Lara: You look stunning, Tina. If this woman isn’t completely floored, she doesn’t deserve you.

Tina: (smiling nervously) It’s just a date, Lara.

Lara: Sure, keep telling yourself that. But I’ve never seen you this giddy before not even with Eric. It’s cute, really.

Tina picks up her clutch and takes a deep breath.

Tina: Okay, wish me luck.

Lara: You don’t need luck, but good luck anyway. And if she’s a jerk, I’ll egg her dorm window.

Tina chuckled softly, feeling a bit lighter as the sound of the doorbell echoed, she made her way to the front entrance, smoothing her hands over her dress before pulling the door open.

Bette stood there, momentarily speechless. The soft glow of the streetlights made Tina’s blue dress shimmer, accentuating her effortless elegance. Bette’s breath hitched, her warm smile faltering for just a second as she took in the sight before her.

Tina noticed the admiration in Bette’s eyes, the way she seemed captivated and a shy smile curled at her lips.

Bette: You look… incredible.

Tina: (blushing) Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.

As they walk side by side down the softly lit street, Tina’s pace slows, her expression turning thoughtful. Bette notices, stopping to face her, concern flickering in her eyes.

Bette: Everything okay?

Tina: (hesitant) Yeah, I just… I wanted to tell you something before we go in.

Bette’s posture softens, her voice gentle.

Bette: Okay. What’s on your mind?

Tina looks away briefly, as if searching for the right words, before meeting Bette’s gaze.

Tina: I’ve never… been with a woman before. You’re the first.

Bette’s eyebrows lift slightly, but she stays quiet, giving Tina the space to continue.

Tina: I always thought of myself as straight. I mean, I’ve dated men seriously even, I was with Eric for two years… but that ended six months ago.

Bette: (carefully) What happened?

Tina: (a hint of bitterness in her voice) He cheated on me. I found out through a friend. It was messy, and it hurt, but I walked away. I couldn’t stay with someone who didn’t respect me.

Bette nods, understanding etched across her face. Tina takes a deep breath, as if steadying herself.

Tina: When I met you, something just…. clicked. You make me feel things I’ve never felt before. But this is new for me, and honestly? It scares me.