As Bette made her way to Rodeo drive, she knew she really needed to make a statement tonight. Bette is back, single and ready to mingle, she said out loud to no one in particular. She glanced at herself one more time in her rearview mirror as she idled at the stoplight. She thought to herself I really need to do something with this hair of mine. She reached in the passenger seat and picked up her cell phone and called the only woman that could make her beautiful tonight.

Joseph Martins Salon, may I help you?

Saori Watanabe, please, Bette said.

Hold on one second please. Bette tapped her fingers on her steering wheel as the instrumental to Frank Sinatras I Did It My Way started playing on the phone. How fitting she thought aimlessly. Just as Bette was about to really get into the song she was interrupted.

This is Saori, may I help you.

Saori, how have you been, this is Bette.

Hey Bette, where have you been? I havent seen you in months. Youre not cheating on me with another stylist are you? she asked playfully.

Bette smiled at the choice of words, No I am not cheating on you, I just had a rough few months. Now I need you to work some magic on this hair of mine.

Not a problem, when would you like to come in, Saori asked.

Bette knew a last minute appointment would not make Saori happy but she asked anyway. Would this afternoon be a problem? Im in the area right now.

Bette, you know I stay booked all the time. Why didnt you call me earlier?

Well, I just felt like going out tonight and I need a change. Im sorry its so last minute, but I really need you. Bette decided to throw in an extra incentive to persuade Saori into seeing her, You know I could pay you twice what you would normally charge. You know for the inconvenience and all. Bette knew Saori was all about the cash.

Okay Bette, Ill see what I have, hold on a sec. Bette started smiling. The power of money she thought to herself.

Okay Bette, can you be here in 15 minutes, asked Saori.

No, I can be there in five, Bette said enthusiastically. You are a lifesaver Saori.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Saori said. See you in a few.

>>>

Bette walked out of Joseph Martins with a whole new swagger. Saori was the queen of color and she had given Bettes dark mane, some honey colored highlights. It was a subtle change but enough to make a difference in her look. She also cut her hair a bit and styled it to where the sides framed her face on both sides. The back flowed freely down past her shoulders a bit. It was a striking look for Bette because she normally wore her hair in soft bouncing curls. She loved the change though. And due to the honey streaks she knew she already had the perfect outfit in her closet that could accentuate the color.

>>>

It was 9:45pm and Bette was giving herself a final glance over. Damn, you clean up pretty well, Porter, she said smoothing out her pants. She had on her Jean Paul Gaultier beige slinky suit. It had a low cut top with a shirt collar and criss-crossed in the front with a button closure at the bottom. It had a deep caramel leather belt that attached to the drop waist pants. It clung nicely to her body, drawing attention to all her important features. She walked out of the bathroom and grabbed her black and beige Donna Karans out of her closet with the 3 1/8 inch heels. That oughta do it, she said feeling confident that she was looking quite *****.

>>>

When Bette arrived at Milk, the line was out the door. Dammit, I dont want to stand in line, Bette said frustrated. Maybe Michael is on the door and ***** let me go on in. She went ahead and parked and crossed the street. Once she got to the sidewalk, she could see the women beginning to stare at her. One even whistled at her which sort of caught Bette off guard. What the *****! She is acting like a damn construction worker she thought to herself. She didnt even acknowledge the woman and made her way to the front of the line. She looked in the booth and saw Michael sitting on the stool taking the money from a couple ready to go in the club. She went and stood in the doorway where he was and cleared her throat to get his attention.

Bette. Oh my god, you look gorgeous. Where have you been? Michael said absorbing all of Bette.

Thanks Mike. I had to take a little me time thats all. How have you been?

Ive been okay. I heard about you and Tina. Im sorry about that. You two seemed perfect for each other, Michael said.

Bette dropped her eyes, Sometimes things happen, but I still love her. We just decided it was better if we both moved on, Bette replied sadly.

I understand, Michael said. Well from the looks of things, it looks like you are back in the saddle and ready to find a new kitten to play with, he said joking.

Bette was blushing now, Stop that Mike, pushing him on his arm.

Im just saying, look at you. Id take you home if I could, he said flirting.

Mike you are not my type and you know this, Bette said smiling. Now are you going to let me in or are we going to stand here and chit chat all night.

Go ahead in, Madame.

Thanks, Bette said pushing the door open.

When Bette got inside the place was packed. There was a sea of women all over the place and the music was blaring. She scanned the room for familiar faces and saw a few, but most were new to her. Instead of standing by the door she made her way over to an empty stool at the bar. The bartender looked at her and raised an eyebrow, then made her way over to Bette.

What will you have gorgeous? she asked.

Bette smiled at the blatant compliment, Ill have a glass of Hypnotic on ice.

Coming right up.

Bette watched her prepare her drink and bring it back.

How much is that going to be? Bette said while digging her purse for her billfold.

The bartender smiled at her seductively, Thats on the house, enjoy it. She turned away and made her way to a couple who had just walked up to bar.

Bette looked at her walk away and just grinned taking the glass in her hand. She was starting to remember the effect she had on women. Back in the day women would damn near break their neck to get close to her. Porter, I guess some things dont change. You still got that magic she thought to herself. Just when she started to drink the smooth baby blue potion she felt someone tap her shoulder. Oh *****, not now. I dont even have a buzz yet.

She turned on her stool and there stood Mimi.

Is that the infamous Bette Porter here at Milk? Mimi said sarcastically.

Bette smiled and stood up to give Mimi a hug.

How have you been doing stranger? Everyone has been worried about you. Mimi said straining to speak over the music.

I know, and I apologize. I had to take some time to get back on my feet. When Tina and I broke up, I didnt want to be seen anywhere by anybody. I focused on getting her back, but she couldnt get past the hurt and she moved on. It took me a while but Ive accepted it. Now I just want to start enjoying life again.

*****, from the looks of it you are doing quite well. You look absolutely stunning, Mimi said eyeing Bette from head to toe.

Thanks Mimi, Bette grinned slightly embarrassed.

Well look, me, Ivy, and a few other people have a table on the other side of the club, why dont you join us? Mimi said enthusiastically.

Sure, why not. Bette grabbed her glass and Mimi held her other hand as they weaved their way through the crowd of women.

When they got to the table Mimi damn near made an announcement to all the people there. Look who I found Ivy?

Ivy looked up and bucked her eyes open and jumped out of her seat.

She hugged Bette like a long lost relative. Bette figured it was the alcohol making her act like that due to the empty shot glasses turned upside down on the table.

Girl, how are you doing? Ivy spoke stepping back to get a good look at Bette.

Im doing good, thanks.

I can see that. You look fabulous. While looking back at Mimi she said, You better be lucky I love you or Id take Bette home with me tonight.

Mimi slapped her on the arm and they both laughed.

Ivy then leaned back into Bette, Let me introduce you to our friends.

She turned Bette to face the group and began the introductions.

Everybody this is Bette Porter.

All of them waved glasses in the air and Bette did the same.

Ivy continued, The beautiful blond next to Mimi is Kim. Next to her is Nia, the crazy one of the group. Then there is Veronica but we call her Vee, and next to her is the very pretty Layla. Layla is Vees best friend visiting from San Diego. She is originally from Hawaii, but her job transferred her to San Diego about a month ago. We decided to show her a night out on the town West Hollywood style since she was going to be here for the week.

Bette waved at them all, but her eyes remained on Layla. She was utterly speechless from the beauty of this woman. She had long flowing black hair that hung down just past her shoulders. Her almond eyes were almost intoxicating, staring back at her. And her skin was a beautiful golden bronze that seemed to almost shimmer.

Bette tried to shake it off, Nice to meet all of you.

Mimi noticed the look Layla and Bette were giving each other and grabbed a chair from another table and sat it next to Layla.

Have a seat, she said pushing down on Bettes shoulders.

Bette sat down slowly and tried to act composed. She put her glass on the table and began swaying to the music. She watched as Mimi and Ivy cuddled up together a little and Kim and Vee went back to the animated conversation they were having when Mimi and her had first got to the table.

So you like Brandy? Layla said leaning in close to Bette so she could hear her.

Uh, no. This is Hypnotic. Bette replied clumsily.

Layla smiled, Im not talking about your drink. I mean the singer. The song is Talk About Our Love by Brandy. You are doing a little chair dance and I figured you must like her.

The realization finally hit Bette and she felt a little stupid by her response. Yes, I do. I love Brandy. Im sorry I just misunderstood you.

No problem, Layla said. She extended her hand to Bette for her to shake it, Nice to meet you, Bette.

Bette took her hand and was shaken by how soft her hands felt. They were like silk. She also noticed Layla was rubbing the side of her hand gently.

Nice to meet you too, Layla. They just kept each others gaze and hands for a few more seconds and only broke when Ivy stood up and asked if they all wanted to dance. Kim and Vee said no and went back to their conversation. Layla lifted one eyebrow and asked, Would you like to join me?

Sure.

Give me your purse and Ill put it under my jacket, Layla said slowly pulling its strap off Bettes shoulder. Bette stood up and handed it to her. After sitting it under her coat, she grabbed Bettes hand and led her to the dance floor. Layla was a little taller than Bette and her long legs showed through the slits on each side of her skirt with every step she took. Bette was mesmerized by the tone in her calf muscles. Pull it together Porter, you just met her she thought to herself.

It was hard for them to find a space it was so crowded, but Layla found a small gap and turned to face Bette. She moved in close to Bette and grabbed her waist. She started grinding her hips softly into Bettes and Bette could tell from the way Layla moved that she was from Hawaii. She moved with such grace all the while seducing Bette with her eyes. Bette was slowly getting lost in the moment. This womans scent, her eyes, her movements, her touch, her accent, were all starting to make Bette feel a little flushed. Layla turned Bette around and slid her arms around her. Bettes back was now to Layla. Bette could feel the heat of Laylas breath on the back of her neck. It made her skin pimple on her neck. Then she heard Layla start singing the song that was blasting out of the speakers. It was Beyonces Naughty Girl:
>>
Tonight Ill be your naughty girl
Im calling all my girls
Were gonna turn this party out
I know you want my body

Tonight Ill be your naughty girl
Im calling all my girls
I see you look me up and down
And I came to party

You’re so *****, tonight i am all yours
The way your body moves across the floor
You got me feeling n-a-s-t-y
I might just take you home with me
>>

You are so ***** Bette, Layla breathed into her ear. You smell so good.

Bette could have melted right there on the floor. Most of the time she would be the one doing the seducing, but Layla was making her move and Bette loved her confidence. She turned in Laylas arms so she could face her again. She put her arms around Laylas waist and kept moving trying to pull Layla in a little closer.

You are intoxicating, I could kiss you right here, right now, Bette said surprised by her own boldness.

Layla smiled and put both her hands on Bettes face. They both had stopped moving by this time. She leaned her head to the side a bit and bent down and put a small kiss on Bettes lips. Bette could feel the electricity shoot through her entire body. She put several on her cheek until she got to Bettes ear. She pulled her hair back and slowly tickled the inside of Bettes ear with her tongue.

Damn, what is she trying to do to me. I cant take much more of this. It has been too long since Ive had *****. I need to stop her. No dont stop her, this feels too good. No Porter, stop her now before this goes too far. She is just visiting remember. Bettes thoughts wrestled back and forth and finally Bette pulled her away.

I cant do this, Bette said trying to regain the feeling in her knees. I mean you are lovely and I am so attracted to you, but I

Layla put a finger to Bettes mouth Shhhh, lets go somewhere and talk.

Bette thought about it and found it hard to resist Layla. It seemed like dj vu all over again but this time she was not in a committed relationship. There was no guilt involved with this. She felt on fire. Like someone had renewed her vigor.

I see resistance is futile with you. Lets go.