This is the most beautiful evening, the sky is full of sparkling stars, a gentle warm breeze moves against my bare shoulders as we stride down the street in Santa Monica. I love being with her, touching her. I secretly love that others are envious of me, knowing that I have her all to myself, that she goes home with me at the end of the day and shares my bed, our bed. I can see the side looks as we move along the street, men and women alike, ***** and straight, are jealous of me.
I look over at Bette giving her hand a loving squeeze and lean into her just a bit to let her know Im thinking of her. I am amazed by her self confidence, her intelligence and her beauty. How is it that shes even more beautiful today than when I first met her over seven years ago? Shes become even more refined with time. What is it about me that keeps her interested? I dont feel as beautiful or confident. What keeps her around I wonder? Hmmm one minute, Im proud and the next Im humble. At least I know one thing for certain, Im thankful that we have this time together.

These are the best nights, date night, Bettes idea from years ago. Originally I thought it was ludicrous. If we really cared about each other then why in the world would we have to schedule time together? It was idiotic and I initially refused to ink it on my calendar as Bette had suggested. If she really loved me, shed make everyday special. Blah, blah, blah What and idiot I was. Soon it all made sense. I understood what Bette was trying to accomplish. I found myself being torn between work and home commitments. We were both traveling like mad – at one point we even attempted to schedule a lay over in the same city so we could see each other for a few hours that week. And when we were together, it seemed like we were never really alone. There was one family or extended family event after another, not to mention trying to find time to sleep. It was insanity. Luckily, Im not too much of an idiot, I can admit when Im wrong.

So monthly date night began. We established rules, simple, but effective. Bette cant have her cell phone. We cant cancel on each other. We cant discuss work, even if I really want to share a funny co-worker story and we take turns planning the evening. Of all the rules that last one was the hardest at first, trying to come up with something to do, which was new and interesting can really be hard. Eventually we figured out it didnt take huge effort and we didnt need bells and whistles each time. We just needed each other.

Some of the best dates have been nothing more than a picnic on our living room floor and an evening of dancing on the back patio or taking a drive in the hills and pulling over to make out. Theres something about these nights that make us insane for each other. I cant even begin to count the times weve dashed to the ladies room for a little relief during dinner or made love in the sand at any one of the beaches from Redondo to Malibu.

As were walking I can see whats coming up. Just like Porter, shes going to take me into one of those adult stores. Jesus, if my mother could see me now, standing just outside the door of this adult establishment. Oh God, someones coming out with a huge bag of stuff, jeez, ***** stuff, I turn myself away, no eye contact and dont let them see my face.
Bette, Ive never been to one of these places. I can feel my face flush.

All the more reason to go in, baby. No worries. Ill stay right next to you.

Okay Kennard, I tell myself, this isnt going to hurt and its not like youre going in by yourself like some freaky pervert. I take a deep cleansing breath and stand tall, squeeze Bettes hand a little harder and walk in. Besides, I know shes just trying to embarrass me. Well see about that, I dont plan on caving in so easily. Shell have to work for this one.

Wow, this place is huge! I would have never thought adult toys and videos would be such a huge business. Okay, note to self, stop thinking huge while in this store!
My eyes dart around trying to take it all in. Theres a very popular video section, and lots of leather, Oh my God, what the ***** is that used for? I quizzically look from a leather swing of sorts hanging from the ceiling to Bette, but her eyes are too glazed over to notice my confusion, You okay, Bette? I snap my fingers in front of her.

She looks at me with an impish smile, Yea, and quickly leads me off to another section of the store. She seems a little too familiar with the layout; I bet shes been here before. Oh my God, Ive never seen so many shapes a sizes of vibrators and ***** in all my life. Its like a freakin rainbow of plastic and silicone.

Squeezing Bettes hand, Babe, look at this one. I nod my head toward a translucent light blue vibrator, What the ***** is sticking out of it? About midway down the shaft theres a little attachment on it with a tiny tongue sort of thing.

Bette picks it up, turns it this way and that, fingering the shaft and little tongue thingy with her thumb before saying, I think its suppose to tickle your Oh my God, I put up my hand and give her the evil eye, Dont even say it! And, why does it have to be mine, why cant it be yours?!

Bettes face contorts, Jesus, look at the price, eighty bucks! Thats ridiculous and its BLUE for Gods sake! Who buys this stuff?

A wave of calmness overcomes me, I thought for sure she was going to really mess with me and purchase that thing in front of all these people, but shell never spend eighty dollars on something like this, Baby, who needs it? All I need is you. I give her a little love nudge, I just dont see the point.

What about Eric, did you need him? Come on T, you loved it when you had it – right? My head snaps to look at her. I cant believe she just said that. She cant possibly still feel insecure about my relationship with Eric – after all these years?! But then I see the glimmer in her eye. Shes not jealous at all.
I turn away from her gaze. ***** no, shes not dragging me down this road. Shes trying to tease me into embarrassment and Im not going to fall for it, but still I feel the color returning to my cheeks.

Come on now, dont try to get shy with me, you loved it didnt you?

Still not looking at her, Oh my God, do we have to discuss this?

Come on T, Im goofing around with you. Youve had both, baby, which is better?

Im sure my face is still crimson as I can feel the warmth of my cheeks, Youre better, okay? I mean she truly is better, she just needs to be reassured every once in a while. Jesus, theres no comparison at all really.
Whispering, I lean in toward her ear and push her hair aside, Its not about what you have; its about how you use it. I casually look around the shop, once Im sure were not being watched I bring her hand to my mouth and nibble and suck on her long lean fingers, and you really know how to use what you have.

Nicely done Kennard, she manages almost breathless. Yes! Score one for Kennard, I got her panting and wanting more, oh, and look at the color in her cheeks. If only I had a camera.

Bette kisses me on my nose, So Im guessing we dont need to go down the strap-on aisle, Is all she can muster at this point.

Having embarrassed myself as well, I bury my face into her hair and take a deep breath. The scent of her, so familiar, so calming, Im thrilled to have finally matched her at her own game, but Im not sure how much longer I can go toe-to-toe with her. We need to get out of here; I ask a little too urgently, Oh my God, can we go now?

Bette smiles at me, knowing I bested her, just this once anyway. She concedes wrapping her arm around me as she leads me out.



Its just a few days before Christmas and although Im completely done with my shopping, Bette isnt. Which is not unusual at all, and like every other year were making our annual mad dash to the mall to finish Bettes list. This year though were making a stop at Alices on the way to the shopping center.

Alice opens the door and greets us with her usual, Well, if it isnt Mrs. and Mrs. Portard A name she stuck us with years ago. I once thought about putting it on a specialized license plate for my car but Bette didnt see the humor in it, so I dropped the idea – for now. Alice steps aside, come on in ladies; were having cocktails in the Boom Boom Room. Alice appears to be a little too happy. I wonder what theyve been drinking.

I kiss her hello and make my way down the hall to the living room. Dana is sprawled on the couch and Shane is on the floor in front of the coffee table pouring more drinks, for Bette and me.

Dana makes room on the couch, and waves her hello to us and we wave back. I notice how Dana didnt really look at us – unusual.

Hey guys. Alice plops down close to Dana placing a hand on her thigh. Guys, theres room on the couch.

Bette and I sit together in an oversized chair next to Shane, Were good. I say as Shane hands me a drink, So whats been going on? The room is quiet and I notice Alice looking hard at Shane, while Dana has yet to look at us, but shes certainly studying the ***** out of her drink. Okay, these girls are goofy tonight. I wonder if what theyre drinking is causing the odd behavior. I first smell the contents of the glass and then take a weary sip. Hmm tastes fine, really good actually, but Im not sure I can trust it.

Not much Alice says in response to my question then pausing to take a long sip of her drink. Dana sips her drink too, a bit nervously I note. Shane watches the room in silent amusement.

Bette exchanges a questioning glance with me, and then turns her attention back to the group, You guys, what is going on here? Did we miss something or come at a bad time? I sense a strange vibe in the room.

I watch with utter confusion as Shane appears to stifle a laugh by biting her lip while Dana barely keeps from sputtering her drink all over herself. Alice coughs and chokes, Uh no! Everything is fine, you didnt miss anything, she croaks clearing her throat, Weve just been working on those all afternoon, pointing to the pile of gifts behind them, weve been relaxing for a little while, She raises her glass to show us their source of their relaxation before again taking another long sip of her drink. If shes been drinking like that all night, that would surely account for her weirdness.

A few more minutes go by and the girls are still acting a little strange, Shane hasnt dropped that ridiculous grin once and Alice and Dana are pounding the Cosmos like crazy.

Finally Bette pats me on the knee, signaling we need to get the ***** out of the loony bin, Okay then, guys were off to get some shopping done. She stands and helps me to my feet. Thanks for the drinks, but we need to get this done before the stores close. Walking toward Alice, Bette quietly asks, Do you have that item youve been holding for me?

Yep, its all wrapped and ready to go. Alice hands Bette two packages, The girls and I got you something special.

Thats sweet you guys. Should I open it now or

No! the three pals shout in unison, When you guys open your other gifts, open it then.

Okay, Ill save it for Christmas morning then. Bette gives me a desperate look, Ready to go babe?

Yea, I quickly hug and kiss everyone as we make our way to the door, Bye guys. Oh, youre coming over for brunch on Christmas – right?

Once outside the door, Jesus, Alice practically shoved us out the door. What in the world is going on with them tonight? I look to Bette for an explanation, but based on the look on her face shes obviously as confused as I.



Bette and I sit on the couch in our living room sipping fresh hot coffee on this wonderful Christmas morning. I look around, taking it all in, the decorations, the lights, and the tree surrounded by presents. This is when Im at my apex, Christmas time, a time for giving and sharing and trying to make the world a happier place. I live for the holidays.

Looking over at Bette, memories of Christmas past flood my mind. She was so nonchalant about the holidays when I first met her. She loathed spending the time with her family, which I couldnt understand, until years later when I attempted it with her. Those people are nuts. How could she come from that lot I wondered? It was obvious to us both from the very first year that we were happiest when we were together in our own home. Since then Bette has embraced Christmas almost as much as I do. We decorate together, shop together and encourage our friends and family to come to our home, to share in the holiday spirit. I love that she enjoys this as much as I do, and if she doesnt, she fakes it really well.

Okay, I set my cup on the table in front of us; turning to Bette, I place my hand on her leg and feel her jump at my touch. I must have startled her out of some deep thought, are you ready? Lets get to it. Jumping from the couch I scoot over to the tree and plop myself down in front the brightly wrapped gifts. Bette always teases and tells me I act like a six year old. Looking back to the couch, Come on babe, come sit with me. I pat the section of floor next to myself letting her know I want her right next to me.

When she finally drags her slow butt off the couch and lands herself next to me I quickly begin handing her the boxes Ive wrapped and tagged, To: Bette From: Santa T I watch excitedly as she unwraps her favorite perfume, a purse to match her newest addition to her suit collection, a necklace and a CD of a band wed seen during one of our date nights. She opens a few more packages and gives me that look, the one that says, youve gone too far. But I love buying her presents and I always buy too many, its a tradition. But honestly I cant help myself, because even though she says Im the child, her face lights up and her eyes sparkle even more than mine. How can I resist that?

Wow, oh my God Bette, this is amazing! I hold a certificate to a day spa, one of my favorite places to relax. I too have received many gifts from Santa B, new running shoes, a blouse and skirt, a pair of gorgeous earrings and book, and a few other things. I smile to myself, satisfied that she cant exactly scold me for over shopping when she does exactly the same thing.

I lean in and kiss Bette softly on the cheek, You always know exactly what I need.

Bette smiles wickedly, I do. I really, really do. Reaching back she pulls out the last two gifts, Okay, this is the last one Bette hands the box to me.

Oh, this is the one that you picked-up at Alices the other night.

Yea, I bought it on-line and didnt want it shipped here, just in case you got too nosy Bette gives my rear a little pinch, Now open it up.

I eagerly tear into the paper to uncover a plain brown shipping box. I pull the tape off and flip the lid off. Peering inside I screech from the hilarity and inappropriateness of the offering inside. Oh my God, you are so wrong! What is thi Oh my God! Where did you get this? My face is lit up with excitement and embarrassment, which I turn into mock anger as I glare toward Bette. We lean into each other and laugh; this is too funny, she actually found the one we looked at on date night, the translucent blue vibrator, with the funny little attachment.
But then it hits me, it went to Alices apartment. She knows. I cant believe Bette would do this to me. She must know that this knowledge is nothing more than lifetime ammunition to Alice, Oh my God, does Alice KNOW about this?

No, no, no. I ordered it on-line and had it shipped to her apartment. She tried to guess what it was, but I never gave any clues. Dont worry, this is our special Christmas toy and nobody knows anything about it.

I bow my head and squint at her, Are you sure? I mean, it was wrapped and all.

T, baby, it was still sealed in its original shipping box. Its fine, its our little secret.

Satisfied with her answer I take the vibrator out of the box, Do we have batteries for this? You may have to pick up some at the liquor store later. Lets see it takes Cs. I turn the translucent blue plastic in my hands as I glance over at Bette and see that she still hasnt opened the gift from the girls, Open the other gift, the one that the girls got you.

I absently run my fingers along the cool plastic as I watch Bette struggle with the heavily taped package. With the wrapping gone, Bette pulls the lid from the box and looks in. Her smile fades as she continues to stare motionless into the open box. What could it be I wonder? I cant imagine anything that would result in such a stunned reaction.

Slowly, and without uttering a word, Bettes hand moves to her face and she begins rubbing her forehead. Becoming alarmed I move closer to her, trying to see into the box, but before I could get a good look, Bette tips the box, letting its contents spill onto the floor in front of us. I look down and am completely shocked to see two C cell batteries lying next to the vibrator box. I gasp loudly and slap Bette on the arm, Oh my God, they KNOW!