I cant believe she had the nerve to ask me to dinner after her lunch date with that that that attractive woman? Who was that? God. As I was getting dressed for my dinner with Bette I looked at myself in the mirror. What are you Tina? Are you a ***** too? So what if you are? What if you like someone? Even worse, what if youre falling for someone; a WOMAN!!? Its none of anyones business. Its your life and no one else can say anything about it.

The woman Bette was with earlier today was beautiful. She was wearing a simple suit but one that accentuated her assets perfectly. She has straight short blonde hair that glowed in the sun. I remember her skin was smooth and beautifully tanned. God! No wonder Bette loves her. And wouldnt she be jealous if Bette were to go out with me tonight? I mean I would be if my girlfriend was as hot as Bette. ***** I probably dont stand a chance with Bette, thats probably why she wouldnt be jealous. Or maybe theyre just having one of those open relationship that a few people I know practice?

I checked my reflection in my full length mirror. I gave myself a once over. Miguels was an expensive restaurant I wonder why shes taking me there. Am I one of her women? I looked at myself again satisfied with what I was wearing. I was wearing my backless black dress which makes me feel powerful yet *****. I smiled. Why am I even troubling myself with this? I rejected Bette first hand. Why would she want me second time around when I already humiliated her. This dress wouldnt help!

I picked up my purse and keys and drove to Miguels. Miguels is a bit off from where I was staying but I must say the food is worth it. I love Miguels. Eric brought me there a few times and the people are nice. The drive there took about a half hour and I drove while enjoying my favourite tunes. I checked myself out on the rear-view mirror before climbing out of my car and giving my keys to the valet. God, I love this place.

As I was greeted by the doorman I felt nervousness edged its way to me. I told him I was seeing Ms Porter here and he said she had been waiting for fifteen minutes. I shouldve let her wait longer! That would teach her! My god, what is wrong with me? Bette is allowed to see other people. Its not like were going out. I made it clear to her that I didnt want her and I guess the only thing she could do is see other people.

He led me to where Bette was seated. As we approached the table I saw Bette talking to a woman next to our table. A different woman this time. I guess every time I see her; shes always with a different woman! What is up with her? So was the woman I saw her with earlier today her girlfriend or just someone? She looked up and saw me. She stopped talking to the other woman. Her attention was on me now. Her eyes were mesmerizing. They stared at me boring deep into my soul. She looked at me up and down and her mouth opened wanting to say something.

The waiter pulled my chair and the moment lapsed. Bette stood up smiled her infectious smile. I couldnt help it, I know I had this urge to be mad at her for today, but when she showed me her smile, I smiled in return.

Bette: Nicole I want you to meet Tina Kennard. Shes the Development Executive at the Alphaville Studios. Tina this is Miss Nicole Everheart. Shes one of my clients and owns a great collection of fine art pieces.

Tina: Nice meeting you.

Nicole: How do you do? Well since Bettes company is here I should get back to my dinner now, I was just telling Bette how sorry I was I couldnt make it to her dinner party. Well, I hope you ladies enjoy your food. Its nice to meet you Miss Kennard. And Bette, keep in touch.

Bette: I will. Enjoy your evening.

I just smiled. So she was only her client. Well, that doesnt make any difference and things easier for me. As I look around I noticed a few heads turned our way looking at Bette. I dont blame them. I cant really take my mind let alone my eyes off her!

I looked at Bette who was staring at me her eyes not blinking. Her smile fixed on her face and her head tilted on one side. I was getting uncomfortable with every second that passed. What is up with Bette?

Tina: Bette?

Her eyes finally blinked. Her smile faded.

Bette: Oh hi.

Tina: Are you ok?

Bette: Yes I suppose I am. Actually I was supposed to ask you that.

Tina: Well

Bette continued to stare at me and she smiled.

Tina: Bette?!?!

Bette: Im sorry I just. Wow Tina. You look you just look amazing! Absolutely absolutely amazing! Youthat dressyou Im sorry I didnt mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I mean look at you! Youre dazzling. Do you even notice the stare you get from other people in this restaurant? Youre just beautiful Tina. Im sorry I just had to tell you

I felt my face getting red. Oh my god. Shes doing it again. Control yourself Tina!

Tina: Its ok Bette. Im ok. And thank you. (Im pretty sure it was her that made heads turn our way)

I knew I was blushing cos my face felt hot. The waiter came and we ordered our meal.

Bette: I took the liberty of ordering a bottle of their finest wine. But if youd rather have something else

Tina: Thank you. Wine is fine.

Waiter: Is that all miss? Do you want to try our specialty dish?

Bette: Tina?

I shook my head.

Bette: That is all thank you.

The waiter nodded and left us.

Bette: Im sorry about lunch today. I know you had a meeting James told me, so I tried to make it up to you by having dinner with me. I dont want you to go home tonight not having eaten anything. If I have a meal with anyone, I make sure that they go home satisfied.

When she broached the topic up, I guess this was the best time to talk about it then.

Tina: Well I did buy a salmon baguette during lunch. I managed to go to the bistro just a few blocks away from my office.

Bette: You did? Hope it was good and I hope youre still hungry. I mean we did order quite a lot of dishes.

Tina: Actually I still am cos I didnt get to eat it.

Bette looked worried. She leaned in.

Bette: Really? Oh poor you. Did they make you rush into your meeting? Is it because of the meeting? Did it go well?

Tina: No I mean, yeah the meeting was great we managed to come to an agreement for the next addition but it wasnt about the meeting. I just didnt have the appetite when I got back from the bistro. (After seeing you with that woman!)

Bette: Oh. Well, next time if youre hungry, anytime, just give me a call. I can get you the best sandwich in town. Its not far from the studios I think. Its called Alfies, Im sure you wouldnt miss it if you go round the back and Im pretty sure youd never lose appetite when you buy one of Alfies sandwiches

Tina: Actually thats where I went.

Bette: Oh?

Tina: Yes.

Bette: I see. Hmm

Tina: and you were there too. I saw you there.

Bette: Oh. I guess you saw Melanie?

Bette leaned back on her chair her expression unreadable.

Tina: Melanie? Well, I dont know if that was her but if youre referring to the woman youre with then yeah.

Bette: Mel is an old friend of mine. She is visiting from New York. Shes a sculptor and here on business. When you cancelled lunch I decided to take her up on her offer.

Tina: Just an old friend?

I only want it to come out as a tease but it came out more of a jealousy! Bette looked at me confused. I know what she was thinking; she must have thought I was crazy. One minute I rejected her and one minute Im acting like a jealous girlfriend.

Bette: Yes Ive known her since art school. We were close once but work just took priority

Tina: I see. So you dated her once?

Bette: Well we went out for about a year but that was all water under the bridge now. Were better off as friends. I mean were friends now.

Tina: Oh ok.

Friends? Just friends? What friend caresses your thigh and whisper sexily into your ear? She looked at me leaning forward and reaching for my hand on the table. I gave in and let her touch the top of my hand.

Bette: Tina? Are you ok? I mean where is this going? Am I missing something here?

*****! What is wrong with me? I am in no position to say these things. Im not even her girlfriend! *****! Im having very strong feelings for Bette. I think I need to explain myself for the way Ive been acting. Bette has been so nice to me the least I could do is explain the real situation. My heart raced as I began to describe what I really feel

Tina: Im

I couldnt continue what I wanted to say and my hand automatically removed itself from Bettes touch as a familiar voice crept from behind me.