I nodded back, flashing a smile.  “I’d really like that.”

She walked off and Bette just glared at me, “Do you always sound so sincere when blowing them off?”

I chuckled, “What?  I meant it, I really would like to find her later on.  Just not right now.”

Bette shook her head, “Man you are going to break some hearts…  Oh, there they are!”

She headed off towards a table and I slowly followed behind her, wanting to check out the table before actually getting there.  While I felt totally at ease with Bette, and had a great time with Alice that day, I still didn’t know what to make of Tina, and the other two women I hadn’t met.  Years of practice and habit under the belt, I scanned the table, observing body language, gauging emotions and moods, figuring out the chemistry of this group so I could figure out how I’d play into it.  It was easy to figure out which was Dana and Marina.  A lean, athletic body tensely slouched over a beer, not making eye contact and trying to check out women without being noticed checking them out… had to be in-the-closet Dana.  The other woman on the other hand, tall, elegant, confident beyond believe, with a smile that reached her eyes and made them sparkle, had to be Marina.  She exuded a sensual vibe, the seductive huntress of the bunch.  Tina sat next to Marina, relaxed but still a bit rigid.  Man, did that woman need to learn to relax!  Alice was the most open of the bunch, checking women out and making comments under her breath but still loud enough that some of the women who passed would glance back either confused or playfully.  Yeah, we could definitely have a good time together.

Bette got their attention when she approached, and reached out, hugging and kissing each of the ladies, a long, sexy kiss with Tina.  I hung back behind her and tried not to laugh at Dana’s face as she tried not to watch Bette and Tina say hello.  She just looked miserable and uncomfortable.

Bette reached behind her and pulled me next to her, “Ladies, I’d like you to meet Shane.  She’s new to the area, and the reason we’re gathered tonight.  She just got a job today, so we’re celebrating!”