–

“Bette?”

“Hmm?”

“I was thinking that maybe we could go somewhere.”

“Like where?”

“I don’t know exactly, somewhere romantic maybe.”  As if she needed to qualify she continued, “Just the two of us.”

“Ohhh… I like the sound of that!” The brunette’s voice was playful and interested.

Tina’s mood was just as light.  “I thought you would.”

“Did you have someplace in mind?”

“That’s the tough part.” 

“Local?”

“Sure.”

“Maybe we should leave the country?  Someplace exotic?”

“Sure.” Tina’s response was just as convincing as the one prior.

“Summer time maybe.”

“Yeah, why not?”

“Or how about someplace warm during the winter?” 

“That sounds nice.”  Still, the enthusiasm remained consistent and true.

“Perhaps someplace cold to enjoy the winter.”

“Yeah…” her tone was a little high and sure, “that should be good too.”

Inside, Bette was laughing as she watched Tina’s eyes wander.  At each suggestion it seemed the blonde was picturing something ideal.  She must have, to be so agreeable with all the potentials mentioned.

“Do you want to go somewhere we could do lots of outdoor activities though?”

“You mean like hiking or diving maybe?”  Tina’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Sure, or maybe we can go yachting or skiing.”

Both women pictured being in a lodge, enjoying a hot drink after enjoying the slopes.  Holding one another by a blazing fire and laughing about who fell or had trouble with a turn or couldn’t stop at the bottom of a hill.

“Safari?”

Tina took Bette’s left hand.  With a smile on her lips, she kissed the back of the brunette’s hand absentmindedly although this simple touch settled her mind. 

“That idea is fabulous…for me.”  She paused, “But I want something we’ll both enjoy.”

“Aha – finally,” Bette teased, “criterion for this fabulous trip!”

“We could go to Vermont or Maine?  A nice quiet lakeside rental?”

Both women shared a relaxed silence.  Each would enjoy that.  Time with one other without distractions.  Simple, lovely and pleasing.

“Or…Alice went on and on about that cruise, we could do that.”

“As long as it’s not a lesbian thing, then that’s fine.”

“What’s wrong with a lesbian cruise?”

“I don’t want anyone looking at you in skimpy outfits but me.”

“You know even it isn’t a themed cruise there will be other people right?”