She hasn’t been gone long but I’m beginning to think that maybe she’s too busy for us to spend any more time together this evening…, but she has to have meals throughout the day, so perhaps a lunch here and there or even another dinner could work for her during her stay.

I hear someone approaching so I turn to where the noise is coming from…, I’m met with Bette’s apologetic look. 

"I’m so sorry Tina…, I feel awful…, I…,"

I quickly but kindly interrupt. "Bette, really…, you don’t need to apologize. I truly am ok, you’re here on business…, don’t worry about it…, please."

"I know, I know…, I just can’t help feeling bad leaving you like that…" She said, looking defeated.

"It was not so bad…, our waitress kept me amused and our wine kept me company." I reach for my glass and suddenly realize how much I have drunk.

She emits a warm laugh and I feel myself shudder. That laugh is becoming music to my ears.

"I think someone has grown very fond of this wine."

"Oh yes I have…, I think this is now one of my favourites."

"Good girl." She proudly grins.

"Only sometimes…," shit…, did I just say that out aloud? I’m thinking that I may need to stop drinking right about now.  Hurriedly diverting the attention off my mumblings I enquire about her phone call. "So…, were you able to arrange your meeting?"

Although she’s smirking she accepts the distraction.

"Yes, he was surprisingly accommodating. We decided to meet on Monday morning…, I really didn’t think he was going to be available but its one less thing to worry about."

"That’s good…, I’m glad things are slowly but surely coming together for you."

"Yes I’m more than happy…" She looks around for the waitress to request our bill. "You look tired…, I should probably call Philip now."

"I’m sorry…" A yawn threatens to escape. "…but yes I think exhaustion is finally catching up on me."

"I know…, all of a sudden I feel drained too."

The waitress makes her way over to our table and before I can take the check, Bette opens the book and signs the receipt.

With the waitress out of earshot I frown. "What was that?"

"What do you mean?" She feigns surprise and I make a face.

"I invited you out this evening…, remember?"

"But Bette…," I can’t believe I just whined.

"What…? You can get the next one okay?" She chuckles.

There’s nothing else for me to do except roll my eyes, but that does mean we will be having another meal together at some point, "Fine…, but no funny business next time."

She raises an eyebrow in question.

"I mean no sneaking your credit card to the waitress when I’m not looking." I try to seem firm, with a hint of indignation evident in my voice.

She looks at me for a moment before bursting out laughing. I shake my head as I join her laughter.

"And you think I’m impossible?" That just causes more giggles.

The sound of her phone prompts us to control ourselves.

She looks at the screen. "Ah Philip is here…, ready to go?"

"Absolutely."

**

In a matter of minutes we arrive at my hotel. The feeling of emptiness runs through my body again. I’m unable to understand why I feel this way…, we have just met and yet we enjoy each other’s company as if we were long time friends.

"Could you give us a minute Philip…, please?" I hear her say.

Philip closes the window as she turns to me.

"Tina…, I had a great time. Thank you so much for keeping me company."

"It was my pleasure Bette…, and thank you for dinner. It was lovely."

"I know my schedule is going to be crazy but…, can I see you again? Even before we plan on visiting the museums?" Her stare is intense and I feel my breath catch in my throat.

The expression in her eyes shows nothing but affection and kindness. Could our instant connection be more than we both care to admit?

"Yes…, I would love to." I gently reply.