I need to talk to you.

Ok, whats up? Mandy looked at Tina with some concern in her eyes unsure of what would come out of her mouth. Everything was a surprise with Tina lately.

Well, you know Bette and I have been spending a lot of time together.

Yeah…

And its been great but theres something Im afraid of.

Commitment?

Tina laughed. No, Im fine with that for once in my life. Something else.

What? Coming out to your parents?

Hmm… I guess I am afraid of that, but thats not what Im talking about.

Im done guessing. Lay it on me. Mandy sat across from Tina in a corner booth away from wandering ears at a local coffee shop.

I dont know what Im doing… with being more… intimate.

Mandy looked blankly at Tina for a moment before exclaiming, *****! Youre talking about the *****, right?

A little louder next time, Mandy, I dont think they heard you across the street. Tinas face flushed and she nervously looked around the cafe to see if anyone heard them.

Yes Im talking about *****. Im scared. How do I know what to do?

Tina, I dont think you need to worry about it.

Not worry about it? What if I do it wrong? What if its so awful she never wants to do it again with me?

Mandy laughed and shook her head. Tina, youre killing me. Itll come naturally to you and Im sure Bette will have a good experience. One step at a time.

Youre right… one step at a time.

So are you saying you want to… you know… do it with Bette?

Maybe… its just something I worry about.

Are you ready for that step?

I think I am. Its not like Im going to rush into it or anything. However it happens, it happens but I want to be sure I know what Im doing.

Tina, when you first had ***** with a man did you know what you were doing?

Well, I knew how it worked but I didnt know how it was going to be or how it would all play out.

Exactly my point. ***** is *****, whether its with a man or a woman. As long as youre attracted to the person itll work out. And I think you and Bette are definitely attracted to each other. You care for each other a lot too and that will make it even better.

Thanks Mandy for always calming me down and helping me look at things in a more rational way. I guess the fact that Im analyzing this so much means that the right time hasnt come yet, huh?

You wont even know when the right time comes, itll just happen. Afterwards youll look back and realize it was the right time.

Youre so smart. Tina grinned, taking a sip of her coffee.

I know, I know, it all comes so naturally. Mandy giggled. But seriously… youll tell me when you do it, right? I want all the details.

Youll be the first I tell.

As always. Mandy winked at Tina, smiling.


So Porter, we on for tomorrow night still?

As far as I know. Just promise me you wont scare Tina away or embarrass me.

You know me, every day is a new surprise. Bette and Alice were meeting for their routine coffee and breakfast before work. But dont worry, I wont deliberately do anything to bring damage.

I know. I just want this to be a good time for Tina. Shes been through a lot lately.

She sure has. You have one brave woman but not brave enough to jump in bed with the famous Bette Porter, huh?

When the time is right.

Bette and Tina sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g… first comes love –

Stop right there, Al.

What?

I know what youre going to say.

Oh really? Enlighten me.

First youre going to say youve never seen me fall so head over heels for a woman then youre going to make some smart ***** comment about me not having ***** with Tina yet.

Guess were pretty good friends, huh?

I know you too well, Alice.

Then I have to ask… any *****… yet?

No, Id tell you if I had anything to report.

You sure are dragging this out, huh?

I dont think Ive thought about ***** more in my entire life.

Wow.

Its not like that, Al. Im not some sort of nymphomaniac. Its just that Im actually nervous about it.

Since when is Bette Porter nervous about jumping in the sack?

Since shell be making love to a woman whos never been with a woman before. She is trusting in me to guide her, teach her, and love her. Its a lot of pressure and responsibility.

God Bette, dont second guess yourself now. And dont put all the pressure on yourself. Just because Tinas never been with a woman doesnt mean she cant take care of herself.

I just really want it to be right.

Itll be great. I know it will.

How do you know?

If anybody has the hots for somebody as much as you do for Tina, then the ***** will be great. Trust me. And I dont think Tinas as sweet and innocent as you think. If you ask me, shell be teaching you some things.

Bette raised her eyebrow at Alice.

What? Im serious. Alice sighed. Just let things follow their own course. You two love birds will be waking up wrapped in each others naked arms soon enough.