After Saturday nights disaster, Bette tried desperately to talk to Tina. Phone calls, unexpected visits, letters all came pouring in, as Tina grew more and more annoyed by Bettes efforts. Finally she had had enough. She went to see Bette, using the opportunity to get the remainder of her things from the house, and in no uncertain terms told Bette they were over. Tina needed this time for herself. To find her own way again. All she could see in her mind was Bette and Candace and Bettes betrayal. While in her heart, she knew she still loved Bette, Tina needed this time alone to reestablish herself and find her own happiness. Bette took the news hard, staring without reaction to Tinas words, but there was little she could do. The look on Tinas face told Bette everything she needed to know.

Tina immersed herself in her new project working long hours and becoming obsessed about making everything perfect. She had little or no time to socialize with her friends and found days going by when she was unable to see anyone, stop by the Planet, or even call. Tina was developing a new group of friends all involved with her work. One person in particular took a special interest in Tina. Lauren Coyle, the casting director on the project had befriended Tina early on. Tina was not so naive not notice Laurens interest. She was very flirtatious and Tina was flattered.

Perhaps what attracted Tina to Lauren is that she was so not Bette. Although they were around the same age, they could not have been more different. Lauren was much more casual than Bette, frequently running around in jeans and a t-shirt most days. She was constantly laughing, smiling and had a very easygoing personality. While Bettes beauty was striking, Lauren had an earthier look, a natural beauty. Her shoulder length brown hair was frequently pulled back in a ponytail and she wore very little makeup. Lauren was a very attractive woman, and Tina noticed.

When Lauren asked Tina out, Tina was not surprised, but unprepared. Since Bette was the only woman Tina had ever been with, she was inexperienced interacting with women this way.

How about dinner this Friday night? We can go down to this great little Thai restaurant I know. Not much to look at, but the food is awesome, Lauren smiled at Tina, hoping for a yes.

Umsure, Tina agreed, looking a bit shocked.

Hey. Its just dinner. You eat right? Lauren smiled flirtatiously at Tina.

Yes, Tina laughed. I eat. Sometime I eat a lot, Tina returned the favor, smirking at Lauren.

Thats good. I love a woman who is not afraid to eat. Can I pick you up at seven? Lauren asked.

Seven would be good, Tina smiled, still not believing she was going on a date.

Tina left work early on Friday. She had been working hard and felt she needed a break, plus tonight was her date with Lauren. Getting ready to go out, Tina felt a bit nervous. While she had many dates in her life, this was only the second woman she will have dated.

Although she was excited about going out with Lauren, Tina could not shake the feel in the pit of her stomach like she was doing something wrong. Going out with Lauren felt like a betrayal of Bette. Bette was never far from her thoughts, but tonight she was on her mind more than usual. Tina scolded herself, reminding herself of Bettes betrayal and the fact that they are not together anymore. Still, the nagging feeling remained.

Buzz, the doorbell interrupted Tinas thoughts.

Alice ran to answer the door, fueled by curiosity over Tinas date.

Swinging the door open, Alice quickly sized Lauren up. Cutie pie Alice thoughtcu-teee pie. Bette Bette, Betteyoure in trouble with this one.

Hi Alice stood holding the door open. Come in. Im Alice.

Shaking Alices hand, Lauren was a bit taken aback by Alice not letting her hand go and her easily recognizable sizing me up look.

Um, Hi. Is Tina here? Lauren asked, smiling, pulling her hand gently from Alices grasp.

Yep. Have a seat. Ill see if shes ready, Alice responded.

Alice followed Lauren to the couch and sat down next to her, making no move to get Tina.

So, youre taking Tina out huh?

Lauren looked a bit wary, Yeah, dinner and then maybe Milk, to dance.

I see, Alice continued to look at her, making Lauren shift slightly, trying to put a bit of space between them.

So, Tina tells me your into casting? Alice continued with her inquest.

Before Lauren had a chance to respond, Tina rounded the corner. Lauren looked relieved Tina was there and quickly stood up to greet her.

Hey. You look great, Lauren moved towards Tina, kissing her quickly on the cheek. Are you ready?

I think so. Tina looked around making sure she wasnt forgetting anything.

What are you doing tonight Al? Do you want us to call you if we head to Milk? Tina asked.

No thanks Tina. I am working a story already past deadline. I will be here all night, Alice smiled, stressing all night directly at Lauren.

Ok. Ill see you later than. Ready? Tina looked over at Lauren who was waiting patiently to leave.

Yup. Lets go

Alice looked at Tina and when Lauren turned around, silently motioned for Tina to call her should she need any help. Tina smiled, winking at Alice and nodding her head as she walked out the door.

Before closing the door, Lauren turned around to Alice with a smirk on her face, Dont worry Alice. I wont have her out too late.

Alice eyed her suspiciously. You be careful. Not too late, there are crazy people out there in LA. Alice mumbled as the door closed slowly in front of her. Alice leaned back against the closed door and sighed. Bette, Bette, Bette, she whispered to herself, shaking her head.

Dinner with Lauren went well. Conversation between the two women flowed easily and Tina enjoyed the casualness of their time together. Most of the time was spent talking about the project and the people they worked with. Tina felt at ease with Lauren and clearly Lauren felt the same.

After dinner, both Lauren and Tina were not tired and decided to stop at Milk for a drink. As soon as they went in the club, they ran into Shane who was down right chilly to Lauren. Behind Laurens back, Shane slipped Tina a note telling her to give her the signal if she needed rescuing from her date. Tina just smiled and shook her head at Shane, signaling to her that all was well.

Milk was crowded tonight and when Tina and Lauren headed to the back of the club, Lauren grabbed hold of Tinas hand. Tina immediately stiffened, feeling uncomfortable with the gesture. Lauren immediately dropped her hand, looking back at Tina with a half smile on her face.

Im sorry Tina, Lauren said, I didnt mean to make you uncomfortable.

No, its me., Tina smiled back, realizing she wasnt ready for that type of gesture yet.

They had a quick drink and danced to a few songs. Tina enjoyed being here with Lauren. She made her laugh. It was uncomplicated and fun. She actually forgot about her life for the evening, the turmoil and struggles she was going through. It felt good and Tina decided then she liked Lauren Coyle.

Pulling up to the apartment, Tina smiled noticing Alice had left the outside light on for her. Lauren insisted on walking Tina to her door and Tina felt a bit of nervousness set in not knowing what to expect.

I had a great time tonight, Lauren smiled, looking directly at Tina.

Me too, Tina returned the smile.

Id like to see you again, Lauren asked gently gliding her fingertips down Tinas arm.

Tina slightly lowered her head, and shyly smiled, Yeah, me too

Laurens finger tilted Tinas head up as she slowly moved in to kiss her. She gently touched her lips to Tinas. Her kiss was undemanding, soft and sweet.

I will call you. Soon. Sleep tight gorgeous, Lauren turned around, and walked back to her car.

Tina stood breathless for a moment before turning around and walking into the apartment. Closing the door behind her, Tina leaned back, closed her eyes and thought to herself sighing, Im dating.