“Bring some of the old Steve back, even just a bit, would you? She’s my wife, and if we’re going to be friends, you and she will have to get along,” Tina said quickly.

“Hi T,” Bette greeted her, extending her hand out. Tina took the hand Bette offered, stepped closer and wrapped Bette’s arm around her as she circled her arm around Bette’s waist. “Steve, I’m proud to introduce you to my wife Bette,” she said as she introduced Steve to Bette.  On impulse, she gave Bette a quick kiss, and then followed-up with, “Baby, this is Steve, he was Eric’s best friend back in the day.”

“Oh,” Bette said coolly. She gave him a chilly look, then smiled at Tina and returned the blonde’s kiss.

“Bette,” Steve said a little shakily, as he extended a hand in greeting.  “I’m happy to meet you.”  Tina mouthed,  He’s ok. Don’t worry.

Bette gave him a bright smile then, and enveloped her long slim fingers around his hand.  Steve swallowed drily as he rubbed his thumb absentmindedly over the soft, silky skin of the back of Bette’s hand once they’d made contact.  Bette tried to release her hand from his grip but found he wasn’t letting go of it.  She laughed lightly then looked at Tina, who smirked, and prodded, “Steve …”

“Ummm…. You’re a ….” Steve stammered.

Tina turned to the auburn beauty who had stepped back slightly away from Bette when she and Steve came up to where the woman and Bette had been standing. “And you are…?” Tina asked.  She was surprised at her own poise as she addressed her because the woman was stunning, exquisite even, with unusually bold eyebrows, flawless, tanned skin, and surprisingly, aquamarine eyes.  Her luxurious hair hung thick and straight in layers down to the midpoint of her back, and she wore a gold gown which flattered her amazing tan, with long slits in the sides like Tina’s dress, that allowed a peek into the woman’s long, lean legs.  The gown’s cut flattered the woman’s long and well-toned body.  Even just in mid-sized heels, her length brought her to a shade over six feet.  Talk about exotic creatures running wild in New York City, Tina thought.

She was also clearly in love with Bette.  It had been etched on her face when Tina had first seen them talking, and it was shining from her unusual aquamarine eyes as she kept her eyes fixed on Bette while Tina had introduced Steve and Bette to each other.