“That’s a nice dress.” Bette took another sip of her wine in attempt to quench an insatiable thirst.

“Thank you.”

Bette could’ve complimented Tina all night just to see the fine lines crease at the corner of her eyes but Bette had to look away with her next question.

“Did you go somewhere nice for your birthday dinner?” Bette turned towards the back of the restaurant where the quartet was playing.

Tina avoided answering and instead replied, “They are playing in the courtyard.”

Bette shifted in her seat. She dropped her head a bit between her shoulders and peered up at her ex-wife. “Tina?”

“Yes?”

“What are we doing here?” Bette grappled with both of her hands in her lap, trying to relax.

Tina swirled her drink and put her arm around the back of Bette’s chair.

Bette’s body quivered in response. She cleared her throat to hide the shiver.

“Alice had asked me what I wanted for my birthday. And when I really thought about it…”

Tina sucked an ice cube from her drink. Her heel slipped out of its shoe as she ran her foot along the bottom of Bette’s leg.

“…I want you.”

Bette bit her tongue as she met Tina’s gaze, aching to caress the exposed skin peaking out from the slit of the tight dress.

“Bette.”

“Tina, I…” Bette’s breath felt trapped in her chest, a piercing pressure of want, a release that would only come one way.

Tina downed her drink and stood up. She hovered her body over Bette’s, rubbing her hand over the thigh covered by thin grey pants.

“Dance with me.” Tina purred.

Bette stared into Tina’s eyes, the two having a silent conversation in a fluency that never was forgotten.

Bette nodded as Tina took her hand and led her to the back of the restaurant. She guided them through the throngs of couples onto the dance floor with a confident grace. Tina turned to face Bette wrapping her arm around her waist, their palms flat against each other as Bette reached her other arm under Tina’s shoulder.

They stared at each other, the crowd folding into invisible walls. The music lingered between their souls enrapturing them into a closer embrace. Bette’s head rested in the intoxicating smell of Tina’s silky hair. Tina’s fingertips trailed over Bette’s muscular back, her other hand grasping Bette’s arm as their hips swayed rhythmically together.