Chapter 6

Bette and Tina arrived at Milk just a little after 11. Tina didn’t mean to seem so desperate but she was clinging to Bette like a child to its mother.
All eyes were the two women as they walked across the dance floor. Tina couldn’t count how many sweaty bodies rubbed against hers.
Tina noticed a lot of whispering as Bette passed by the groups of women. One woman even went so far as to run her hand down Bette’s back while locking eyes with Tina. Tina wasn’t used the sharp pain in her gut that most people know as jealousy. Bette shot the woman a sharp look, took Tina into her arms and kissed her passionately leaving no mistake that Tina was hers. The woman obviously got the message. She slinked away onto her next conquest.
Bette took Tina’s hand and continued on toward the table in the back.

Bette leaned in and whispered in Tina’s ear.

Bette: Don’t be nervous. They’re crazy but they’re great.

Tina squeezed Bette’s hand in response. Her palms becoming increasingly more sweaty.

Bette: Ladies I would like you to meet Tina Kennard.

Tina smiled politely as she tried to size each woman up. It was obvious that the women were doing the same to her.

Shane: Hey Tina, I’m Shane.

Shane stuck out her to shake Tina’s.

Shane made Tina nervous. She was so confident, so sure. Tina tried to imagine herself dressing like Shane and it brought a smile to her face. That wouldn’t work she thought to herself.
Tina: Hey Shane, it’s nice to meet you.

Dana: I’m Dana Fairuh Fairfield.

Tina was confused as to how someone could mess up his or her own last name.

Alice: Don’t mind her. Ya see Dana is our little tennis pro who’s afraid the world might find out that she’s a little *****.

With that Dana slapped arm half playful half serious.

Dana: Sorry Tina. My last name is Fairbanks.

Tina: Oh, ok. You look really familiar Alice.

Alice: I was at the dinner party at the museum.

Tina: Now I remember you. Sorry, just a little mental lapse.

Tina did remember Alice. She was eyeing her all night at the dinner, a little jealous that she was spending so much time with Bette. It was a ridiculous notion afterall who did she expect Bette to be talking with. She hardly knew Tina at the time, now she knew her intimately. That thought alone made Tina blush.