When they finally settled down from their laughing jag, Tina began. “Bette introduced herself and we shook hands.  Then she started to stare intently into my eyes.  She had me locked in her gaze…  I was helpless…  It was like she was looking into my heart.  Then all of a sudden she grabbed my neck and pulled me forward and kissed me.  It was f*cking amazing!  There was so much feeling in that kiss.  I don’t know… it was like magic.  We had this instant connection. Well then she started apologizing, and then she said the most wonderful thing…. she said I was the most beautiful woman she has ever seen!  I don’t know what came over me, but I went back and stood right in front of her again, and I looked into her amazing eyes and I saw her soul…then I cradled her face in my hands, and I kissed her tenderly on the lips, then I tilted her face, and I gently kissed the tip of her nose…I don’t know why I did it.  I had never kissed a woman before that moment.  Isn’t it crazy? 

Katie thought for moment…. And then said; “God, this is so romantic. You know what this means don’t you? You have to go on a date with Bette Porter…You’ve got to find out what this means!  Well one thing you have to explore is…. Tina, I think your gay. You…” before Katie could continue, Tina said, “I’m not gay.”  “Excuse me Tina, then WHY DID YOU KISS HER and give her YOUR PHONE NUMBER? Tina this is some serious shit!”  Katie professed.  There was a long silence…  Then Katie began again.  “Maybe Ms. Porter won’t call and ask you on a date. Then you’ll have nothing to worry about.  Tina gave Katie a look like – You know she’s going to call me –  “Well I guess when you’re ready to admit your gay, Bette Porter is one hot mama to go gay with.” Katie said laughingly.  Tina starts to laugh nervously as reality starts to sink in…

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CALIFORNIA ARTS CENTER

“Hi Alice, this is Bette.  When you get a chance, please give me a call on my cell.  I need to talk to you.  Nothing serious.  Thanks.”

Bette closes her cell phone and goes back to eating the Cobb salad at her desk.  As she takes a sip of her green tea, Bette flips over Tina’s business card and looks at the phone number. “Tina Kennard you are an enigma.  What made you return my kiss?  What did that kiss on the tip of my nose mean?  You took me totally by surprise.  But then why wouldn’t it surprise me, I’ve known you what a whole whopping five minutes!  God, you have me talking to myself.”  Pausing for a moment … “ I know what I going to do, I won’t call you back.  Then I won’t have to ask you on a date; I won’t be thinking about you! I’ll show you Tina Kennard.  Then we’ll see who’s smug.  HA! HA!  (Pauses again.)  Porter, that’s a real mature Ivy League attitude to take.”  Bette said defiantly.   “Nothing serious, she says. Who am I kidding?  I’m hooked!” she says as she shakes her head.

As if on cue, Bette’s cell phone starts ringing: Bette grabs it before the first ring is finished.  “Hi Al, listen I really need to speak to you.  How about if we meet at the Planet, say around 6:00pm tonight.  Drinks are on me.  Great!  Thanks Al.”  Bette said feeling a little more confident.

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