Tina, I havent seen your earring anywhere. Really, its not out here, Eric said as half his body hung outside of the car while the other half contorted behind the passenger seat.

Fine. Its not here. I just dont know where it could have gone to. I remember putting it back on at the gallery after it fell off. It doesnt just come out of my ear. Tina was getting more and more frustrated as she thought about the missing earring, and she was not hiding it well.

Tina, what is the big deal? Jesus, just call the gallery tomorrow and see if they found it. *****, Ill buy you a new pair. Happy? Eric walked back into the house behind Tina and closed the front door.

Tina did not respond, but she did storm into Erics bedroom and change into a pair of adidas soccer pants and a tank top faster than Eric could walk into the room behind her.

Hey, Im sorry. I know you like those earrings, and I promise itll get worked out, ok?

Eric, I just want to go home. Tina gathered her things and headed towards the door.

Go home? But Tina we just got here. Why cant you just stay the night? I really dont feel like driving across town to take you home. Eric was at her heels.

I just need some time by myself. Im sorry, but I want to go. Please. She stood with her back to the door, looking him directly in the eyes. He knew she was serious.

Fine. Lets go. But I wish youd stay. He tried one more time before relenting. She held on to what she wanted, as always.

Ill be in the car, Tina said as she walked out the door leaving a frustrated Eric to follow her once again.


At the Bette Porter gallery, Bette and Alice were the last to leave after the dinner. They had gone to the gallery together, and Alice was stuck at the gallery until Bette had finished cleaning up. Alice didnt mind, but she was ready to head out and grab a couple of drinks.

Hey Bette, wanna get a drink or two to celebrate another successful night? Alice nudged her in the ribs with her elbow.

Ok, but just one. Im tired, and I dont want to risk you taking advantage of me if I get intoxicated, Bette said with a smirk on her face.

Ha! Been there done that and I dont think so, Porter! We just burned that bridge. Like Id ever go back there again, Alice laughed and winked at Bette. The two women headed out to a small bar that usually was occupied by the straight locals, but they liked to go there to avoid friends or eager women.

Whatll you have Bette? Drinks are on me tonight.

Ill have a gin and tonic. Dont forget the lime!

Alice came back to the booth with Bettes gin and tonic and a Blue Moon beer bottle for herself. Though once lovers, these women knew how to hold onto a friendship.

So you think the night went well? Bette looked at Alice.

Duh! This was the best gallery opening and dinner Ive ever seen at your place. People are flocking to you, Porter, and it wont be long until museums are banging on your door. Word is getting out about you.

Thank you. Im really excited about where the direction of the gallery is going. This has been my dream. Such a diverse crowd of people, too, huh? Bette sipped on her drink, replaying the last two nights in her head.

You can say that again. Speaking of which…who was that blonde woman with that guy Eric? Alice couldnt resist.

You must mean Tina, Tina Kennard. Thats his girlfriend. She really seems to be interested in the gallery and the artists. Bette looked away.

Well, you seemed interested in her. Thats all Im gonna say, Alice responded and took a swig of beer, eyebrows raised.

Wait, what does that mean?

You know what it means. I saw you staring at her at dinner, but she seemed all lovey with her man too notice.

She did seem to hang on Eric, but theres something about her, Alice.

Whats that? That shes straight and not interested in some powerful *****?

Alice! Listen, she may seem straight, but I know one thing…I have never fallen for a straight girl. So either I have gone terribly astray here or she may not seem to be as straight as you may think. Bette slammed her drink for emphasis.

Whatever. Just be careful and dont assume too much.

All I know is Tina is not as straight as she thinks.


Back at home, Tina changed into a pair of jeans, but left the tanktop on. She felt like going out in hopes of finding some friends already there. Usually this time of night, some of her friends were at the local bars. She wanted to be with people, but not Eric. She needed company, but impartial company – someone who she could just laugh with. She didnt want to have to think or talk about anything.

Tina drove around the part of town where her and her friends liked to go to the bars, but she didnt recognize any of the cars until she drove by the last bar. There she stopped a car that might belong to her good friend Liz. Tina ventured into the small bar, looking through groups of people and booths full of people with no success. Just as she was getting ready to walk out the door she heard a familiar voice call her name.

Hey Tina!

She turned around to see Bette Porter and her friend Alice at a booth in the corner. Bette waived and Alice smiled. Tina froze.

Tina!

Slowly Tina walked over to the table, her breathing labored, her mind spinning. This was not what she had in mind for the night.

Hey there! What are you doing out tonight? Bette asked.

Oh, I was looking for some friends, but they arent here, so I was just leaving, Tina said as she looked longingly at the door.

Well, now you can have a drink with us! Whatll it be? Im buying tonight. Alice guestured.

Nothing, thank you. Im not drinking tonight. I have an empty stomach and it goes straight to my head. Tina laughed nervously.

No Eric? Bette prodded.

No, he stayed in…you know what? I really need to go. Im sorry, but I just remembered I have this thing in the morning and I should really be getting home. Thanks, though. Bye. And with that Tina was out of her seat practically racing to the door, not looking back.

Well, that went well, Porter. I see the charm still works, Alice said sarcastically.

Shell be back. Maybe not tonight, but eventually. When shes ready.