«I was supposed to go out with my boyfriend Eric, but he’s pretty understanding when it comes to my work»

Bette flinched at the word «boyfriend», but she didn’t let it show. «Are things serious between you two?». She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know the answer to that.

Tina looked down at her drink. «Kind of… I don’t know, we’ve been seeing each other on and off for the past six months. All I can say is that I don’t see men falling over themselves to ask me out»

«I have a hard time believing that… A beautiful woman like you must surely have plenty of proposals from men»

Even in the faint light, Bette could tell Tina was blushing. «I don’t find myself especially beautiful…»

«You have to be kidding me… You were the most beautiful woman in the gallery tonight and don’t argue with me on that because you’re talking to an expert on the subject of beautiful women», Bette told her.

«What about you?», Tina asked, hoping to change the subject.

«What about me Tina?», Bette said softly.

For some reason, the way Bette said her name, in a soft, delicate and loving tone, sent chills down her spine. She looked up from her glass and gazed at her eyes, those dark and longing eyes… «How come you’re not already taken ? I bet there are lots of women out there who would love to be Bette Porter’s girlfriend»

Bette laughed. «I don’t know about that… I’ve had a few relationships, but I guess now I’m waiting for the right woman to come along. Do you believe in soul mate Tina?»

Tina thought about that for a few seconds. «I guess, but I’m already 30 years old, so he better show up fast if I don’t want to end up and old maid», she said, giggling.

«Then let’s make a toast to love and hope we’ll both find it very soon…», Bette offered, hoping Tina wouldn’t call her on her double talk. But Tina didn’t say anything… She just raised her glass and drank to that.

The Planet

«We’re sorry Bette we couldn’t stay until the end last night», Shane said, drinking her coffee. The gang was sitting in The Planet for their usual morning talk. Bette waved her off. «It’s OK, everyone was gone by eleven anyway», she said.

«What did you do afterwards ? Did you come here by yourself?», Dana wanted to know.

Bette hesitated for a second or two. «No… I went out for a drink with Tina», she finally let out.

«Woa! Is she a lez? She’s a cutie…», Alice asked, obviously excited by the prospect of Bette going out with Tina.

«She says she isn’t but…», Bette replied.

«But… But what? Don’t leave us hanging Bette», Dana said.

«OK, don’t call me crazy, but I have this feeling that Tina is… the one for me»

«How can a straight woman be the one for you ? That doesn’t make any sense Bette», Alice reflected.

Bette turned to her. «I seem to remember someone who told me once that all women are gay, they just don’t know it yet… Sounds familiar Alice?»

«I also remember that I was 20 and very naïve when I said that. Now I know that straight women isn’t just a myth, they really do exist…»

«So what are you going to do Bette ?», Shane asked.

«Chase her…», Bette replied with a devilish smile.

Meanwhile, at the L.A. Times

Tina was writing her article on Bette’s gallery opening when someone walked up behind her.

«Tina Kennard?», she heard a man say. She turned around to find a delivery man standing in the middle of the room. «Yeah…», she replied.

«This is for you», the man said, leaning a big package all wrapped up in brown paper against her desk. «Sign here please», he asked. Tina signed her name and handed him a tip. He refused. «It’s all been taking care of ma’am», he explained.

«Wow, what in God’s name is that?», Patty asked when she came back from the ladies’ room.

«I have no idea…»

«Hey, there’s a card here…», Patty told her, handing it to her. On it, Tina read I hope you’ll find a good place for it… Bette

Frowning, Tina quickly tore off the brown paper only to find herself staring at the painting «Paris in the rain»…