Bette – A little higher!

Tina – Like this?

She repeats the movement.

Bette – Um …

She moves behind the blonde and brings her arms around her, embracing her to hold the rod, and placing her hands on top of Tina’s hands.

Bette – Like this …

She demonstrates and explains the movement, while holding the blonde.

 Her voice, her touch, her gentle movements instantly overwhelm the blonde. She gazes at the brunette’s face inches away from hers, instead of looking at the rod, and can’t understand a word that is coming out of those lips.

Bette – Now you do it!

Tina – Uh …

She chuckles. 

Tina – I’m not sure I got it. Uh … how do I move my shoulder?

And the brunette embraces her again to demonstrate. 

Oh shit, pay attention! – the blonde thinks in a panic. But the warmth of the brunette’s body is seeping into hers and she is fast losing control. What wouldn’t she do to reach out and kiss her lips right now?

Bette – Right?

It takes the blonde out of her trance.

Tina – Now … I mean … right!

Bette – Are you paying attention?

Their eyes meet and Bette instantly recognizes the danger behind those hazel eyes. She feels self-conscious and looks back at the rod.

Bette – We need to fish.

Tina – Uh … I think you’d better fish … or we’re not getting anything today!

She hands the rod to the brunette.

Bette – OK. The sun is setting anyway.

She grabs the rod and sighs.

Tina sits behind her and watches her, while trying to calm down.

Chapter 43

Campsite, evening: Bette and Tina are sitting around the campfire while cooking a fish on a skewer.

Tina – Thank you for bringing me here.

Bette – Welcome.

Tina – Not just for helping me find the place for the scene but … for letting me visit your cave. It is magical …

Bette – It is …

She sighs.

They are silent for a moment, looking at the fire.

Tina – It is a relief to be able to talk to you again face to face.