Bette.

Tina? Bette echoed Tinas shocked whispers.

They stayed there among womens knees and feet, squatting uncomfortably, eyes locked, both unable to speak. Moments passed until the bartender approached them with a broom in hand.

Always were a bit clumsy, huh T? Bette smiled as she stood.

You would know. Takes one to know one. Tina stood as well and let the bartender clean up the mess. Guess I owe you a beer.

Dont worry about it. Bette looked at Tina awkwardly, in disbelief of the woman just inches away from her.

Weve got to stop meeting like this. Tina joked.

Heres to another one in a million. Bette raised a glass and clinked it against Tinas. Well, Id better get back to my friends.

Me too. Tina turned around and started to walk away. She stopped and looked over her shoulder. Hey, Bette.

Yeah?

How long are you here?

A week. You?

Same.

Who wouldve thought? Bette asked more to herself than Tina. Maybe Ill see you around.

Tina smiled and walked away while Bette returned to her friends. She didnt speak but passed around the drinks, her mind in overload. She couldnt help but think that maybe this trip was a mistake.

Whereve you been Bette? We thought you found some hot woman and ran away with her. One of her friends joked.

She was talking to some blonde at the bar. Are you picking up someone already, Porter? Another one laughed.

Bette plastered a fake smile on her face. Just a little spill, thats all…. an unfortunate accident.

Bette left the bar well before her friends. She walked slowly and leaned her head back to glance at the stars. The air smelled like the ocean that stretched along the road. People on bikes whizzed past her and she smiled at the simpleness of the night. She couldnt get her encounter with Tina out of her mind. Dwelling on it, she thought of leaving tomorrow, fearful of seeing her again. The last time she saw Tina was in NY after passionate ***** that ended with Tina sneaking out the next morning. And now theyre in the same city again, stuck there for a week. It was inevitable theyd run into each other again at some point. Bette let out a sigh and spotted her house. As she made her way towards the walkway, she heard laughter coming from the house next door. Lingering, she turned her head. Her heart dropped and panic overwhelmed her.

The laughter quickly subsided as Bette froze.

Jesus, Tina. Youre not staying here are you?

Dont tell me youre staying there. Tina pointed to the house next to her own.

Bette nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. Well this is going to be an interesting vacation. Bette couldnt hold back some of her frustration.

Tina walked down to where Bette was in the road. Is this a bad dream?

I wish.

What now? Tina asked. Bette saw the star sparkle in her eyes.

You tell me.

Tina bit her bottom lip contemplating what to say. Fine. Breakfast. Tomorrow. Meet me here at 9:00.

***

Bette stopped talking and looked over at Shane. You still awake over there?

How could I fall asleep during a story like that. Now that youve started, you have to finish.

Bette rolled her eyes and stretched.

Come on! This is better than a soap opera.

It feels like a soap opera when I tell the story. Bette laughed.

Im in for the long haul.

You might regret saying that later.

When it comes to you and Tina… I doubt it.