Bette insisted on paying, but Tina only let her if she promised that she could pay next time. They left hand in hand.

When they reached the beach, Tina turned to Bette. Bette smiled back at her lover, revelling in the feeling of being so close to her.

“Remember that time we went to the Italian restaurant at the beach?” Tina asked in her soft voice that made Bette completely go wild at times.

“Of course I do. We made love at the beach and than there was this couple passing, so we had to be really silent in order for them not to notice us.”

“But they were too lost in each other. And I had to straddle you because somehow your upper body – which is completely fabulous – had got exposed.” Tina paused for a few seconds. “That was also the night you gave me the necklace. I have kept my promise, I wore it every single day.”

Tina touched the small heart with the encraved letters. Bette looked at her, feeling lost in the beautiful hazel eyes.

“Tina, you truly are so wonderful. I don’t know what I’ve done in a former life, but it must have been pretty amazing to deserve you.”

In the mean while, they had started walking again. Bette saw a bench and led them towards it. They both sat down, sighing at exactly the same moment, in awe of the view of the ocean.

Despite living there for so long, Bette still found it a wonderful panorama. She took hold of Tina’s hand and brought it to her lips to press a soft kiss on it.

Suddenly, she got an idea in her head. “If you just wait here, I’ll be back in no time.”

“Where are you going?”

“That would spoil it. Just wait here!” Bette hurried off, leaving Tina confused. Bette knew exactly where she had to be. She wasn’t running, but her pace was quick. Finally, she reached the store she needed.

She rang the doorbell. Since it was late in the evening, the shop was already closed, but she knew this florist really well.

Bette waited impatiently. Finally, she heard footsteps and then someone opening the door.

“What?” A very sleepy man asked. Bette wondered if it was that late already.

“Having an early night, Lucas?” Bette asked her old friend. It seemed like the man hadn’t recognised Bette. A big smile broke through on his face.

“Bette!” He beamed. “How are you? What are you doing here at this time of night?”

“I am great, Lucas,” Bette said as the man hugged her. “Listen, I would love to catch up with you, but I’m in a hurry. I need a bouquet of roses.”

“Roses? Found yourself a nice girl?”

“Found myself the most special woman in the world.”

“And you’re giving her regular roses? Is she only that special?”

“What do you mean?” Bette asked horrified. Then she saw the look on Lucas’ face and slapped him playfully.

“Roses are just so typical, Bette. Ever heard of flower language? I would give her primroses.”

“What do primroses stand for?”

“A primrose says ‘I can’t live without you’.”

Bette smiled. “Perfect!”

“Give me just a few minutes.” Lucas disappeared again. Despite the late hour, it was still hot outside. A quarter later, her friend returned with a huge bouquet of primroses.

“How much is it?” Bette asked, getting her wallet out.

“If you promise me I can meet her sometime, it’s on me.”

Bette looked at the flowers. “Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. Bette in love, that’s been a long time.”

Bette grinned goofily. “I promise that you’ll meet her. Thank you so much, Lucas, I’m so sorry I woke you up.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

Bette gave him a quick hug before taking the flowers. “Thanks again!”

She wanted to run back to Tina, but she had to be careful with the flowers. When she finally arrived back at the bench, her face fell. She saw her blonde lover in a position she really didn’t like: hugging a man very, very intensely.