Do you like French food? Ive been meaning to try La Cuisinere on Sunset. Ill come pick you up at 7, ok?

Tina had been ecstatic, yet terrified! This would be her first date with a woman, and what a woman at that! Bette could have anyone she wanted, and from the gossip she had heard – or went looking for since last week – Bette had enjoyed the company of quite a few of LAs eligible lesbians. Even a few of the attached ones, although by all accounts, Bette was no home-wrecker, the attached ones had pursued her, and been discarded just as quickly as the single ones.

Tina had no false modesty; she knew she was quite attractive. Good figure, not bad looks, but nowhere near as stunning as Bette Porter. She was still unsure what Bette actually saw in her, the straight girl who had a terminal inability to keep earrings in her lobes.

Tina? Is that OK? Obviously, Tinas ponderings had taken longer than expected.

Oh, yes, that sounds wonderful Bette.

Tina wondered why she wasnt freaked out. Most women who fell for their first girl after a lifetime of boys would be all spooked and nervous. For Tina, dating finally seemed to make sense. No more having to listen to boring accounts of equally boring jobs. No more fending off of amorous dates who thought dinner bought you more than just the food. No more thinking up ways to avoid kissing them at the end of the evening and no more stubble burn.

Now she got it. Dating. The little thrum of excitement pounding through her veins, the sense of euphoria when she thought about her date, the anticipation, the thrill she got at the possibility of kissing Bette later. Tina had never had trouble keeping her mind on her work before. But for the last week, she had been restless and anxious, very unlike Tina Kennard.

And so it began.

Tina had changed in seven years, and Bette was perfectly happy about that. If Tina wanted to send her flowers or leave her notes, that was fine by her. Bette might be the hunter type rather than the hunted, but she was slightly surprised to realize how much she was enjoying this odd courtship.

Hey Bette, its Tina, went the message. Well duh! Who else would that voice have belonged to?

I really enjoyed spending time with you today, and I wanted to invite you for coffee tomorrow morning, and maybe something to eat. About 10? I cant wait to see you again babe. Bye

Bette had replayed it 12 times.