Chapter 19

Tina had been working at Delano Technical College for about four months now. One of the teachers had gone on maternity leave within the first semester and her classes were split equally amongst the other teacher, so instead of Tina having early afternoons, she was now forced to work till seven sometimes eight. Although it was for a few months it was becoming overwhelming for Tina. It meant getting home later than she would have wanted and a greater workload in terms of preparation for classes. Tina spent more time at work than she did at home. It was Wednesday afternoon and Tina had a two-hour break before her late class. She picked up the phone and attempted to call Bette via her direct line.

GameTech Inc. Bette Porter speaking.

Has anyone ever told you that you have the sexiest voice?

Well that would be a lie now wouldnt it?

Why do you say that?

Because I think that your voice is the sexiest. Not to mention absolutely stimulating.

Well I will be sure to tell my girlfriend that you said that.

Oh, so you have a girlfriend? Lucky lady.

I think Im the lucky one.

Yeah? Well would your girlfriend mind if I take you away this weekend?

This weekend? Mmmm I dunno. Whats happening this weekend anyway?

Tina? Bette said in an exasperated tone.

Im kidding. Youre such a baby.

A horny baby. I want you so bad.

I know the feeling. It has been a while hasnt it?

Youre telling me. Since this job I could count the number of times we made love on one hand.

Bette didnt mean anything by it. She has been very understanding. She made everything easier for Tina by having dinner waiting when she got home, her lunch packed for the following day and she had very little to do when the weekend came with respect to her chores around the house. Tina would leave for work very early and be back home most times when Bette was already asleep and even if Bette were to stay up for her she was too tired to make a note. On the weekends Tina spent catching up on well deserved sleep or grading papers. Tina knew that if she were in Bettes shoes she would not have been as understanding nor as tolerant. She felt guilty not being able to tend to her womans needs and Bettes statement, although in jest compounded her guilt. Im sorry baby. I wish I could be there more than I am. Tinas voice reeked with guilt, frustration and regret.

I know your do. So you get to make up for it this weekend. I cant wait to get you all to myself.

What would you do if you have me all to yourself?

Well, Bette started in a low sultry voice, I will make love to you all day and night.

Yeah? Tell me what you would do.

I will take of all your clothes so I could take in your beautiful naked body. I will take you to bed and I will start by kissing you, Bette breathed heavily into the phone, I can taste you right now, can you taste me?

Yes. Tinas statement filled with arousal.

I will run my tongue over your ear lobe and suck on it. Then Ill kiss your neck and move down to your shoulders, then your nipples. And.

KNOCK KNOCK Jessica stuck her head in, Bette, Theres a Mr. Clarke here to see you. Before Bette could respond Jessica was already out the door.

*****.

Baby?

Yeah. Im here. But I have to go. I have a meeting now.

You sure know how to tease a woman.

Believe me I was not teasing.

Ill see if I can leave early. Ill ask Frank if he can take over my last class.

Really? So youll be home early?

Ill try. I miss you, I want you so bad right now.

I know the feeling.

I love you.

I love you too baby.

Tina got Frank to take over her class and left work promptly at five. She was more anxious to get home than ever before. Since she spoke with Bette earlier, she hadnt been able to think about anything else but Bettes lips all over her body. Tina walked through the door and was greeted with the most sensual kiss she had ever had from Bette. She was not sure if its because it has been a long while since shes been home early enough to enjoy her lover, or if its because she was already aroused from their conversation earlier or is it that she was so in love with Bette and so sexually attracted to Bette that even the simplest touch from Bette can make her body long for more. Maybe its a combination of all three but what ever it was she was glad to be home to be in the arms of her life partner. When they finally broke the kiss, Tina held Bette for what seemed like an eternity, I missed you. Just hold me.

I missed you too. Im glad youre home early.

Eventually Tina released Bette, Mmmm something smells good. Tacos!

Yep. And Shane is at Danas so its just us tonight.

Hmmm then how about a little dessert before dinner.

I wou

Before Bette could respond Tina had her pinned to the cupboard. I was not asking. Tina and Bette made love on the kitchen floor and then in the bedroom. When both women were finally hungry they had dinner then dessert again and again. They were as we say making up for lost time. Tina woke up the next morning very tired and sorry that she had to leave Bette to go to work. She would give anything for a few more hours in bed, but duty calls and she had to answer. She woke Bette like she did every morning to get her kiss goodbye but lingered on this one a little more. Tinas drove to work with a huge smile on her face. She got to school and headed for the teachers lounge. She called Bette and settled herself before class. While at her seat the messenger dropped off a letter at her desk. She opened it and after reading It is mandatory that all new teachers attend the smile that was etched on her face all morning was immediately replaced by a frown larger than the smile. *****. She whispered. How am I going to get out of this one? She asked around and she got the same response from everyone, Its part of the probation process. All new teachers have to go. When she realised that there was no way out of the teachers conference she called Bette.

GameTech Inc. Bette Porter speaking.

Hi sweetie.

Oh hi baby. I was just thinking about you.

Yeah. Tina sighed.

Whats wrong baby?

Ummm

T? Talk to me.

I dont know how to say this.

Say what? Tina youre scaring me.

I cant Tina hesitated. She knew this weekend meant a lot to both of them. Saturday was Bettes birthday and they had planned a weekend get away and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, and it broke her heart to tell Bette that she had a conference on that same day and that they would have to postpone. I have a teachers conference to attend on Saturday and I cant get out of it.

What? Tina you know how

I know baby and Im sorry but

You seem to be saying that a lot lately.

Bette? Please?

I gotta to go. Bette hung up before Tina could say anything. Bette was angry and talking with Tina now was not a good idea.

Tina tried to go through her day unaffected but it was very difficult to hide her pain. She drove home not knowing what to expect when she got home. She and Bette fought but it was the first time that Bette had actually hung up on her. Then again it was the first time she had ever disappointed Bette like that. When she got home she was surprised that Bettes car was not in the driveway. She got inside and saw a note on the kitchen counter. Went out. Dont wait up. She saw that dinner was prepared as usual but tonight she would be eating alone. After talking with Tina, Bette decided that she would give Tina a dose of her own medicine. She made sure that when Tina got home, no one would be there to greet her with open arms. She went out with Alice and a girl Alice had been dating. They went to a club that had recently opened. It didnt take Bette long enough to start her evening off. When she got there she drowned her sorrow in two tequila shots and chased each with corona. There was a beautiful Asian girl who could not keep her eyes of Bette all night, and Bette didnt deny her a dance when she asked. They danced pretty close all night sometimes drawing stares their way but Bette knew her limits and never crossed them. Bette got home close to three that morning. She stumbled into the room and flopped herself on the bed and fell asleep instantly. Tina turned, and feeling the closeness of her lover next to her, instinctively snuggled next to her. She drew back when she got close enough to smell Bette. There was an unfamiliar scent on Bette. She recognised her perfume and the alcohol, but there was a perfume she had never smelt before. Not on Alice or anyone they have ever been out with before. Thoughts of their first fight flooded her mind and the way Bette reacted that night, she could not help but wonder if she did the same thing tonight. She didnt bother to wake Bette. She nor Bette was not in the mood for an argument so she left and went to the couch to continue her sleep. She didnt fall asleep long when the alarm went off. She got ready for work and left without waking Bette.

Bette woke up a few hours later. She felt for Tina and realised that she was not there. She was a bit disoriented and her head was pounding. She looked at the time and realised that it was seven in the morning and it was Friday morning. She got out of bed and went to the shower. She had a long cold shower hoping that it would make her feel better. She took two Advil and got ready for work. When Bette got to work, before doing anything she called Tina. Tina had an early class so she left a voice mail for her. When Tinas class was finished she returned Bettes call.

GameTech Inc. Bette Porter speaking.

You called? Tinas voice was flat and emotionless.

Tinas mood took Bette by surprise, Um yeah. You left without saying goodbye.

Didnt think you would notice.

What? Whats wrong with you?

Whats wrong with me? Youre asking me that after last night?

Well you werent going to be home anyway.

Bette I cant deal with you now.

Deal with me? Am I some problem you have to deal with?

I dont get you?

What do you mean?

You get angry so you go out and find the first woman to get even. Its not like its the first time you did this you know.

What are you talking about?

I smelt her perfume Bette. The woman you went out with.

I went with Alice and I danced with a girl there thats all. And I was not angry. Well at first I was, but I was more disappointed that we have to cancel our trip. I just wanted to be with you this weekend. Its been hard lately and I miss you so much T.

I hate that I had to put my job first and this weekend was special to me to and I tried to get out of it. Tina sighed, I wish I hadnt taken this job.

No, dont say that. We just have to work harder. You know, make time or make the best of what time we have.

I know. Its like we are trying so hard. And then I thought that I would have started at NIT by now.

Dont worry about it. I mean I would have loved to celebrate my birthday with you but if this conference is important I understand. I could always call and change the reservation for next weekend. Ok?

Sure.

Hey, cheer up.

Tina chuckled into the phone. She hated being angry with Bette and even more when Bette was angry with her. I hate it when we fight.

Me too. Bette paused then continued, T?

Yeah?

Nothing happened between me and that girl. We danced thats all.

Its ok. I believe you. I know you wouldnt do anything to hurt me. I guess I wanted a reason to be angry with you because you werent there when I got home.

Hummm funny you should say that.

Why?

Because I wanted to get back at you so I decided to go out rather than be there.

Sometimes I wonder which is worse, you being angry or you getting even.