After spending four hours between two car lots, Tina finally settled on a charcoal grey, 2003 Nissan Altima, with low mileage and loaded with everything she needed. Bev Hall secured the deal and worked with the finance agent to get the car with no money down and a great monthly payment. Tina was ecstatic and thanked Alice repeatedly for using her friend to her out. Before Alice and Tina left the lot, Bev asked to speak with Tina alone, citing Tina needed to sign some papers so Bev could get her commission. It wasnt true! Bev wanted Tinas help in getting a date with Alice and having more to her name than being a Special Contact, and Tina was more than happy to oblige. It was the least she could do for getting a reliable car at a great deal. Tina sealed the date with Bev promised to have Alice at the restaurant the next day.

So, whatcha think of her? Alice gleefully asked, I think shes pretty hot, Alice answered her own question.

Youre too much Alice, Tina laughed. Last night, you were whining about some girl named Carla, now today youre making grinny face with Bev. I dont know how you and Shane do it, Tina teased.

Well, its the charm my dear, its the charm, Alice held her collars and spun around. They just cant resist and neither can I, Alice laughed at herself.

Listen, Im gonna go run a couple of errands. I can meet you back at the apartment or we can meet for dinner somewhere, not that you should be hungry after what you ate for lunch, Tina taunted.

You know Ive always got time to eat, Alice made the piggy face. Uhm, just call me and well see whats up. Enjoy your car and no speeding, Alice waved and went off to her car and Tina to hers.

Tina drove around aimlessly at first enjoying her independence and then for no known reason, drove back to Bettes house. Bettes car was parked outside and Tina was about to park when an idea hit her. She called the local pizza place, asked them to deliver a pizza to the house, and have Lisa deliver the pizza. Convincing the owner to use a girl and not a guy to deliver was a little hard, but Tina reminded him that they ordered from him often and he yielded to her request. Tina pre-paid, assured the owner that Lisa would be fine, and parked away from the house, not that Bette would have recognized the car as being Tinas anyway. Tina listened to the radio and fumbled with all the buttons and gadgets on the console until she saw the Lisa pull up and walk to the house. Tina got and smiled as she pressed the lock button and listened to the alarm chirp. She walked up behind Lisa and made her jump, almost causing the pizza to fall.

Listen, I think my friend is going to think its me, so be patient if she doesnt answer the door okay? Tina instructed and Lisa knocked the door and waited, while Tina stood off to the side.

Lisa knocked the door and waited.

Who is it? Bette called out.

Pizza delivery, Lisa replied.

Okay, Tina thats cute, just come in will you, Bette joked.

I dont know who Tina is, but this is Lisa from Vincenzos, Lisa tried to convince Bette.

Tina, youre getting good at these voices, Bette played along.

Miss, I dont know who you think I am, but Im on the clock and will have to charge extra if you dont take this pizza, Lisa went alone with Tinas game.

Alright Tina, Ill open up, one sec, Bette stalled and then pulled the door open and kissed Lisa smack on the lips and the pizza fell to the ground.

Tina came from around the corner and pulled poor Lisa away as she stood in the doorway stunned.

She tried to tell you she was the delivery girl, Tina laughed, as Bette tried to hide her reddened cheeks behind her hands. Thanks for being a good sport Lisa, Tina patted Lisas back. And heres something extra for your trouble, Tina handed Lisa five dollars and Lisa left, still in shock.

Tina Kennard! Bette exclaimed. I cant believe you just did that? Bette was flustered.

Did what? Tina laughed loudly. I didnt kiss the pizza girl, you did, Tina picked the pizza up and handed it to Bette. Hungry?

Come in here you bad *****, Bette pulled Tina into the house and looked around before she closed the door to make sure no one else saw what happened. What the ***** made you do that? Bette laughed.

I wanted to show you my new car and then this silly idea came to me and I wanted to see if youd fall for it twice in one day, Tina was holding her sides from laughing.

Bette sat the pizza on the coffee table and tried to give Tina a stern look, but couldnt help but laugh. Youre really silly today.

Yeah, sleep deprivation will do that to you, Tina rationalized, still laughing.

You havent been back to sleep since you left here? Bette quizzed.

No, Ive been at the car lot and that took forever, Tina frowned. Hey, are you gonna eat that or let it get colder? Tina pointed the pizza.

Sure I am, but I wonder if the pizza girl will ever deliver here again, Bette smirked.

Bette and Tina reheated the pizza and shared a bottle of wine. Tina told Bette about her the new car and they went outside to see it. Bette was impressed and thought it was nice car for Tina. They talked about Bettes lunch and talk with Dana about everyone hanging out again and together they agreed it was time to start doing that again. The evening was going well and the only interruption was Alice calling to say that she couldnt meet up because Carla had called and wanted to see her. Tina didnt mind because she was enjoying herself and wasnt ready to disrupt her evening.

So, you and Dana are getting a lot closer, Tina, commented.

I suppose so, Bette replied. She said shes still trying to get past what happened and its not easy not seeing us together, but feels that the line has to be drawn somewhere regarding the group friendship, Bette explained.

I agree, Tina concurred. Bette, after everything weve been through, Id really hate to think we couldnt be friends again, Tina said softly.

Is that all you want Tina? Bette asked with intent.

Tina recognized Bettes tone and she felt herself peeling off the layers of armor shed been wearing. Honestly, Im still not sure, Tina shyly admitted.

Is that why you kissed me this morning, Bette focused her eyes on Tinas mouth. Tina gulped and put her wine glass down, becoming visually unnerved. Is it Tee? Bette asked seductively.

Uhm, Im not sure, Tina bit her lip. I ju, uhm, I just f,felt something between us and reacted to it, Tina stuttered.

Do you feel that way now? Bette leaned forward never breaking her stare.

Uh? I, Tina choked. She couldnt answer. All her boldness and strength was evaporating and she was finding it hard to fight the fueling desire. I need to go to the bathroom, Tina finally blurted out and ran to the bathroom.

Bette downed her glass of wine in one long sip as she too fought her raging hormones.

When Tina came out of the bathroom, Bette forced herself to remain seated so she wouldnt grab Tina and drag her to the bedroom and make slow, passionate, love to her. The air between them was dense and it was obvious that the physical chemistry they shared has multiplied in their time apart. Tina could feel the moistness seep into her panties and Bette felt her ***** swell and nipples harden. Bette and Tina eyed each other, watching the others chest heave in and out, speechless and their symbiotic stance made them afraid of what was happening between them. Bette reached out to Tina, but quickly pulled her hand back cautious of her own action. Tina wanted to respond in kind but the fear of letting go was too overwhelming. The same confliction she felt while talking to Alice consumed her and she wondered how it would be construed if she yielded to the weight of carnal desire.

Unable to her own fears any longer, Bette inched forward until she could feel the warmth of Tinas breath against her face. She closed her eyes, allowing the images of their union to surface and become real in her mind. Bettes breaths intensified as if she was about spontaneously combust due to proximity. Tina ran her hand down Bettes cheek; igniting the fire that Bette was fighting a loosing battle to win. Bette pressed her face into Tinas palm feeling the tenderness of her soft hand and sighed not knowing what else to do. For several minutes, Tina and Bette caressed each others faces and as destiny would have it, the two pressed their lips against each others and allowed themselves complete immunity over guilt and confliction and simply immersed themselves in the moment and the feeling of love, lust, and desire.