They’d enjoyed many a romantic evening on the outdoor lounge bed or summer afternoons grilling burgers while family and friends swam in the pool or relaxed in the hot tub. When they’d instituted family night a few years back Bette and Tina’s home was the obvious choice to host them. If there was one thing Bette and Tina had in common it was that they loved being surrounded by beauty and their home reflected it; inside and out. Bette loved sharing the botanical experiences with Tina and being an avid photographer it was also an opportunity for her to indulge her passion as well by taking some of the most amazing photographs during their travels; many of which had been published in art magazines and received some acclaim.

For Bette one of her things on the list was to learn various styles of ballroom dancing. She and Tina had taken numerous dance lessons and entered into competitions for the Waltz, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Samba, Rumba, and Quick Step. They’d perfected them all and though Bette had had various dance partners before she met Tina no one fitted her as perfectly as when Tina’s body molded into hers. When they danced together it was magical to see how unbelievably in-synced they were. They moved as if one was the extension of the other much like their lovemaking used to be where they’d connect with their hearts, bodies, souls, and minds.

“Maybe we should think about reviving the bucket list. It might be just what we need to get reacquainted and when Angie gets older we can add things for her too.”

“That would be nice.”

***

The following morning they woke in time to watch a glorious sunrise. They ate a light meal of fruit, juice and pastries then headed back to the cabin so they could pack and get ready for their flight to New York. Peggy had arranged for her limo driver to pick them up at La Guardia airport to take them shopping at her expense before bringing them to her Penthouse.

Since this side trip was unplanned they needed to purchase appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories for the cocktail reception and dinner with the board members from the Whitney Museum. Bette would impress them regardless of what she wore but she wanted to look her best as did Tina and Julia. Besides who would pass up the opportunity to shop at some of New York’s best designer boutiques? They would also take some time to pick up a few things for Angie and a gift for Kit. They expected they would be exhausted by the time they caught the red-eye flight to Los Angeles but it would be worth it.