The night was wearing down. And bit by bit the crowd started to diminish. Tina had gone to the ladies room with Alice and Dana. Meanwhile, James offered Bette another drink.

“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” she said. “Two is plenty,” then tilted her head and gave him a motherly grin.

Kit announced, “I should be going soon.”

“Oh really? Bette said, sounding unhappy.

“Yeah, Baby Girl”, Kit said, “it’s late and I have to get up early.”

“Thank you so much for being here,” Bette said to her sister.

“Oh, Sweetie, you’re welcome. Anytime.” They hugged and kissed each other. “Say good night to Tina and the girls.”

“I will,” Bette promised.

Bette stood with James a few minutes and then excused herself. She walked towards the front lobby to find Tina. Several people stopped her along the way to say good night. She smiled happily and thanked them for coming.

As Bette stepped through the crowd, she noticed a woman, a woman who caught her eye. Bette got closer to her, she just had to see more. And from afar she watched this woman of beauty. Her hair, long blonde, glistened with red in the spotlight. The long cream colored gown she wore fit tight against her body as it accentuated each curve. Pure essence of inner and outer beauty she was. Dark brown eyes filled with comfort and grace, sparkled each time she smiled. A rare creature, full of compassion and dignity. Bette took in a deep breath, and recalled how this woman had the same effect on her, all those years ago. And as she stood there admiring Tina from a distance, their eyes met. Tina’s gaze rested in Bette’s eyes. In that moment, Tina was lost inside the love she felt for Bette. She could feel the stir of want start to churn inside her. She ached for Bette, to hold her, kiss her, to make love to her. Her body trembled a bit and she had to look away.

Bette was sure, without any doubts, she was going to win back the trust of the woman she loved. Somehow, Tina would have to realize that she was truly sorry for what she had done. She had paid in full, with her own broken heart.