Arrhhhhrr, Bette yawned out when she woke up Saturday morning. Normally she would want to throw the comforter back over her head and sleep some more, but this morning she felt completely rested. She threw the covers back and slid her feet around so she could sit them on the floor. She looked down and noticed she hadnt changed into her pajamas. She still had on her cargo pants and t-shirt. I must have been really tired to not change for bed, she thought. Then the prior days events came crashing back over her.

The encounter with Tina at the Planet and their argument on the street. The unplanned meeting between Tina and Layla. Wow that could have been a real disaster she said to herself relieved it hadnt come to that. The dinner and conversation with Layla. She played it all over again hitting the rewind button in her mind to replay some of the most important parts. The grape, the blistering Carlie comment Tina had spit at her, Tinas apology, the kiss between her and Layla.

Wow, what a day.

Bette stood up and stretched, spreading all her fingers and toes and arching her back like a cat. She heard her back pop a few times and she had to smile. Damn youre getting old Porter. She looked at the clock on her nightstand. It read 9:13am. Bette rubbed her eyes to make sure she saw it correctly. It still said 9:13.

Good grief, thats more than 12 hours Bette.oh well. Bette normally didnt sleep more than 6 – 7 hours a night. So that must be why I feel so good this morning.

Bette went to the kitchen and started the coffeemaker. As she waited for it to brew she tried to think about what she was going to do today before going to Milk tonight. A part of her was dreading the evening, but she couldnt see herself not going. Suck it up Porter, its not going to be that bad.

>>>

At 4:30pm Bette was in the house watching the movie she had planned to share with Layla last night. She wanted to kick back for a little while and enjoy her Saturday. She had spent most of the morning cleaning up the mess from last nights dinner and just some other random tasks. She had gone outside and used her net to get all the leaves out of the pool that were floating on the surface. And recently she had taken to keeping Tinas garden watered and weed free. She knew Tina would appreciate it if she ever came back home.

Just when Leonardo was getting fitted for his pilots uniform in the movie, the phone rang.

Hello?

Hey there you.

Layla. How are you? Bette said grabbing for the remote to put the movie on pause.

Im fine. I hope you dont mind, but I got your number off the caller ID.

Bette smiled, thankful for the fruits of modern technology.

No I dont mind at all. Im actually glad you called.

Oh yeah.

Yes I am. I wanted to thank you for last night. For everything you did. That whole scene could have turned nasty but you were great. And I also want to thank you for listening to me whine.

Well first of all, it was my pleasure to be there for you, and secondly I wouldnt call that whining. I bet its been a long time since youve been able to express yourself openly. Im just happy you felt comfortable enough with me to share your feelings.

I feel very comfortable with you Layla. Especially since weve already seen each other butt naked, Bette joked.

Layla laughed. You know Im picturing you naked right now. And I must say I have your body permanently engraved in my brain.

Bette blushed. Well I can honestly say I have done the same with your body. Do you know you have the most gorgeous legs on the planet?

Thank you Bette. It comes from my running. I run about 5 miles every morning. I started really young, just running on the beaches in Hawaii. Then I would run in the Honolulu marathon every year. It has become a passion of mine actually. It gives me time all by myself just to think. It keeps me centered. When Im running its just me, the road, and my thoughts. There is nothing more peaceful in the world to me.

Bette had always hated running but the way Layla described it, she felt like getting up and running a few laps around the neighborhood. Not, she thought to herself.

I wish I had a passion like that. I used to feel that way about art, but here lately I havent been as excited about it as I used to be in the past.

Why? Layla asked.

I dont know. I mean, I can see some artists work and still be moved to tears by the beauty and magnitude of it, but then there are days when I could give a damn about any of it.

Well is there anything else that you love to do?

Bette had to really think about it. For so many years she had focused so much on her work and Tina and a family that she didnt think about much else.

Well, when I was a young girl I loved to read. I would go to bed reading and wake up with a book. I remember my dad would catch me with my flashlight reading under my covers when I should have been sleep. I was so fascinated by it. It was like I could journey out of myself into someone elses world. And since my parents argued so much, it was a relief to just get away in a Judy Blume book.

Oh my goodness, I loved Judy Blume books. Especially Blubber. Layla said excitedly.

Bette couldnt believe it. Blubber was her all time favorite book when she was a young girl. She could always relate to the character. In the book Linda always got teased because she was overweight. Bette had always felt sorry for her because she shared her feelings of being out of place and not belonging. Bette would always get picked on about her mixed heritage, so she didnt make too many friends. It was always just her and her books.

Wow Layla, that was my favorite also.

See, I knew we had a connection, Layla said.

I guess so.

Why dont you read anymore?

I guess life has gotten in the way. I cant remember the last time I picked up a book.

Well then you might need to do that. Do something for yourself that you enjoy doing?

Bette thought about it for a second. I guess I could. I dont have anything else to do. I normally just watch movies. Do you have any suggestions?

Sure. I would say anything by Dan Brown. I just finished Angels and Demons and I just started The Da Vinci Code. Both are excellent reads. Plus they have references to great artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. You would probably love them, since you work with art.

You know what, Ill probably do that. Ill take a trip to Borders on Monday and see what I can find.

Good, Im happy to hear that. So are we still on for tonight? Layla asked.

Yeah, definitely. What time are you guys leaving?

Probably around 10:00. Is that okay?

Yeah thats fine. Ill probably leave here around a quarter till.

Well I guess Ill see you then, Layla said.

Sounds great. And Layla, thanks again for everything.

Layla smiled, Aole pilikia.

What? Bette said confused.

Youre welcome Bette, youre welcome, Layla said laughing.

You know what, you need to stop that before I start thinking youre talking about my momma, Bette grinned.

Ohh Bette, youre so funny, Layla said laughing hard now.

See you later Layla, Bette said giggling now.

Bye Bette.

Bette hung up feeling like a school girl. She knew she loved Tina infinitely, but Layla was starting to make an impression on her.

Tina I will wait for you as long as I can, but something is telling me you need to make your mind up soon, Bette said out loud.

>>>

At 9:45 Bette was spraying on her Black Cashmere perfume by Donna Karan that Tina had bought for her birthday last year. She knew Tina loved it and if she happened to get close to her tonight she wanted to leave her scent in the air.

Okay Bette, lets do this, she said looking in the mirror checking her hair and making sure she didnt have any lipstick on her teeth. She also made sure her clothes were fitting nicely. Bette had decided to go comfortable tonight. She had on a nice maroon silk shirt that hung slightly off her shoulders and some low rise Dolce and Gabbana bleach rinsed stretch jeans. She opted for her Ralph Lauren boots to anchor the outfit. She hit the light switch and walked out.

>>>

When Bette pulled up to Milk it was a little after 10:00. There was about 10 people in line but more cars were behind her looking for parking spaces too. She hurried up and parked and walked across the street to get in line. It moved quickly and she got to the front in no time. She looked for Michael in the booth, but she didnt know the person this time. Well I guess Im paying tonight. When she got up there the guy asked for her license. What the *****? Cant he tell Im in my late 30s? Well you do look good, Porter, Bette said picking at herself. He looked at the picture and looked back at Bette, then gave her the license back.

That will be $20 Ms. Porter.

Good grief, is somebody performing tonight or something? Bette said reaching in her purse for her money.

Matter of fact, Kit Porter is singing tonight.

Bette did a double take. Kit Porter is performing?

Yes Maam.

Bette smiled and paid the man. She went inside and instantly started scanning the club for Layla and her group. It felt funny to her that she wasnt looking for Alice and the rest of the bunch, but she wanted to see Layla first. She walked a little further in so she could see across the room. And there they were, in the same spot they had near the dance floor when she first met Layla. She just stood there looking at Layla who looked like she was laughing at something Vee was whispering in her ear. Damn shes pretty, Bette thought randomly. She made sure her clothes were straight and made her way over to their table.

Hello ladies, Bette said.

All of them turned and looked at her.

They all smiled and said Hey Bette.

Ivy stood up first and offered Bette a seat.

No, I got a seat for her over here, Layla said pulling the seat out that was beside her.

Well excuuussse me, Ivy said rolling her eyes playfully at Layla.

Layla stood up when Bette got over there.

You look ***** Bette, Layla said giving Bette the eye.

And so do you Layla, Bette said returning the compliment.

Mimi, Ivy, Kim, and Vee were all watching the exchange and heard both of them complimenting each other. They all looked at each other and yelled Woooo-hoooo in unison.

Both Layla and Bette started to blush. They were so caught up in each other that they didnt notice the audience.

Layla yelled You guys stop it. Cant two women compliment each other nowadays? Sheesh.

Bette just laughed and sat down.

So what do you want to drink Bette? The first round was on me, but since you werent here I owe you one, Layla said leaning in close to Bette.

Well since youre offering, Ill take a strawberry daquiri.

Layla motioned for the waiter to come over to the table and gave her the order.

Mimi looked at Bette, Do you know Kit is performing tonight?

Yeah, the guy at the door told me. I was shocked. I didnt expect to see her tonight.

Layla asked, Who is Kit?

Mimi jumped in, Probably the most famous female singer outta West Hollywood. And shes Bettes sister.

Are you talking about Kit Porter? Like Slim Daddy and Kit Porter? Layla asked.

Bette spoke first this time. Yeah thats her.

Wow and thats your sister?

Well half sister, but you know, its all the same to us.

Thats great Bette. I love her music.

Shell be happy to know that, Im sure. Maybe I can bring her over to meet you after she is through singing.

That would be excellent, Layla said smiling.

At that time the waiter had came back over with their drinks. They all continued to talk about random things and Layla and Bette were doing a lot of giggling with each other.

Hey you guys, watch my drink, I have to go to the little girls room, Bette said getting up. Be right back.

Bette made her way across the room to the restroom. Before she got there, she heard a hearty laugh. And needless to say, it was extremely familiar. Bette turned towards the direction it was coming from and noticed it was Alice and the gang all in the corner laughing. Bette decided to use the bathroom before going over there. When she got through she walked over and washed her hands. While looking in the mirror she could feel herself getting nervous. I hope they wont be too mad at me. If they are I cant blame them at all. Ill just have to accept it. She dried her hands under the automatic dryer and walked out.

Bette felt like she was walking the plank to her death on her way over to their table. Before she got there, she was spotted. Dana had looked up and bucked her eyes open. Bette kept walking. She saw Dana point and all of them turned and looked at her. Alice, Shane, Dana, Tina, and Carlie. Bette stopped. Okay, now you dont have to do this if youre not ready Porter. You have another table you can go sit at. No, no, no just go over there and get it over with. Bette continued until she got behind Shane.

Hello everyone.

Nobody spoke. They just kept looking. Bette scanned all of their faces trying to gauge their emotions. Nothing.

Okay, I guess I deserve this.

Nobody spoke.

Well then, you ladies have a nice evening.

Bette turned and started to walk back across the room.

Wait, Shane said walking towards Bette.

Bette turned back around with tears in her eyes.

Shane got right up in Bettes face and smiled.

Gotcha!

Bette felt like the weight of the world had just been lifted off her shoulders when Shane hugged her. Dana quickly got up and ran over to Bette too. They both were looking Bette up and down. Dana spoke first, Looks like life has been treating you good Ms. Porter.

Yeah, Id sleep with her, Shane said playing.

Bette slapped Shane on the arm.

Whaaatt, Shane said rubbing her arm. Im just being honest.

Bette finally said something. Ive missed you all so much and Im so sorry about not calling.

Aww dont worry about it, Dana said. She leaned in to whisper in Bettes ear. We knew you needed some time and you would come back when you were ready. We all still love you Bette.

Bette had to catch herself from choking up. Thanks you guys.

Shane moved out of the way so Bette could get closer to the table. Bette looked over at Alice, who was staring a whole through her.

Well Alice, do you want to do this here or do we have to go outside. Bette spoke trying to break her stare.

Alice stood up and got in Bettes face also. She was just looking at Bette moving her mouth like she was sucking her teeth.

Alice looked straight in Bettes eyes.

*****, Alice blurted out of nowhere.

This didnt surprise Bette at all. I missed you too Alice.

Alice started to smile and pulled Bette in for a hug. Dont you ever do that again Bette! I swear Ill kick your *****.

Ooohh, Im sooo scared Alice, Bette said mocking Alice.

Okay then. Think Im joking and try it again. Your ***** will be on the side of a milk carton for real next time.

Okay, okay Alice. I understand, Bette said letting Alice go.

She looked around Alice and directed her attention to Tina and Carlie.

Bette looked at Carlie and just nodded her head enough to acknowledge her presence. Carlie did the same. Bette then turned to Tina.

Hello Tina.

Hey Bette.

That was it. No hugs or embraces. Both of them just stared. Neither of them wanting to make the first move.