KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Tina opened the door and gave Melanie a warm smile and an even warmer kiss before dragging her into the house. Melanie laughed as she let Tina drag her over to the couch and throw her down before snuggling down next to her. Melanie let out a happy squeal as Tina began wiggling around in her lap trying to get comfortable. Tina finally stopped when she was almost laying on top of Melanie and her face was buried in Melanies chest.

Comfortable down there?

Tina looked up and gave Melanie a menacing look. She let her hand come to rest right between Melanies legs and smiled to herself when she felt Melanie squirm a little. Melanie didnt want to move because as much as she wanted to make love to this gorgeous woman, she had a ton of papers to grade and she needed to get them done before Tuesday. Melanie managed to remove Tinas hand and sit up at the same time without actually moving Tina off of her. Tina laughed as Melanie pulled away and she gave her an okay you win look. Melanie grabbed her bag she brought with her and took out the stack of blue books she needed to get through. Tina watched her for a little while before reaching out to push Melanies hair over her shoulder. Melanie turned at this and she met Tinas glowing eyes. Tina had a half smile on her face and Melanie felt her heart surge a little seeing Tina like this.

Hey baby. Come here.

Tina slid over to Melanie and let herself relax into Melanies arms. Melanie was sitting with her back against the corner of the couch and her legs were intertwined with Tinas. They lay there for a few seconds before Melanie whispered softly into Tinas ear.

I love you baby.

I love you too.

So hows Bette?

Shes good. She invited us to an event at the CAC next Friday.

For what?

The exhibit that is there is moving on to another museum and the CAC is throwing some big function in its honor. They always do things like that.

Sounds good.

Tina smiled when Melanie accepted the initiation. She knew that Melanie had some reservations when it came to Bette, but she was glad that Melanie understood why Tina needed to have Bette in her life. Why do I need to have her in my life? Tina was glad that Melanie couldnt see her face because at that moment her smile had turned into a frown. Tina held Melanie a little bit tighter and Melanie felt the change in Tinas embrace.

Whats going on Tina?

Nothing. Just not looking forward to this week at work.

Tina felt a little guilty for lying to Melanie but she didnt know what to say to her. Tina didnt think she was having feelings for Bette again, as if they ever really disappeared, but she knew they werent strong enough to cause her to break up with Melanie. Tina felt Melanies breathing even out and she looked up curiously. She smiled to herself as she saw Melanie fast asleep on the couch and she gently untangled herself from her girlfriend. Tina walked upstairs to shower and as she stood under the stream of water she couldnt stop her thoughts from turning to the many times her and Bette had made love. It had always been such a special thing between them and Tina felt her heart pull in two separate directions as she thought about Bette and Melanie. Tina gave up trying to decide what was wrong with her and after her shower she went downstairs to wake Melanie up. Melanie groggily followed her upstairs and as they fell asleep together Tina concentrated on the loving arms that were around her and the woman who lay beside her. I love her. I really do. Tina drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face and when she woke the next morning she lay awake for almost an hour watching Melanie sleep and felt herself falling more and more in love with this woman.

***
Friday night rolled around and Tina was getting ready to go to the CAC party. She checked her reflection one more time before going downstairs to meet Melanie who was waiting for her. Tina was wearing a short black dress that hung on her curves loosely, giving away just a hint of what beauty lie beneath. Tina walked down the stairs and laughed when she heard Melanies reaction.

Wow. You sure you want to go out tonight baby?

Yes. I promised Bette wed be there.

Okay okay, but just dont expect to stay in that dress long after we get home.

Wouldnt want it any other way.

Tina smiled as Melanie pulled her in for a kiss. Tina looked at Melanie and felt her own body respond at the sight of her lover. Melanie was wearing a dark red dress that made her tan skin glow and her hair was swept loosely out of her face. She looked amazing and Tina gave Melanies suggestion to stay home a second thought before grabbing her purse and following Melanie out the door.

They arrived at the CAC and saw that it was already crowded. Tina and Melanie walked in hand in hand and they were greeted by Bette almost immediately. Tina noticed how stunning Bette looked that night and she suddenly felt a sense of dj vu. Maybe it was just being in a gallery with Bette again or maybe it was the fact that she felt like she was getting to know Bette all over again but she suddenly had a flashback to the first time she met Bette. She felt the overwhelming emotions run through her and she gripped Melanies hand a little tighter hoping to bring herself back down to earth. Melanie gave her a strange look when she felt Tina grip her hand but didnt say anything as Bette ushered them in.

Thanks so much for coming tonight.

Thanks for inviting us.

Suddenly Tina was speechless and she knew this was not a good thing. NO! No No NoI cannot seriously be doing this. Tina tried to fight off the feelings that were starting to form but it was no use. She looked at Bette and felt herself flush with desire. It was as if she had somehow managed to rewind the past seven and a half years and she was looking at Bette Porter for the first time. Bette gave Tina a friendly smile as she led them into the main gallery. The room was full of people and Bette was almost immediately pulled away to talk to some important art critic. Melanie gave Tina a questioning look as she guided her towards the patio area. Tina didnt say anything and managed to give Melanie a reassuring smile. Melanie accepted the smile and placed her hand in Tinas again when she saw Alice and Dana walking up to them.

Hey guys.

Hey Alice.

Man ever since Bette landed Provocations this place has turned into a mad house. Look how many people came out for this event.

I know. Its amazing.

They continued to make small talk as Tina looked around for Bette out of the corner of her eye. She finally spotted her talking to Franklin and decided to go over and say hi. She gave Melanie a sincere smile before walking over to Bette.

Hey Bette.

Hey Tina, you remember Franklin right?

Hello, nice to see you again. Uh, excuse me ladies, I see I am needed back inside.

Franklin turned and walked away leaving Bette and Tina alone to talk. Tina felt nervous for some reason and she was trying as hard as possible to stop her hands from shaking. Bette noticed Tinas demeanor and gave her a look of concern.

Tina, are you alright?

Im fine. I just wanted to say hi and congratulations on the success of this show.

It was a lot of work but I guess it paid off in the end. Too bad the artist is such a prick.

They laughed and Tina felt herself relax immediately. Why was I so nervous? This is Bette for goodness sake. The same person I knew a week ago and the same person Ill know tomorrow. Nothings changed. Tina gave Bette a warm smile and Bette looked at Tina adoringly taking in the sight of how incredible she looked in that dress.

You look great Tina.

Thanks. You too.

They looked at each other for a second and both women felt the tension building. Bette tried to rationalize the situation and she had to keep telling herself that she was crazy because if she allowed herself the thought that Tina was interested in her like that, she just might go crazy. Bette gave Tina one of her million dollar smiles and Tina felt herself grow weak in the knees. Stop it Tina. You cant go there again. Tina looked away suddenly shy and she was glad when she felt Melanies arm around her waist.

This is amazing Bette. The show must have done extremely well.

Bette didnt answer her at first because she was too busy staring at Tina. What the ***** was that? Bette had seen the flush in Tinas cheeks and the nervousness in her behavior and now Bette was totally confused. She quickly snapped out of it and pulled herself together though when she heard Melanies voice.

Yeah, we were lucky. Will you excuse me for a second?

Bette turned on her heel and headed straight for her office. She needed some time alone to sort her feelings out and she had only been alone for about ten minutes when there was a knock on her door.

Come in.

The door opened and Alice was standing there looking at Bette curiously. She walked into the office and shut the door behind her. She sat down in one of the chairs in front of Bettes desk and looked at her for a minute before opening her mouth.

Okay Bette, what is going on?

What are you talking about Alice?

I saw you two out there, making eyes at each other and trying, badly I might add, to have some kind of friendly conversation.

Bette looked at Alice like she was crazy so Alice continued in true Alice fashion.

TINA Bette. I saw you talking to Tina. What are you doing?

Im not doing anything Alice.

I thought you were happy for her and Melanie.

I AM.

Then why are you out there messing with her head?

Bette gave Alice an angry look and crossed her arms over her chest. She hadnt intentionally been flirting with Tina and if she was it wasnt because she was trying to break up Tina and Melanie. Bette didnt know what was going on and she really wanted to talk to Tina, but she knew that was probably not a good idea, at least not tonight.

Im not messing with her head Al. Were just friends.

FriendsRight.Fine, whatever. But listen Bette, if and I mean IF she gives you another chance youd better not ***** this up. But Bette can I ask you a question?

What Alice?

If you were really her friend why cant you just let her be happy? Because she is you know. She is happy.

Bette looked away as she listened to Alices last comment and she felt tears forming in her eyes. She had been through so much in the past months and her ultimate motivation had always to get Tina back. It had never dawned on her that maybe things were better off the way they were and maybe she should just leave good enough alone. Bette didnt have an answer for Alice and she wished she could take the events of tonight back. Up until this point she had been so content in her friendship with Tina because she knew it was all she would ever get. But tonight changed that. Bette had seen the desire and the love in Tinas eyes and she knew she had a fighting chance. Bette didnt know if she wanted to fight however because she didnt know if Tina wanted her to. Bette realized she was in the same situation with Tina she had been when they first met. Bette had won her heart once and she knew if she really tried she could probably do it again. The only question was, is it what Tina wanted? Bette didnt know and she would give anything to find out, but this time she was not going to resort to form. This time she had to let Tina come to her on her own free will because as the saying goes, if you love something and let it go, when it comes back its yours forever.