Previously:

            “And to finish the answer to your question. Bette Porter is a *****. An out and proud *****. But I think you must have figure it out when she kissed you.”

            Alice regretted the comment when she saw the pale and scared look on Tina’s face. Too late, the damage was done.  Tina excused herself and went to the restroom. Alice took the opportunity to call Bette who answered her cell phone after the third ring.

            “Hi Al.”

            “Hey yourself. Where are you? I’m waiting you here at Luigi’s. Did you forget? I tried to remember you but you wasn’t answered my calls. Are you still mad at me?”

            “What’s that, Al? 20 questions?”

            “Could you answer them before Tina get back of the restroom?”

            “I’m home. I’m not mad at you, I think you were of a big help. Thank you. I wasn’t talking to you because I needed to think about some things. One of them Tina Kennard. I thought a lot. I like her. I want her. Not just for *****. But I don’t know how to do a relationship. I’m still learning it and I don’t think it’s fair I mess up with her life if I can’t give her what she deserves. So I’m not going tonight. Have a great date. Bye.”   

            And with that Bette hang up, leaving a stunned Alice on the other side of the line.  Just when she was pressing the speed dial again, Tina came back to the table. Bette Porter would be a latter task.

            “Are you okay Tina?”

            Tina just nodded and seated again. The color was back on her face. She drank a bit of whine. She noticed that Alice was watching her carefully and she knew she should say something. But she didn’t know exactly how much or what to say. Alice smiled to her, a reassuring smile, and remained quiet, which she already realized was quite unusual for Alice.  An understanding silent.  Tina drank another half glass of wine.  Alice decided to dissipate the tension.

            “Be careful, I can take advantage of you if you are drunk. This week I’m into women. ” Both women laugh at the comment. And then Alice took advantage. “Why are you nervous, Tina?”