Shane nodded toward the brunette. “This is Bette Porter. She’s one of my favorite customers.”

Chris Anderson looked back toward Bette and smiled. “Hi Bette. Sorry for knocking you over. I’m usually not so much of a mess.”

God it felt so good to hear her name on Tina’s lips. Bette couldn’t fight the goofy grin on her face. “It’s okay,” she finally said.

The receptionist called for Shane. “It’s Jenny on line 2. She says it’s an emergency.”

Shane rolled her eyes. “Everything is a fucking emergency.”

“What do you want me to tell her? This is the third time she’s called”

Shane clasped her hands together and tossed both Chris Anderson and Bette Porter an endearing smile. “I’ve gotta take this. Bette, you rest until you feel better. I’ll be back soon.” She nodded before rushing back to her office to take the phone call.

Chris Anderson looked up at the woman whose ankle was resting in her hand. “You called me Tina. How do I know you? No one has called me that in years.”

Bette didn’t know how to answer that. She was also a horrible liar. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you,” she finally said.

The blonde smiled. “Does that mean today is the first day of our friendship? As in there will be other days.”

“Yes. That’s what it means. Is it okay if I call you Tina?”

The blonde nodded. “You can call me Tina.”

Bette smiled. “You’ve made my entire day. Fuck it, my entire life.”

Tina chuckled. “Wow, you flatter me. I’ve had such a shitty morning.”

“I know how that feels. I promise you, it’ll get better,” Bette replied.

“Moving on from nicknames to promises. This friendship is on fast forward.” Tina looked down at Bette’s ankle and placed the ice pack on a nearby chair. She reached for Bette’s hands. “Let’s see if you can stand up.”

Bette had been craving the feel of Tina’s skin for nearly a week. She gladly placed her hands in Tina’s and allowed the blonde to help her up. She stood just fine and limped gingerly around the discomfort in her left ankle. “I’m fine,” said Bette. “It’s a little stiff, but I’ll be fine.”

Tina frowned. “Okay. Are you sure?”

Bette nodded and gave her companion a reassuring smile. “I’m sure.”

Tina pulled a business card from her purse and struck through the phone number with a pen before writing another phone number on the white rectangle. “Here’s my card. Please call me if things get worse. I’d be happy to help or pay for any medical bills. This is all my fault.”

“Thanks. You’re very kind,” said Bette.

“Are you heading out? Can I walk you to your car?” asked Tina.

Bette dismissed this notion with a wave of her hand. “I’m okay, Tina.”

Tina didn’t know this woman, but the sound of her nickname, voiced by this beautiful woman, rushed through her like fine wine or dark chocolate. It was weird, but it felt great.

“I insist,” said Tina.

Bette smiled. “Well, who am I to resist?” She grabbed the bottle of Shane shampoo and walked through the door Tina held open for her. She led the way to her dark blue Jag, trying not to limp. She didn’t want Tina to feel bad.

Hazel eyes roamed over the blue coupe. “This car is amazing.”

“Thanks,” said Bette, unlocking the doors.

Tina opened the door for her and Bette slid into the black leather seat and rolled her window down. “I really appreciate the escort, Tina.”

“I’m happy to provide it.”

Tina’s eyes met Bette’s dark brown pools. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

Bette winked at her. “No worries, T. That will never happen.”

Tina smiled. “T?”

Bette’s smile faltered. “I…I hope that’s okay. It just came out.”

“No, it’s fine. I like it.”

The smile returned full force. “Great. It was good to see you, T. I’ll call you, okay?”

“You better,” she said, before making her way to the curb. She watched the dark blue coupe until it faded from her line of sight.