Room Service
Yes, yes, yes!

Slow down, savor the moment, Rayne tried to control Bette’s eagerness.

Bu, but, its so, its soooo Bettes voice trailed off as she climbed the stairway to heaven.

“Youre insatiable! Rayne grinned as she slid from under the sheets.

Now thats what I call room service, Bette replied, her voice dry and raspy from moaning.

Yeah, and its a good thing its not on their menu otherwise youd have me on your plate all day and night, Rayne smirked. By the way, the maids gonna pitch a fit when she sees what you did to this room.

What I did? Bette squatted Raynes arm. I didnt do this alone, Bette pointed. It looks like the Tasmanian Devil went through it, Bette surveyed the room.

Yeah, it did and its called Bette Porter; ***** fiend extraordinaire, Rayne teased and jumped out the bed before Bette could swing again.

Bette got up and staggered a little before she chased Rayne across the room. Get back her woman. I need my juice too, she whined.

In spite of having minimal sleep, it was amazing how Bette and Rayne still found time to make love once more. Bette managed to squeeze through the bathroom door as Rayne tried to lock herself in. Bette forced her way in and pushed Rayne against the cold tiles; immediately injecting her fingers into Rayne probing her; and using her thumb to punctuate the pleasure, Bette rubbed Raynes ***** until it pulsed and gave in to her.

Happy now? Rayne panted

Very, Bette smiled and sucked her fingers. Now can we shower so I can get something to eat that has calories, Im famished.

Bette and Rayne showered together and miraculously managed to get through it without making it a sexual experience. Afterward, Rayne went back to her room to change her clothes, listen to voice mail, check email, and go over their agenda for the day. Fortunately, things were winding down and their demands were minimal.

Denial
Bette called James to see if hed eaten and he hadnt favoring sleeping in and having a late start to the day.

Lets meet in the lobby and maybe we can go to The Brooklyn Diner.

Raynes not joining us?

Bette felt her cheeks warm and a pulse in her pelvis at the mention of Raynes name. Images of their night flashed through her mind and Bette felt her body almost spontaneously react, but she managed to hold herself togetherjust barely.

Bette?

Huh? Uhm, yeah, I can call her, Bette recomposed.

Are you okay? You seem distracted, James inquired. Are you alone? James continued without waiting for a response.

What? Yes, of course Im alone, Bette recovered. Why would you think I wasnt? Bette volleyed back.

I dunno. You seem a little distracted.

No, no, Im fine. The maid came in and caught me off guard thats all, Bette lied.

She shouldnt have and she felt bad, as she recalled what Rayne said about having no regrets; but she wasnt ready to divulge the details of the Rayne storm yet; and she wanted to keep it to herself a little longer.

Oh, okay. Well, Ill see you downstairs in say, James looked at his watch, forty-five minutes?

Sounds good. Bette put the phone down and sat on the strewn sheets barely covering the bed.

Bette could still smell Raynes essence and traces of her D&G Light Blue perfume as she moved the sheets back onto the bed. Her body still ached from all the lovemaking and creative positions they came up with, but it was a pain that felt so good. Bette allowed her mind to recap the events and the recollection was so overpowering that she leaned back and caressed herself into releasing and had to change her underwear. After shed gotten herself together ” again, Bette called Rayne to tell her that she and James were going to The Brooklyn Diner if she wanted to join them.

No, I think Ill stay back, I have some calls I need to return, Rayne sounded formal.

Are you okay? Bette wasnt prepared for Raynes change in demeanor.

Yeah, Im good. Why?

You sound a little, Bette paused, a little distant.

Im sorry, I dont mean to sound that way. Its nothing you did. I forgot to make a call last night and now I have to back peddle to fix something, Rayne explained. Go ahead without me and Ill call to see if youre still there when Im done okay?

Bette was a little disappointed, but didnt try to change Raynes mind; the last thing she wanted to do was sound like a lovesick schoolgirl even though that was how she felt. Bette finished getting ready and went down to the lobby to wait for James. For a fleeting moment Bette thought about her future with Tina and how things would be when she got back home, but for now all she could do was recall the many reasons and positions why she loved New York.

The confrontation
Bette and James dined alone, talking shop and how they were going to explain things to Franklin when they got back. They were almost finished their meals and Rayne hadnt called, so Bette asked for the check and leaned over to get her wallet.

What the heck is that? James blurted.

Whats what? Bette replied, startled by James sudden reaction.

Your shoulder? Whats on your shoulder? James leaned over to get a closer look.

Bette jumped back trying to figure out what James was referring to and was not pleased by the attention his gesture was getting.

James, whats wrong with you?

Bette, you have a passion mark on your shoulder.

I do not, Bette twisted to see if she could see her shoulder.

Its right there, James pointed. And please dont insult me by saying its not, James frowned.

Bette giggled nervously and tried to think on her toes to cover herself. Oh, thats not what you think, Bette lied. Its a bruise. I slipped in the shower last night and banged myself. Too much booze, Bette tried to cover.

James squinted and stared at Bette through his narrowed eyes. He wasnt buying her story and was pissed that she was lying. Come on Bette, dont play me for stupid, James leaned back and crossed his arms. I know what a passion mark is, and thats one.

Busted! Bette thought. She lowered her head for a moment and then looked back up at James. Theyd gotten so much closer over the past months and she hated lying to him, but she also knew that he had a crush on Rayne and wanted to spare his feelings.

Okay, you busted me, Bette conceded. I got a little too cozy with a girl at the bar last night, Bette lied again, but nothing happened, she quickly added. James wasnt buying it and gave her a look. Im serious. We were talking and joking around and she corned me, so I turned my back to her and she started biting on my shoulder, the embellished story was explained.

James gave Bette an incredulous look as if to say, okay, so you do think Im stupid? But said nothing at first. Bette continued with her Oscar worthy performance until he could take no more.

Bette Porter, you need to stop right there, James lifted his hand. First of all, you had long sleeves on last night unless she chewed through your shirt. Second, Rayne wasnt in her room last night or this morning when I called. And lastly, she and I spoke last night where she let me down in the most polite of ways and alluded to having something for you. So through the process of elimination, I deduce that the two of you were together. James concluded with a dare you to challenge me stare.

Bette could do nothing but eat crow and lower her head before excusing herself to the ladies room to perform rapid cosmetic surgery to fix her face. Moments later, Rayne walked in and James let her Rayne know he knew about their night.

She denied it, but I know something happened, but your secrets safe with me, James confided.

Cmon James, Im a big girl and I told Bette last night, she shouldnt do it if she was going to have the morning after blues, Rayne gave James a curious look. Do think shes having doubts?

James chuckled and shook his head vigorously. I doubt it. Actually, I think shes internally gloating and doesnt know how to deal with her excitement and maybe thats why she denied it.

Dont know, Rayne shrugged, but I will say this, she needs to figure it out cause she cant go around moping or with her head in the clouds. She needs to ***** of get off the pot; its as simple as that. Now, where is she anyway? Rayne looked around.

In the ladies room, James cocked his head toward the back.

Rayne said nothing and nodded as if responding to voices in her head. Rayne looked over the menu and waved for a waiter to take her order. She ordered and waited patiently for Bette to come out of the bathroom.

Bette almost peed her pants when she saw Rayne sitting with James and again had to instantly adjust her face again. Hey, Bette casually greeted. Didnt think youd make it.

Yeah, I finally finished up my calls and figured Id come by to grab a bite, Rayne grinned. So, how was breakfast?

Ring! Ring! Bettes cell interrupted before she could answer. Without looking at the caller ID, she answered the phone and waited for a reply. Bettes face flushed white as she heard Tinas voice. *****! Bette cursed to herself and looked at Rayne. Now what do I do? She continued her mental, one-sided conversation. This is so ***** awkward. Dammit! Im sorry, I cant hear you. What did you say? I must have a bad signal; Ill have to call you back Bette deliberately ended the call. Can you hear me now *****! Bette feigned annoyance.

Here use mine, Rayne offered Bette her phone.

Its okay, Ill just call back later. They may not answer if they dont recognize the call.

James looked at Bette with a knowing stare and politely excused himself. Bette cursed him with her eyes knowing it was a setup.

So, that was Tina huh? Bette twisted her mouth and nodded. She still has you doesnt she? Bette mouthed yes. You cant ignore her Bette. You either have to get over what happened last night and work your ***** out or you have to end it. Neither of you should be leaving the other hanging, Rayne began eating her omelet.

Bette stared around the small room as she trying to grab her thoughts from mid air. I dont know anything else Rayne. Its not that simple, Bette reached for Raynes hand. Shes all I know.

Well, thats not entirely true now is it? Rayne put her fork down. You had your affair and now youve had me. Id say thats two wouldnt you? Bette nodded, embarrassed by the reminder.

Im afraid to stay with her and Im afraid to walk away, Bette confessed. If I stay, I know Im going to have to pretend this never happened and treat you as if you were strictly a business partner and if I go, a part of me will still want her. Make sense?

Yeah, it all makes sense, but you cant have the best of both worlds. You cant keep going back and forth. As for me, I dont need the drama hun. I have a lot of ***** going on and Im too busy to take on anything thats gonna bring chaos to my world. Being with you last night was great, I wont deny that, but ones business and ones personal. I can separate the two, Rayne rubbed the back of Bettes hand. If you want to take time to think thats cool, but like I told you last night, no regrets. Its do or die lady. Do or die. Rayne finished her food and said nothing else of the matter.

James returned as if on queue and waited for Rayne to pay for her check so they all could leave.

They walked back to the hotel everyone agreed to meet again in an hour or until the courier arrived with the papers Rayne needed Bette and James to sign.

James followed Bette to her room and watched her pace until she made him dizzy.

Stop it! James grabbed Bettes arm. Look, Im not gonna throw stones, place fault, or anything like that, James reassured. Im your friend and I care about you, so forgive me for saying this, James took a deep breath. I think you should back off for a while Bette.

Bette held her breath for a moment to digest Jamess words. Why?

Youre not ready for another relationship and you need to heal before you can move on.

But I

But nothing, James cut her off. Yeah, you slept with Rayne; lucky you! James teased. Seriously though, I think you just need time off to get your head right. You acted like youd gotten laid for the first time after being with Rayne and I think Tina will pick up on it, so my advice is to tell her you need to permanently cut the cord and if you can get back together fine. If not, then move on, but you cant bounce from relationship to relationship, Bette gave him a teary-eyed look. I know it hurts, but I think Im right on this Bette. I know you hate being alone and all that, but maybe thats the lesson you need to learn right now.

She called while you were in the rest room, Bette informed.

Tina? Really?

I blew her off by faking that I couldnt hear her because I didnt want to talk to her in front of Rayne.

All the more reason why you need to take time off and get your head right. Once your head is back in the right place, then you can move on, James pulled Bette into a hug. You cant play this game. Its gonna wear on you and youre gonna hurt someone again and get hurt too.

*****! *****! *****! Bettes muffled her cries in James shoulder. I just wish I could rewind time, Bette whined.

And youd still be in a big mess, so maybe this is a part of the plan for you, but you have to accept it and move on Bette. Please! I need you to be alright, James pleaded. Im gonna go and let you think for a while. Just remember, you have to play fair, James squeezed Bette once more, kissed her on the cheek, and then left her alone.

Bette sobbed a little and curled into a ball on the bed staring at the phone.

Hey Tina, its Bette. Yeah, I had a bad signal. We need to talk.