The week dragged on and Friday finally arrived. It looked like shooting would be completed today and they would no longer need the CAC. Tina was grateful there were no more problems and their work at the CAC finished without incident. She had seen Bette a few times, but their encounters were brief. She did run into her this morning and Bette confirmed their date for this evening. Tina was scared and excited at the same time, frightened that she may not be ready for this and excited at the prospect of spending time with Bette. Tina chose not to mention her date with Bette to Lauren. Lauren and Tina had never had discussions of exclusivity, and Tina felt not mentioning it was the right thing to do. After Tuesdays encounter, Lauren wasnt Bettes biggest fan and Tina tried to steer conversation away from anything to do with Bette.

Tina left the CAC and immediately ran into a traffic jam. By the time she made it home, she was running late and almost knocked Alice down as she ran into the house.

Hey! Whats up with you? Alice asked as Tina rushed by her.

Im running late Al, Tina yelled running down the hall.

Oh yeah, I forgot. Its date night! Lets see, which contestant is it tonight? Alice followed Tina into the bathroom, continuing to talk above the sound of the shower. Will we have contestant number one, Ms Lauren, the ***** brunette who loves to commune with nature or contestant number two, Ms Bette, whose idea of communing with nature is a mud wrap at the Beverly Hills spa. Ahthe drama.

You know Tina, Im thinking lets get both of them over here. They can shoot it out like they did in the Ok Corral. Bang! Bang!

Alices one-woman stand up routine was in full force.

Oh no, better yet, how about a duel with swords. Or wait. I got it. This is prefect. Well get a wrestling ring and a tub of mud. do you see where I am going with this? We could sell tickets and then send the film to that idiot who does that bad girls on film thing. We could use the money for a consolation prize for the loser. You know, maybe a washer and dryer. Alice laughed, finding herself incredibly funny.

Tina stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a towel. Al, are you done?

What? Didnt you appreciate my shower entertainment this evening?

Of course I did. Tina kissed Alice on her cheek, laughing as she moved by her and into the bedroom to get dressed.

Alice left Tina alone to get ready. Actually she was happy tonights date was with Bette. Although she did like Lauren, she was not Bette, and for Alice, Tina equaled Bette and Bette equaled Tina. There was no room for another.

When the doorbell rang, Alice ran to the door.

Well, hello Ms Porter, Alice used her best western drawl. And who have you come a callin for?

Bette moved past Alice while rolling her eyes. Hey Annie Oakley. How are you?

Not bad. Glad its Friday though, Alice smiled.

Yeah, me too, Bette looked at Alice. Is she ready?

Well, lets see. Perhaps I should first ask about your intentions with my roomie this , before Alice could finish her new line of teasing, Tina came into the room. She looked stunning in a pair of silky black slacks and a low cut white sweater. Bette felt her insides melt as she took in a deep breath and felt so lucky to have tonight.

Hi, Tina greeted Bette.

Bette moved to kiss Tina on the cheek and stopped herself. Slow down Porter. Take it easy.

Hey. You look great. Are you ready? Bette asked, smiling warmly at Tina.

Yeah, Im ready

Now you kids have a good night. Bette, you be careful driving, you hear? No showing off, Alice continued amusing herself as Tina and Bette walked out the door. They could still hear Alices voice as they walked to Bettes car.


Tina and Bette were both laughing as they got in the car. Alice was always someone who lightened the mood.

Driving to the restaurant, conversation was light between Bette and Tina. They spoke mostly of Tinas project and the work they did at the CAC.

Bette pulled up at the restaurant and parked the car. She hesitated before getting out and Tina noticed, sensing something was on her mind, Tina turned to look at Bette. Bette? Are you ok?

Yeah, Bette responded nodding her head, Im more than ok. I do want to say something though, before we go in.

Bette reached out and held Tinas hand in hers. I have so much to tell you, so much to say. Sometimes it seems so overwhelming to me when I think of everything in my heart that needs to be said to you, but for tonight, I really want this to be easy on us. I just want us both to enjoy our time together. Not that what I would say would make you unhappy, I..I think Im just.

Tina smiled looking at Bette, knowing exactly what she was trying to say. Bette I understand what you are saying. I know what you mean and I agree with you.

I dont want you to think its a bad thing or anything, Bette continued on with her explanation, not totally convinced Tina understood her. She was beginning to ramble.

Bette!, Tina leaned in closer to Bette. Stop talking. I understand you. I knew what you were saying two seconds after you started. Tina smiled, raising her eyebrow looking at Bette. Sometimes Bette, you forgot how well I know you.

Bette smiled and lowered her head, not wanting Tina to see the flush of her face from the Tinas warmth.



The conversation flowed easily at dinner. Tina amused Bette with Alices latest tales and gossip and Bette updated Tina on the neighborhood, including Jennys near miss with the lawn mover while cutting Tims grass to earn her rent. They found themselves sitting at the table long after they had finished eating, just talking and laughing. Bette noticed the waiter eyeing them and decided it was time to go. Bette left a hefty tip to make it up to the waiter who seemed relieved they were finally leaving.

Driving Tina home Bette became quiet. At dinner she allowed herself a reprieve of their current situation and spent time with Tina as if they were together again. The road home was different though, as all Bette could think about was they are not driving to their house, their home and she reminded herself why.

Tina reached to the radio to turn the volume up a bit. She sat back, closed her eyes and allowed the music to flow through her body.

Bette looked over at Tina and felt her heart ache. Tina, her head resting on the seat had closed her eyes. For a minute, Bette allowed herself the feeling she would have when Tina trusted her. Bette felt a rush of overwhelming love for Tina, a desire to take her home to their house, lay her down an make love to her. Make her mine again.

Bette quickly shifted her gaze to the road ahead. Stop torturing yourself Bette. One step at a time. It will happen. It has to happen She would entertain no other thought.

Pulling up to Alices apartment, Bette felt sad. Saying good night to Tina and leaving her someplace else was not something she was used to. She remembered when they were first dating, how hard it was for Bette to let Tina go home without her. She felt that same way now, although now there were no assurances of more time together.

Bette walked Tina to the door and immediately noticed a change in the feeling between them. This was uncharted territory and neither seemed comfortable.

I had a great time tonight Tina, Bette spoke softly, taking Tinas hand in hers.

Me too

Bette slowly pulled Tina closer to her, not wanting to delay what she desperately needed. Bette gently slid her hand under Tinas chin, tilting her head and bringing Tinas mouth closer to hers. Tina locked eyes with Bette, her breath quickening while her lips slightly parted. Tinas beauty was too much for Bette, as she could no longer wait to kiss her. Bette covered Tinas mouth with her own, pulling Tinas body into hers. Bette gently parted Tinas lips with her tongue, deepening their kiss. Bette felt Tina respond, feeling her arm circle around her waist while her other grasped her hair. The kiss became more intense, as Bettes tongue searched for Tinas. Bette softly moaned, feeling Tinas tongue meet hers. Desire ignited Bette and she moved her hand behind Tinas head to draw her in closer.

Bette felt Tina begin to pull back and immediately let go of the kiss. Bette and Tina looked at one another, their breathing ragged, eyes darkened.

I have to go. I had a great time, Bette voice was breathless and ragged. She quickly turned around and walked to her car.

Tina stood, almost motionless for what seemed to be a long time, feeling drunk with the intense emotion she felt for Bette. Bette had left so quickly, breaking off their kiss and leaving Tina standing alone. Tina walked inside the apartment and leaned back against the door, taking in a deep breath and understanding why Bette suddenly left.