Chapter 5

Hey listen guys, Im really sorry to interrupt, but weve got an accident up ahead. Anyone interested in taking a pit stop and getting back on the road when traffic is moving better? Alice really was sorry to interrupt because she hadnt heard this story before either. The fact remained that sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic was not going to give her any opportunity to rid her body of the caffeine she had ingested earlier.

Might as well stop. We wont get there any faster if were sitting on the freeway. Take the next exit that looks promising, Tina said. It was only then that she noticed how tightly Bette was holding her hand. Bette pursed her lips together as if to apologize for the grip she had on Tina.

Alice pulled the van onto the approach where there were several convenience stores for everyone to choose from. She parked and each woman got out to stretch her legs for a few minutes. Tina and Bette lingered by the van while the others wandered away to provide the couple some space.

Bette is everything okay? asked Tina as she took Bettes hand again. You dont have to talk about this if you dont want to. I mean, Id like to hear about it if and when youre ready, but dont feel it has to be today in front of everyone.

Actually Tina, I was just concerned with how you would feel about my telling this story. It was a long time ago for me, but its all brand new to you and I dont want to make you feel uncomfortable.

Tina leaned up against the rear fender of the van. You know I forget you speak French. I just never hear it.

Bette leaned into her and let her lips brush her cheek as she felt her voice lower with the thought that was on the tip of her tongue. Je t’aime et je ne peut pas attendre pour vous toucher… Bette backed away from Tina and looked directly into her eyes.

I have no idea what you just said, but ***** its *****.

I said I love you and I cant wait to touch you

If we werent in the middle of a suburban parking lot, Id be all up on you right now babe. Tina couldnt resist taking a lock of Bettes hair and twirling it around her index finger as she said this.

Im close to not caring that were in a suburban parking lot. Bette moved to whisper directly into her ear. The second we get into our room, Im going to slowly undo your top while I describe how I plan to make you scream out for me like you made me do this morning.

Oh God, Bette. Tina tried to moisten her lips with her tongue, but her mouth was dry.

Yeah, just like that only louder.

Um, sweetie? Tina hesitated to speak.

Yes my love? Bette could sense there had been a shift in the conversation.

You know were all sharing a room right?

Bettes eyes grew wide. What?

Tina hurried to fill in the vacuum with an explanation.

You didnt decide to come until virtually the last minute and by then I couldnt book us our own room. Dont think Im not regretting it, but I wasnt going to stay alone either.

Bette considered this for a moment and then smiled. Well just have to be a bit creative then wont we?

Creative and quiet, if you think you can manage that, Tina said, playfully poking Bette in the ribs. Bette backed away from Tinas teasing just as Dana and Shane were returning.

I got you both slurpees, said Shane. Looks like the road is clearing up a bit out there. If you want a break, Alice wants to try to get going pretty soon.

**********
Ok, everyone buckled in? It was Shanes turn behind the wheel. Shouldnt take long to get there now.

They were making good time in a matter of moments. The freeway had cleared nicely and the bright day was only getting warmer as they approached the desert.

There were a few minutes of silence that everyone was cautious about.

When last we left you, you were overlooking the city of Paris, interacting with a mysterious stranger, Tina prompted.

Bette smiled. If Tina was okay with it, far be it from her to withhold from enquiring minds.

Her name was Michelline, she continued.