SATURDAY MORNING

Tina had arrived at the office in a pair of khaki cargo pants and a white tank top. She was dressed very casual considering she was going into the office but she didnt care because no one was going to be there other than Katie. Katie arrived a few minutes behind Tina and Tina noticed that she had dressed casually as well. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence before Katie said, Everything go okay with Bette?

Tina didnt want to give Katie too much information about Bette, so she decided to brush it off.

Yeah. Should we get to work?

Okay.

They carried everything into the conference room and spread all the reports out. Katie had her laptop with her so they could make changes on the reports if necessary and soon they were hard at work. They worked all morning and afternoon stopping only to eat lunch. It was a lot more work than Tina had thought and she felt guilty for almost dumping all of this on Katie. At about five oclock her cell phone went off and when she saw it was Bette she picked it up.

Hi babe.

Hi baby, hows it going?

Katie had looked up at Tina when she picked up the call and when she caught Tinas eye she gave her a knowing smile. Tina gave her a weak smile back and decided to take the conversation into her office.

Uh fine. Weve been working since ten but were only about two thirds of the way through. I have a feeling we are going to be here late.

Okay, do you want me to bring you dinner?

Tina wondered if Bette wanted to bring her dinner because she was being sweet or if she wanted to get a look at Katie but either way she was way too busy to stop and eat with Bette.

Its okay. I think were just going to order pizza or something. Babe I have to go. Ill call you when Im leaving okay?

Okay, dont work too hard baby. I love you.

I love you too. Ill see you tomorrow?

They had made plans to have lunch on Sunday and Tina knew that Bette was having trouble with the idea of Tina working late with Katie.

Yeah. Bye.

Bette hung up and sighed to herself. As much as she knew that Tina had no interest in Katie she couldnt help but feel pangs of jealousy running through her body. Maybe its because this is exactly how things started with Candace, Bette thought to herself. She shook off these thoughts and decided that she would bring food to Tina even though she said she didnt want it. She would just drop it off and leave since Tina was so busy. Bette knew that Tina might get a little upset at her just showing up, but she hoped that bringing Tinas favorite Chinese take out would make up for it. She glanced at the clock and decided to run some errands before heading into downtown.

Tina hung up with Bette and taking a deep breath she headed back into the conference room. She didnt know what Katie was up to but she didnt like the fact that Katie seemed to understand so much about Bette and about their relationship.

So where were we?

Katie smiled and looked up at Tina holding her gaze for a second longer than necessary. She leaned back in her chair and decided now would be a good time for them to take a break.

How about we take a little break? Weve been working since noon. I think we deserve it. How about I run and get us coffee?

Coffee sounds great.

Tina knew she probably shouldnt allow Katie to do these things for her but she didnt think too much of it, besides she really needed coffee. Katie headed out to get the coffee and Tina was left alone with her thoughts. This is crazy. Bette has managed twist the situation and make me feel guilty about hanging out with a friend. Tina wondered why that was. What power did Bette have over her that made her succumb to Bettes wishes? Shaking her head she picked up the report she was working on and tried to get some work done while Katie was out.

A few minutes later Katie returned with two large lattes and handed one to Tina. She took a seat near Tina and as she sipped her coffee she never took her eyes off of Tina. Tina returned the look, but she could tell that Katies look was more of a I-want-to-rip-your-clothes-off kind of look. Tina decided that conversation would be better than sitting there staring at each other so she proceeded to do just that.

So Katie, what else do you have going on this weekend?

I was planning to go down to San Diego tomorrow to visit my mother. Its her birthday.

Oh thats nice. So youre from San Diego?

Yeah. Where are you from?

Los Angeles. Born and raised.

LA huh? Its nice but a little too fast paced for me. I like things at a slower pace.

Katie said this last remark with an obvious undertone to it and Tina felt herself blushing a little. Katie was hitting on her and she was not being shy about it. Tina was becoming very uncomfortable and didnt know if conversation had been such a good idea. They sat in silence for a few minutes and the uncomfortable silence was broken by a noise coming from the front office.

Tina and Katie stood up and looked at each other puzzled and walked out to the front office. Tina smiled when she saw Bette standing there holding bags of Chinese food and looking rather lost in her office.

Baby?

Bette turned around and gave Tina a sheepish smile. She walked towards her and held out the bags of food as she said, I know you said not to bring food, but I couldnt let you just eat pizza.

Tina smiled as she took the bags of food from Bette and led her back to her office. Katie had disappeared back into the conference room and Tina didnt know if it was because she didnt want to meet Bette or if it was because she thought Tina had everything under control.

I didnt know exactly what you were craving so I got a little of everything. I figured between the two of you it should be enough.

This surprised Tina and didnt really know what to say.

Oh youre not staying?

No, I know you have a lot of work to do. Just call me later when you are done.

With that Bette gave Tina a quick kiss on the lips as she headed for the door. At that moment Katie decided to stick her head out and almost ran right into Bette.

Sorry. Hi Im Katie.

Tina could tell that Bette was looking her over as she replied.

Hi Im Bette, nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too. Tina has told me a lot about you.

Tina almost choked on her coffee when Katie said that. It wasnt what she said but the way she said it. She looked at Bette waiting for her to explode on Katie and when she didnt Tina got even more concerned. She sat there looking back and forth between Katie and Bette and had no idea how she had gotten into this situation.

Bette was not lost on how uncomfortable Tina had become all of a sudden and she certainly wasnt lost on the way Katie was responding to her. Bette swallowed whatever anger was rising within her and gave Katie an unreadable expression.

Shes told me a lot about you too.

All good I hope. Anyways, it was nice to meet you but um Tina, maybe we should get back to work?

Katie turned and headed back into the conference room leaving Tina and Bette standing in the hallway. Here it comes, thought Tina as she braced herself for whatever lecture Bette was about to unleash on her.

Bette just smiled at Tina as she grabbed her purse and kissed Tina again on the lips. As she was walking away she turned to see Tina looking quite confused and with a wink she said,

Now I see what you mean.





*** See change is possible ;)