She hadn’t even met Ian’s sister – and she didn’t feel like it either – but Ian had insisted she’d take the beautiful dress and wear it for that night. She found it inappropriate, but Ian had been whining about it for ages, so she had given in.

Tina knew she gave in way too easily, she just couldn’t resist to people who were nice for her. She really had to learn to say ‘no’.

At the gallery, it was extremely crowded. It seemed that everyone in LA was there and Tina met a few people she had rather not seen again.

There was only one person she wanted to meet, but Bette Porter was nowhere to be seen. Tina figured that she was fundraising a bit and making business contacts.

Tina had not yet asked Alice if she knew Bette Porter. If Tina did know her, she’d tell Bette Tina asked for her and Tina didn’t want that.

She walked around, feeling like she was just Ian’s appendix. He told her about the art they saw, but Tina didn’t like it that much.

The artist seemed to be a really big name and he was considered brilliant, but Tina couldn’t see much in the paintings and sculptures.

“Yes, that is mister Carlisles latest work,” she heard a familiar voice say. She turned around and her jaw dropped on the floor.

Before her, she saw the most stunning woman ever. Bette Porter was wearing a long, black dress that made her figure come out extremely well. She didn’t have much make – up on, but it seemed just perfect. She was talking to an older man and Tina thought she could watch those lips move forever. She imagined kissing them.

Bette’s smile sent shivers down her spine. It was so real, and her eyes were blinking. She looked like a child at a Christmas tree. Tina was so enchanted by this woman she didn’t notice Ian anymore.

“Tina? Are you there?” She finally heard the voice of her date. Fuck it, date. I don’t even like him. Yes, you do. He’s a good man. He’s what every woman looks for. But he’s always kissing my ass, as if I need that.

“Uhm, yes,” Tina replied quickly. “What is it?”
“Do you want to meet Bette Porter? She owns this gallery.”
“Oh, yes, that would be wonderful,” Tina said delighted. “I’d love to.”
Ian frowned his eyebrows at so much enthousiasm but decided not to ask too many questions about it before Tina would drift away again.