Bette,

Decided to go out. Be home late tonight.

                                                           -Tina

            Tina left the note in her curly handwriting on the counter for Bette, grabbed the directions Christine had given her earlier that day, and headed out to her car. Tina pulled into the apartment parking lot about a half hour later. She sat in her car for a moment and considered if this was something she really wanted to do. Her mind flashed back to that night a CAC and she immediately climbed out of the car.

            Climbing up the stairs, she suddenly got a huge wave of butterflies in her stomach and, for a second time, considered turning back, but she pursed her lips and walked to apartment 4C. Before she could knock, the door flung open and a smiling, excited Christine said, “Tina! I’m so glad you made it!” while wrapping her in a warm embrace. Every doubt Tina had vanished at that second as she relaxed into the sweet, comfortable hug.

            Ushering her inside, Christine said, “Come to the kitchen, I want you to tell me what you think of this sauce. I’m sorry I didn’t make pasta, I was going to, but I thought you’d rather enjoy my Orange Chicken.”

            “Oh, that sounds wonderful!” Tina said, delightedly, while wondering how Christine knew she loved Orange Chicken.

            Tina followed Christine into the small, but clean kitchen. Christine dished up a little spoonful of sauce and blew on it until it was cool, “Here,” she said, holding it out to her. Tina let Christine guide it towards her and as her mouth closed around the bowl of the spoon she let out a contented little, “Mmm.” Christine pulled the spoon back and said, “Its good then?”

            “Oh, Christine, it’s fabulous! Where did you learn to cook like that?”

            “It’s just a hobby.” Christine said, smiling her shy smile, “Hey, do you like dogs?”

            “Yes, I love dogs.” Tina said, realizing Christine changed the subject intentionally.

            Christine walked down the hall and opened a door; out popped a tiny little Yorkshire terrier with a pink ribbon on her head, “This is my baby, Sappho.”

            Tina burst out laughing, “Oh my god, that’s so funny! Awww, look at her! She’s too cute.” Tina set her purse on the counter then kneeled down on the floor and started rubbing Sappho’s stomach, “Does she care if I pick her up?”