I dont know what is going on. I still love art, but Im starting to feel like I should be doing something else.

What do you want to be doing?

Thats just the thing Tina, I dont know. Bette said frustrated by her own indecisiveness.

Sounds like you have some decisions to make, but Im sure youll work it out.

Yeah, I have a lot of stuff to work out. Its not just my career, its my whole personal life.

What is it with your personal life you have to work out? Tina asked.

Me and you. I really want us to start working on our relationship. Just take it slow and get reacquainted with each other. I know Im stepping out on a limb here by saying this, but I need you and I know you need me. We cant just throw it away.

Youre right, I do need you but there is still a world of hurt in my heart. Im not going to lie to you Bette, its going to be a long road, but I think Im ready to try. I wasnt ready earlier, but this weekend showed me a lot about myself and a lot about you. But like you said well take it slow, minute by minute, day by day and hopefully well be able to mend our relationship.

That sounds good to me Tina. You dont know how long Ive waited to hear you say those words. All Ive ever wanted was a chance, and youre giving it to me. I promise you that things will be different, Bette said excited.

And I promise to try to stay open minded, Tina added.

Well where do you want to start? Bette jumped in. You know what dont answer that I already know. Matter of fact, Ill talk to you later.

Bette, what are you up to?

Nothing Tina. Just trust me. Can you do that?

Okay, Ill try, Tina said curious about what Bette had up her sleeve.

Great. Ill talk to you later, Bette said.

Talk to you later.

Tina hung up the phone and just stared at it. She wondered what Bette was planning but she decided to not worry about it. She would know in a little while.

Bette didnt even put the receiver down. She disconnected Tina then dialed her favorite florist. She was going to try to make tonight special for Tina. This was the first night of her second chance and she wanted to make it special.

>>>

About 3 hours later Tina was hard at work at the volunteer center. Lately she had been tackling a lot of issues in the community. Mostly work with underprivileged children in Los Angeles. She loved her work and at times it consumed her, but it wasnt a burden. She adored the kids and wanted to make their lives better.

Knock, Knock can I come in, Oscar said outside the door.

Come on in Oscar, Tina said never looking up from her paperwork.

I have something for you, Oscar said in a teasing voice.

Oscar please. I dont have time to Tina stopped when she finally looked up.

In front of his face he was holding a vase with a twelve white roses and eleven red roses. Tina was speechless.

Those are beautiful Oscar. You dont have to give me flowers, Tina said slightly embarrassed by the gesture.

Oscar pulled the flowers down to expose his face.

As much as I would love to take credit for this, Im not giving you these flowers. The florist just dropped them off.

Bette. What are you doing? Tina said to herself.

Well thank you for delivering them. Is there a note on them? Tina asked while getting up to go get the flowers from Oscar.

I dont know, I didnt look. Im going to sit them down over here so I dont drop them.

They both were just standing there looking at them.

Well Im going to leave you alone. If you need anything just holler, Oscar said opening the door.

Okay. Thanks Oscar.

No problem.

Tina couldnt wait to get the card open. She gently pushed the flowers to the side and slipped the card out of its holder. When she read it, it felt like she was back in grade school when a little boy would ask her out.

>>
Tina,

Will you go out with me tonight?
Check [_]yes[_]no[_]maybe

Love Bette.
>>
Tina was smiling from ear to ear. This is so cute. She immediately picked up the phone and called Bette.

Bette Porters office may I help you, James said politely.

Hey James, its Tina. Is Bette still in the office?

She sure is, Ill transfer you to her, hold on.

Okay.

After a few seconds Bette picked up.

I hope you checked the yes box, Bette said hesitantly.

So I dont get a hello first, Tina said picking.

Okay hello. Now. I hope you checked the yes box, Bette reiterated.

Yes, Bette, I checked the yes box.

Excellent. If you had said no I would have had to cancel all our reservations.

So you assumed I was going to say yes?

Assuming no, hoping yes and I wanted to be prepared.

Well what do you have planned? Tina asked.

Ahh, Ahh, Ahh. Patience grasshopper, Bette said in her best Japanese voice.

All I want you to do is wear something nice. Ill be over to pick you up around 7:00. Is that okay?

Yeah, thats fine.

See you tonight Tina.

See you.

Both women hung up the phone feeling extremely giddy about tonight. It almost felt like it did when they first started dating. The difference was that now, beneath the excitement, were wounds that still needed to be healed.

>>>

Bette knew her connections throughout West Hollywood would serve her well tonight. She got to meet many well known people through her work with the CAC, and she called on their assistance to pull off a perfect evening with Tina. When she got to Alices house she didnt even bother to get out. She called Tina on her cellphone.

Hello, Tina answered.

Hey T. Are you ready?

Yeah, where are you, you said youd be here at 7:00.

Tina, I am here. Grab your purse and come outside. Im waiting for you.

Uhh okay. Im on my way.

They both hung up. Tina knew Bette was up to something. She never would have just called like that. She told Alice she was leaving and grabbed her purse. When she opened the door, she didnt move. In the front was a full length black limo and Bette was standing up through the moon roof with a red rose in her mouth. Tina could not believe her eyes. She felt like she was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

She walked slowly to the limo.

Bette what are you doing?

What does it look like Im doing. Im trying to be romantic. You know, sweep you off your feet, Bette said smiling.

At that point the chauffeur had got out and was holding the door open for Tina to get in.

Well are you just going to stand there or are you going to join me in this fabulous limo, Bette asked.

UhhIm getting in.

Thank goodness, because I would hate to waste the evening sitting outside of Alices house.

When Tina got in the limo she was blown away by the length of it. There was a full bar and the seats were as long as couches. Bette had finally come down from the moon roof and was sitting right beside Tina. She kissed her softly on the lips.

Do you like it Tina?

Like it. Bette, I love it. Tina said still trying to get a grasp on the whole situation.

Thats great. And this is for you. Bette took the rose and handed it to Tina.

I dont know if you noticed earlier but the vase of roses didnt have but eleven red ones in it. This is the twelfth.

Tina was just staring at Bette. She always thought that Bette had an amazing sense of style and charm and charisma, but this was going over her head a bit.

Thank you Bette. The flowers were beautiful, this car is beautiful. I just dont know what to say.

You dont have to say a thing. Tonight we are starting over. I know we are going to have to sit and talk about some things that have happened in our relationship, but I dont want tonight to be about that. I just want to enjoy your company and get reacquainted with each other. Will that be okay? Bette asked.

That would be lovely Bette.

Great.

Bette hit the button on the side of the wall and called the driver.

Charles, you may take us to our next destination.

Yes Maam.

As the limo pulled away Bette turned to Tina.

Would you like something to drink? They have everything on this bar. Personally, I got them to put a bottle of Cristal on ice for us, but if you would like something else, I will make it for you.

You have Cristal Bette. That stuff is expensive.

I dont want you to worry about the cost. This evening is about us. So can I get you a glass of Cristal?

That sounds good.

Okay.

Bette scooted off the seat and went over to the bar. Inside the mini refrigerator was an ice bucket with the gold foiled bottle inside it. Bette grabbed the bottle and two glasses from behind the bar. She also got the corkscrew. She slowly opened the bottle and poured them both a glass. Before she got through she went over to the cd player and turned it on. She had decided to keep the mood mellow so she had grabbed her Kem cd before she left the house. The smooth sound of his voice and the jazzy melodies started coming out of the speakers right when Bette got back to Tina with the glasses.

Here you go, Bette said softly.

Thank you, Tina said accepting the glass of bubbly.

Before you drink, I want to make a toast.

Bette turned to face Tina.

I want to make a toast to our past, our present, and our future. Our past has shown me that for love to work, two people cannot take each other for granted. Its shown me, that you are my love, my life, my everything. Our present has shown me to believe in miracles. That when all is hopeless, just keep fighting especially if its worth fighting for. Tina you are worth fighting for. In our future, I see endless possibilities. I see a family, I see friends, I see prosperity and love. But most of all I see us. Me and you. When you put red and white roses together, it stands for unity and I think if we are united in the purpose of making our relationship work, then we cant fail. I refuse to fail with you again Tina. I just hope that you can trust me enough to give me your heart again. I dont care if its not tonight, tomorrow, or next week. I just need to believe in the possibility that we can try to get to where we were and beyond. I love you Tina.

When Bette was through, Tina was crying.

Are you okay T? Bette said concerned.

Tina tried to wipe her tears away.

Baby, that was beautiful. Everything is wonderful.

Whew, Bette said acting like she was wiping sweat from her forehead. You had me worried with the tears.

Im sorry. I just wasnt expecting any of this.

To tell the truth, I wasnt either. First it started out as just sending flowers, then I kept thinking about more things I wanted to do with you tonight. I made a few phone calls and here we are.

Tina just sat there smiling amazed by Bette.

So will you toast to what I just said? Bette said sticking out her glass.

Of course I will. I toast to our past, our present, and our future too Bette.

They clinked their glasses together and took a sip of the expensive champagne.

Thats good, Tina said after swallowing her drink.

I know. Ive had it a few times at CAC functions and I thought it would be perfect for us.

Tina slid a little closer to Bette and they enjoyed the ride. Bette had left the moon roof open so they sat quietly staring at the stars and listening to the songs. Before they knew it they had arrived to their next destination. Tina looked out the dark tinted windows at her surroundings.

Bette you didnt. This is Il Cielos.

I know. We havent eaten here since our first date. I thought since we were starting over, we might as well come to where it all started.

The door opened and the chauffeur held his hand out for both ladies to exit. Bette held her hand on the base of Tinas back as they made their way to the restaurant entrance.

Good evening Ladies, the host said greeting the couple.

Yes, I have a reservation. Its under Porter, Bette said.

The host scanned the list and marked through her name and grabbed to menus.

Right this way ladies.

Tina smiled at Bette and followed the man through the courtyard to a small secluded table. When they got there the host pulled out the chair for Tina first so she could sit down, then pulled out the other for Bette.

The waiter will be over in a few minutes to take your drink order. Have a pleasant evening. The host turned and left.

Bette was looking at Tina take in the sight. Il Cielos was one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Beverly Hills. It was a twinkling canopy of lights, twining vines and flowers set in a courtyard among candles.

Do you remember our first date? Bette asked.

Of course I do. And if I remember correctly this is exactly where we sat at.

Very good Tina.

How did you pull this off Bette?

Like I said, I made a few phone calls and everything fell into place. It really wasnt that difficult.

They both started looking through their menus.

Do you know what you want? Bette asked Tina.

The Australian lobster medallions sound good.

That does sound good. Is that what you want to order?

Sure, we can try it.

Lobster medallions it is.

When the waiter came over they both ordered individual glasses of wine and placed their order for the food. The evening was going perfect in Bettes eyes. She couldnt have thought of a better way to treat Tina to a romantic evening.

So Tina, what are you thinking? You havent really said much tonight.

Bette, I dont know what to say. Im just blown away by everything youve done tonight. It has all been so beautiful. A limo ride, fine champagne, dinner at a restaurant we came to on our first date. I mean Im almost speechless.

Im so glad that youve liked it so far, but the evening is not over Tina. I have one more place I want to take you after we eat.

Oh really.

Uh huh.

Well, Im just along for the ride now. I trust that wherever it is, its going to be wonderful.

I think so. Bette took Tinas hand. I want you to remember tonight as a step in a positive direction. I am not nave enough to think that the road we have ahead of us is laced with rose petals. There may be days where youll want to give up on me and us, but Im going to stand there and fight for you and I hope youll do the same for me. I think its worth it Tina.

I think its worth it too Bette. Im happy that you are so committed to us and our future together. Like I said, well take it slow. I do want you to know that I am optimistic about our future and tonight has been a great step in the right direction. It feels good to be spending time with you again.

Im glad you are liking everything, Bette said beaming.

Just then the waiter came back over with their food. They ate and chit chatted like the old friends and lovers that they were and took the time to enjoy each others company. Just like they used to do 7 years ago.