Tina’s face almost instantly matches the color of the rose.  Tina grabs her and pulls her into a hug.  They separate after a minute and Tina thanks her for the rose.  “It’s beautiful.”

“It pales in comparison to you.”  Bette comments.

They stood there just gazing into each other’s eyes for minutes.  Finally, Bette spoke “you wanna go see what’s showing at the movies?”

Tina just nodded and off they went.

They were watching a romantic comedy and were just a few minutes into it when Bette reached over and gently took hold of Tina’s hand.  Tina looked over at her and then interlaced their fingers.  By the end of the movie, Tina had her head resting on Bette’s shoulder and they were both sad to see the credits roll.

They decided to go to dinner at the Italian place across town.  “Do you want me to follow you?” Tina asked, as they walked out of the mall.

“I was kinda hoping you’d give me a ride.”

Tina looked confused.  “Ok, I guess we can come back and get your car later.”

“Well I need a ride home too.” Bette remained cryptic.

“Why?  What are you talking about?”

“Well I didn’t want you to have to drive all the way back to my place alone tonight.  So I hitched a ride today with a friend.  I hope that’s not a problem.” Bette explained.

“You are so thoughtful.  I’m glad we’ll get to ride back together.  So since you know where we’re going, you wanna drive?”

“If you want me to I will.”

Tina tossed Bette the keys to the SUV.  Bette opened the passenger door for her and helped her in then went around and got in the driver’s side.

They had just arrived at the restaurant and were going over the menu.  “They make a wonderful Bellini here, if you care for them.” Bette suggested.

“Are you going to have one?  Because one of us has to drive back.”  Tina lowered her voice, “you know how those cops are about drinking and driving.”

Bette smiled at her.  “I know.  But I don’t drink and I’ll drive home.  So order whatever you want.”

“Ok, I’ll try your drink.”  She looked at the menu again, then looked up.  “Wait a minute.  You don’t drink?  At all?  And you have that completely stocked bar at your house?” 

“No.  Not for the last three years anyway.  And the bar is there for my friends.”

Tina looked at her for the rest of the story.

“When I got promoted to lieutenant, I stopped drinking.  I can’t afford to.  The guys call me all hours of the day and night with questions, sometimes I have to go out and help them and being on SWAT, it just can’t happen.  I can’t be intoxicated and give advice.”

“Makes sense.  But still, every now and then, wouldn’t you like to have a drink, to celebrate or relax or whatever?” Tina asked.

“Sure, but it’s not a priority.  Tell you what, some day when we go on vacation – far enough away that the PD can’t call me in – I’ll drink with you.”

“Deal.” Tina answered.  She thought about what Bette had just said about them going on vacation together.  Sounds good to me.  I like that she’s thinking about us like that.

They finished dinner.  Tina had a second drink, because the first one was so good.  Now they were in the Tina’s car, headed for Bette’s house.  Again, Bette reached for Tina’s hand and held it tenderly for the next hour as she drove.

They arrived at Bette’s house and unloaded Tina’s bags.  Bette put them in the guest room and met Tina on the couch in the living room.  “Want to see what’s on tv?” Bette asked. 

“Not really.” Tina answered.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“Nope.”

“Are you tired?  Ready to go to sleep?” Bette tried again.

“No.”

“Tina, is there anything that you want to do right now?”

“This …” she said as she reached over to brush her lips against Bette’s.