Despite or perhaps in spite of the publicity surrounding Tina’s reappearance after missing and presumed dead for almost two years her debut as the west coast’s newest Emerging Artist garnered much attention. The show was a huge success; both for the artist and the Hammer Museum.

While Tina was posing as Tabitha she’d lied to Jodi when she’d said she was in New York meeting with Peggy Peabody. In fact it wasn’t until Bette introduced them that Tina had that pleasure, and of course Peggy was invited to the exclusive Artist’s Dinner for Tina’s opening at the Hammer. Peggy was thrilled to meet Bette’s new love. She was also impressed with Tina’s work so much so that she’d purchased several pieces for her own private collection and suggested other collectors that would be interested.

The Art Curator Gina Ferrara was right. Once Tina got the endorsement from Peggy Peabody her success as an artist was almost guaranteed. Peggy was one of the most respected art aficionados in the country. She set the buying trends amongst serious collectors as well as boosting the careers of new artists with endowments from the Peabody Arts Foundation. Tina Kennard known to the art world simply as T.K. was the next new rising star.

***

As planned after the exhibit Bette and Tina flew to New York City to the headquarters of the organization that arranged the volunteer mission trips. The meetings with the volunteer committee went exceptionally well. They were not only honored to have the renowned Dr. Elizabeth Porter on their team but also embraced Tina’s ideas for Kennard Inc. Movie Studios to do the documentary and for Tina to personally chronicle their work through her art and photography. They especially appreciated that Tina’s offer was a charitable one to raise funds through donations for their program. Bette and Tina signed up to leave on the first mission to Africa within six months and had committed to a full year of service.

Once they finished their business with the organization Peggy Peabody insisted that they stay on for a few days in New York as her guests. It was then that they met Marcus Allenwood who was amongst Peggy’s most successful protégés as he’d recently been awarded the Whitney Biennial. There was something very special about Marcus that struck Bette immediately. He was a giant of a man but he had such a sweet disposition and a gentle soul that Bette took to him right away. Their instant rapport and mutual affection for each other prompted what would become a life-long friendship. Bette was even more impressed with the man when she learned that he had a six year old son Christopher and though divorced from the child’s mother he was dedicated to his family and devoted to his son.

After watching the sunrise Bette and Tina had given in to exhaustion and fallen asleep in the lounger on the balcony. As usual Tina woke up first and got up without disturbing Bette who woke an hour later to find Tina sitting across from her with a sketch pad in hand. She was drawing Bette as she lay in the tangled blanket that Tina had used to cover their nakedness.

Tina on the other hand was still nude and Bette was anything but subtle in her admiration of the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. Bette lifted the blanket, smiled the ever irresistible Porter smile and whispered “come back to bed.”

Though not technically a bed Tina didn’t hesitate as she rejoined her lover under the covers and cuddled close as they shared a good morning kiss. It was already late morning and they’d only slept a few hours but it was enough to reenergize them.

“What were you doing way over there?” Bette asked lazily.

“I was sketching you. You looked so beautiful. I had to preserve the vision. I’ll show you later.”

“You should do a self-portrait … you are the beautiful one. I wish you could see yourself the way that I see you.”

“Well you did it… I told you you should have charged me more.”

“And what have I told you?”

“Beauty is in here…” she touches her heart… “you just have to trust it.”

“You better believe it.”

“I am starting to believe it babe. You make me feel very beautiful and I love you for it.”

“I love you too sweetie. So what have you got in mind for us today?”

“How do you feel about body art?”

“I suppose it would depend on the context. In my interpretation I’ve got a visual of you lying naked while I use a supple paintbrush to draw designs all over your luscious body. I would use white chocolate and strawberry flavored edible body paint; then I’d lick you clean using my skilled moist wet tongue. Is that what you had in mind?”

“Jesus Bette … it wasn’t what I had in mind but your idea certainly is enticing. I hope you’ll show me your artistic skills sometime.”

Tina led Bette into the hotel suite where they’d had dinner just hours before and marveled at the transformation. The staff did exactly what she’d asked. The living room furniture had been moved out of the way and a large padded mat was placed on the floor covered with satiny sheets and oversized pillows.

The fireplace was lit. Aromatherapy candles giving off the most enticing scents were placed strategically in the living room, bedroom, and bathroom. The scents were purposely combined for varying physical effects on Bette and Tina from calming to aphrodisiacal.

Bette stood still and waited while Tina closed the door, took her purse, shoes and wrap and put them away along with her own. She didn’t know where Tina was going with this as they’d never done anything like it before but she’d happily given total control of the evening over to Tina.

It was only a minute or so before she felt Tina take her hands to lead her further into the room. As Bette is walking blindfolded and barefooted she can feel the surfaces changing as she experiences different textures and sensations on the soles of her feet. The carpet was covered with runners of varying materials and rose petals were scattered about.

Tina’s purpose in blindfolding Bette was to heighten her other four senses. Bette used them now to visualize her surroundings. When they stepped on the mat she felt the silky smoothness of the satin sheets; the touch of heat coming from the fireplace; the smell of scented candles mixed with Tina’s perfume having an immediate effect on her; the caress of Tina’s hands holding hers making her feel safe and vulnerable at the same time.

Her ears tuned in to her lover’s breathing and the sound of soft instrumental music playing in the background; and finally her taste buds teased when Tina’s mouth landed on hers and her tongue gently parted her lips for a sensuously soft kiss.

“Do you trust me babe?” Tina whispered while kissing the love of her life.

“I trust you with my life T.” Bette answered

“Do you trust me with your heart Bette?” Tina asked, wanting more reassurance that Bette truly understood what was being asked of her.

When Bette and Tina returned to the condo Tina insisted that Bette use the guest bedroom and bath to ready herself while Tina dressed in the master. Even though the nightlife on Catalina Island was largely casual in terms of attire and venues Tina wanted them to dress up for their date.
Bette didn’t know any of the details for the evening except that Tina would pick her up at 6:45p at the guest bedroom door. Tina was adamant that Bette couldn’t come out of the room until she heard a knock. Bette couldn’t help but smile at the beautiful blonde who’d taken control of her heart. She lovingly gave up all power and indulged Tina’s wishes but only after she grabbed her and kissed her longingly before they parted.

Bette took great care in dressing for her lady that evening. She selected a black lace convertible bra and moved the straps to accommodate the short sleeved scooped back black cocktail dress that fell just above the knee. She wore matching thong panties, black lace garter belt and silk stockings. Her skin was already silky smooth from the massage treatments and bubble bath so she had only to perfume those intimate areas and put on light makeup.

Bette wore her hair down in natural curls with a pair of dangling earrings. Finishing the look with black high heeled pumps, she checked herself out in the full length mirror. She looked absolutely gorgeous at any age but considering she was almost forty she was indeed a vision to behold. The mocha beauty finished dressing with a few minutes to spare before Tina came knocking. She took the time to send a text message.

“T just wanted to say I love you. I can’t wait for us to be together tonight.”

Tina was just finishing up when she heard her phone vibrate. She smiled when she saw the message was from Bette. She replied.

“B I love you too. Tonight I will show you just how much.”

***

Tina knocked on the guest bedroom door at 6:45p sharp dressed in a form fitting ¾ sleeve off the shoulder red cocktail dress. Her hair had grown to shoulder length but she knew Bette preferred it off her neck so she wore it in a side bun with curly tendrils hanging down. She completed the outfit with a diamond and ruby solitaire necklace and matching earrings. Underneath she wore a strapless red lace bra with matching thong panties and thigh high sheer silk stockings that accentuated her runner’s legs beautifully. The hazel eyed beauty selected high heeled red peep toe pumps with black trim to finish off the look.

Bette and Tina returned the bike to the rental place and walked a few blocks to a quaint little beachfront café to have a light lunch. Once they’d ordered and the food was served Tina continued the conversation they’d started earlier. She was intrigued as to what Bette had in mind for them.

“So tell me, what’s this thing that you’ve wanted to do since med school?”

“You know I decided I wanted to be a doctor when I was just a kid. As I grew older I became even more fascinated with the idea. When I turned 13 my mother helped me to become a Candy Striper hospital volunteer. I worked in various hospitals every summer until I was 17. My last summer before I graduated high school was spent volunteering at a Burn Unit and it was there that I saw the amazing work being done by Plastic Surgeons.”

“Is that when you decided to become one?”

“Yeah … when I saw some of the plastic surgery procedures I was literally blown away by what those doctors did to reconstruct the injuries and deformities. I always thought the best reason to become a doctor was to save lives but what I experienced that summer was doctors transforming lives. We had some patients that came in with relatively minor burn injuries and others that were so severe that it took years of reconstructive, aesthetic and cosmetic surgeries, but regardless of the severity they all had one thing in common. The work being done by the Plastic Surgeons was restorative. People were being made to feel whole again not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. I made up my mind then and there that Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery was the field for me but I’m also trained in General Surgery.”

“I didn’t know that. How long did it take you to complete your studies?”

“I attended Yale University’s combined undergraduate and medical school program so I accelerated two years then did six years of internship and residency. I was fortunate enough to have a very lucrative career at the hospital here in Los Angeles and a few years later I was afforded the opportunity to go into private practice and now to operate the Porter Clinic on Tahaa.”