The early afternoon found Bette sitting alone in her office in an exceedingly distracted mood. The top of her pen tapped absently against her right cheek as it swayed back and forth in her fingers. Yet again her mind slipped back to the image of Tina as she was leaving for work earlier that morning. Being her first day back at Alphaville, Tina was out to make a good impression.

Bette had been staring blearily at the contents of the fridge, trying to decide on breakfast when she heard the click of Tinas heels on the hardwood floor.

T, are we out of milk? Bette shut the fridge and turned around, her breath catching at the sight of her wife.

A shy smile graced Tinas features as Bettes eyes roamed over her outfit, her search for breakfast suddenly forgotten.

What do you think? Tina asked standing before Bette in a perfectly tailored, black skirt suit. Bette thought that she wanted to take her wife straight back to bed. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 and definitely do not go to work.

You look amazing Bette said unable to take her eyes off Tina as she reached out and laced their fingers together pulling her partner closer. Tina shifted easily into Bettes arms, lifting a hand she played with a lock of Bettes hair, curling it around her index finger. Both women stood silently, each enjoying the nearness of the other.

Are you nervous? Bette asked quietly.

Tina raised her eyes to Bettes and shook her head Not really

Good Bette smiled, savoring the sight of her beautiful wife It wouldnt matter if you were a little late this morning, would it? Bette asked, her tone brimming with sugar and spice as she slid a hand under Tinas jacket, resting it on her hip.

Whats gotten into you? Tina questioned, bemused at Bettes not so subtle hint.

You in that suit Bette leaned in and kissed her wife tenderly Makes me want to make you late for work Bette deepened the kiss without hesitation, her tongue grazing Tinas as she drew her wife closer still. Tina found herself kissing Bette with equal fervor, her desire escalating with this unexpected display of affection from her partner.

Breaking the kiss, Tina gently pushed Bette back Thats nice to know but its not gonna happen She smiled apologetically I need to get going

What time will you be home? Bette asked, doing her best to sound casual.

Oh, Im not surearound six I guess? Tina replied as she collected her keys from the kitchen bench and made her way to the door. Bette looked longingly after her, unable to tear her eyes off her wife in that suit.

Tina turned and caught Bette staring at her backside. Love you She smiled knowingly.

Love you too Bette sighed before returning Tinas smile.

Bettes mind had replayed that image all day. The sight of Tina in a well tailored suit never failed to quicken her pulse. There was a confidence about Tina, an air of authority when she dressed that way. It had been a while since Bette had seen that side of her wife, the strong, confident film executive.

By 4:30pm Bette found herself inventing reasons to call Tina for the second time that day. She had been missing her partner from the moment Tina walked out of the house that morning. Pressing the speakerphone button, Bette hit the speed dial for Tinas cell. It rang several times before eventually diverting to voicemail.

Hi, this is Tina Kennard.

Bette picked up the handset and waited for the greeting to end.

Hi Baby Bette said I was just calling to see how your days going.anyway I hope everythings going well and I guess Ill see you at home. Ill pick up some Thai on my way so dont worry about dinner. Love you.

Bette hung up the phone. She couldnt help but feel a little let down. She had become used to Tina being around, being available. Things would be different now. It was going to be harder to spend time together.

Bette knew that she had taken her wifes availability for granted and that had been a costly mistake. All in all, Bette hoped that while this new arrangement meant there was less time available, she would be more judicious with what there was.

Turning her attention to her desk calendar, Bette flicked the page over to October and searched for the 15th.

Friday She smiled to herself Perfect

A couple of hours later Bette cast her eye over several loose sheets of paper one last time. These were the sum of her research efforts on weekend rentals in Big Sur. After settling on her preferred choice she picked up the phone and called the listed agent.

A short while later she had booked a private, ocean front villa for the weekend of October 16-17. It was 8 years ago on October 15 that Tina Kennard, with her easy charm and shy smile, walked in to Bettes gallery and unwittingly changed their lives forever. This was an event that Bette was especially grateful they would be celebrating after all that had gone on this last year.

With the hour fast approaching 6:00pm Bette knew that Tina would probably be on her way home.

She pulled a take-out menu for their favorite Thai restaurant from her top drawer. Picking up the phone she began to dial the number but stopped abruptly.

What am I doing? She wondered out loud. After a second she replaced the phone. Her wife, whom she hadnt been able to get out of her thoughts all day was probably already at home. Once her computer was shut down Bette picked up her bag and headed out of the office.

TBC