Remember when we saw this T? Id never seen you so enraptured by a painting before, she said softly.

Tina turned to flash her a smile.

Yeah, youre not the only art buff are you? she grinned. Bettes evening was looking up. While she was here with Helena tonight, Tina seemed in the mood to be friendly. Maybe the disastrous dinner the other night was an aberration. They stood for a few seconds, enjoying the picture, and the memory of what it meant to them before the mood was broken.

*****, that woman! fumed Helena as she returned to Tinas side. She has such a nerve!  For once, Bette couldnt disagree. She might hate Helena, but Fae Buckleys view on lesbians did make her fawning over Helena a tad hypocritical.

Bettes empathy lasted all of two seconds – the time it took for Helena to hook her arm around Tinas waist.

Darling, she really thought I might contribute to her nasty little homophobic group, she complained. Tina seemed to come back to herself and realize just who it was that had riled her girlfriend. The British one.

That woman is poison Helena, I hope you told her where to get off. Tina said firmly.

Well, I couldnt be rude sweetheart, but if she thinks shes getting a penny from the Peabody Foundation, she has another thing coming.

Im impressed you could be civil to her Helena, Tina commented with a scowl. I know I certainly couldnt. Tina had not forgiven her for her attack on Bette, how anyone could claim to be a Christian and spew such hatred was beyond her.

Anyway, enough of her. Are you ready to go darling? Helena purred into Tinas ear.

Tina stiffened. Helenas territorial behaviour had got more annoying as the evening progressed, and she was so very obviously trying to irritate Bette, who stood there looking very uncomfortable.

Not yet Helena, Ive hardly seen any of the show. She turned back to the huge Dali that dominated the wall. What do you think of this one?

Bette grinned. She almost felt sorry for Helena. Would she be sensitive enough to pick up on Tinas fascination for this work?

Helena failed dismally.

I cant stand Dali, especially his later religious works – far too banal. I reckon the old nutter was past his best long before this clichd thing. She said dismissively.

Bette met Tinas eyes as Helena tried to cuddle up to her again. They shared a look, recognizing that here was another area Helena just couldnt compete. Bette tried not to snigger or look smug. She knew Tina wouldnt appreciate it.

So Helena, what have you seen that you *do* like? asked Tina, with a slight edge to her voice, that the Brit couldnt miss.

You mean apart from you darling? She was trying the sweet talk, sensing Tina was irritated.

Bette tried not to hurl. She just wished she could drag Tina away from the *****, although Tina didnt look similarly enchanted by the embrace, she noted gleefully.

Why dont we go and have a look around. See you later Bette. Helena ushered Tina away, flashing an evil grin at Bette. Enjoy the show.

Bette, Ill call you tomorrow, Tina said, turning back as she was led away. Bette was pleased to see a warm smile and a look of regret at leaving so soon on her face. As their gazes met, Bette felt their bond once again. Of course, as she began to imagine she could see affection in Tinas eyes, their gaze was broken by Helena leaning in for another kiss.

Bette closed her eyes, going for the if-I-cant-see-it, it-isnt-real theory.

So much for her pick-up skills at art shows.