Chapter 1
Two weeks had gone by and slowly things were improving.
Alice and Dana were exploring their new found love. Bette and Tina were trying
to pick the pieces up. Tina had finally moved into a new apartment just 15
minuets from Bette’s house. Alice had tried to convince her to stay but Tina’s mind
was made up. She had also started her new PAYING job down at the center. She
found working there to be so fulfilling. Bette was still working at the CAC. She
made sure Tina was ok with that. Tina had told her that she needed to live
her life. She still hated not having Tina in her bed, but she was slowly
adjusting. Much to her dismay Tina had begun dating again. Bette knew that she
too could date but she wasn’t interested at this time in exploring that option.
The two women had been trying to set up a time for their first date but due to
both of their busy schedules Friday night was the soonest they could plan for.
Bette was a nervous wreck. She wanted everything to be perfect and yet she
didn’t want it to look like she was trying to hard. Tina was also nervous, not
really knowing what to expect or how she would feel. Finally the night arrived.

Bette had begged Tina to come to the house for dinner. She said she would order
in some Thai and they could just rent some movies. Tina was hesitant about this.
She wasn’t sure if seeing Bette in a private place was a very good idea. Bette
insisted and finally wore Tina down. In their last phone conversation Tina
pleaded with Bette” no funny business”. Bette crossed her fingers and agreed.

Bette stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom. She knew she looked good, but did she look good enough?

Bette: Ok Porter, tonight you start fresh with Tina. Get to know her again. Ask questions about her. Do Not, and I repeat DO NOT let tonight turn into an all about Bette Porter session!
She took a deep breath, smoothed out a wrinkle she found in her suit, and smiled her best smile. The door bell rang and Bette found her heart lodged comfortably in her throat.
She tried to slow down her pace to the door but excitement and nervousness got the best of her. She opened the door to find Tina standing there, radiant. More radiant then ever.

Tina: Hey Bette.

Tina held out a bottle of St. Michelle’s Riesling wine. Bette’s favorite.

Bette: You didn’t have to bring anything but yourself.

Bette gently tugged at Tina’s arm, pulling her through the door. Bette held back the urge to kiss Tina hello and went right in for a nice hug. She knew this would impress Tina. And it did.

Tina smirked and nodded her head. A gesture to show Bette she appreciated her taking it slow.

Bette: Can I get your coat?

Tina slowly shrugged her coat off her shoulders and into Bette’s arms.

Tina: Thanks.

Bette: I ordered already, I hope you don’t mind.

Tina: Not at all.

Bette: Come, sit down.

Bette gestured toward the couch.

Bette: I’ll pour us some wine.

Bette walked into the kitchen. She pressed her head to the cabinet and closed her eyes. She knew how to play it cool in a business situation, but with affairs of the heart, things were tricky. She could barely breathe when Tina was in her arms hugging her. How could she do this all night. She had to. She swore to do whatever it took to get her Tee back and she would, no matter how painful. Bette casually entered the living room with wine in hand. She handed Tina her glass and sat across the couch from her.
Bette: So, tell me…how was work?

Tina looked stunned. She wasn’t sure Bette had ever asked her that question before. Maybe Bette was really trying.

Tina: It was good. ( Tina smiled). I really love it there. I get to help so many kids. It feels good. Today we finished some paper work for a new playground we are working on. The kids are really excited and so am I. Well everyone is really.

Tina stopped speaking when she saw a grin inch across Bette’s face.

Tina: What? Is something funny?

Bette: It is no nice to see you happy.

Tina: Thank you. It feels nice.

Bette: And passionate.

Tina: huh?

Bette: You seem so passionate about your work. I think that is incredibly important. It makes you glow.

Tina was a blushing a little.

Bette caught Tina’s eyes in an intense stare. Bette was flooded with emotion. She could the heat rising between them and she wanted more. She needed more.

The doorbell rang and Tina was glad. She too felt the intensity between them. She wasn’t ready to give in to it just yet. She told Bette she needed time and she meant it. Bette jumped off the couch partly disappointed by the bell and partly thankful for it. She didn’t want to mess this up. She grabbed her wallet and opened the door. The deliveryman had come to know Bette and Tina quite well. He nodded hello to Tina who stayed firmly on the couch.
Bette handed him $40 and closed the door.

Tina: *****

Bette: What, what’s wrong?

Tina: I should have offered to pay. Or to pay for half at least.

Bette giggled.

Bette: Tee, I wouldn’t have taken it.

Tina: I know, but I need us to start over. And that is something someone on a first date would have done. I’m sorry.

Bette took Tina’s hand and pressed it to her own lips. The electricity ran through both of them.

Bette: Don’t be silly.

Tina got off the couch and followed Bette. She peered in the kitchen but the table wasn’t set.

Tina: Where are we eating?

Bette: You’ll see.

She took Tina’s hand and led her outside. There was a small Moroccan tent set up on the deck. Small oil lamps surrounded it and tiny tea candles floated in bowls in the center. Bette had set large candles by the opening of the tent along with assorted flower petals.
Tina couldn’t help but gasp. She thought it was beautiful, but part of her wondered why now? Why not before this whole mess? She guessed it didn’t matter now.

Bette skin was glowing in the candlelight. Her smile beamed from ear to ear.

Bette: You like?

Tina: I love!

The inside of the tent had pillows everywhere. Tina hoped she could control herself with Bette. This atmosphere might make things difficult. The two sat and ate and laughed like never before. It felt so natural between them. When they had both finished Tina offered to clear the plates.

Bette: No I’ve got them. She collected all the dishes and began to head inside.

Tina: Can we stay out here a while longer?

Bette: Of course. I was just going to put these in the sink. Can I get you tea?

Tina: sure that would be nice.

Bette escaped into the house to catch her breathe. This would be more difficult then she imagined. While putting the water up to boil she caught a glimpse of Tina from the kitchen window. She looked amazing. Her curls looked like rays of light around her. She watched as Tina’s hand glided over the water in the pool. The stars made Tina look angelic. Bette truly missed her. The teapot whistled and shook Bette from her blissful peace. She grabbed the pot, the tea and some cups and headed out the door.

Tina took her place back in the tent. The night breeze was cool and made Tina shiver. Bette took the blanket she had in the corner and put it around Tina’s shoulders.

Tina: Aren’t you cold? (She gestured for Bette to join her).

Bette knew if she did she would have to muster up every ounce of will power she had. It didn’t take Bette too long to jump in.
Tina leaned into Bettes body. Her head rested backward on Bette’s shoulder. Bette could smell Tina’s perfume. It always drove her crazy. She wrapped her arms around Tina and pulled her in closer. The two were silent. Bette leaned her head down and placed a kiss on Tina’s head. It sent heat through Tina’s chilled body

TBC