Hank who had been following the discussion without speaking stepped into the breach. 

            “I agree with you Bette.  It is not an accident that dating customs often involve the giving of flowers.  Subliminally I think we all know it.  I would argue that they do not just reflect feminine sexuality but male sexuality as well. The pistons and all.”  He laughed and was joined by the others at the table.

            “They are definitely more female than male.”  Hannah the bubbly red head declared.  “The openness and scent pulls you in not the pistons.”  Hannah blushed as she realized how her statement could sound. 

            A jazz band started up and the dance floor that had been erected for the event quickly became crowded.

            “Would you like to dance?”  Bette asked Rosanna. 

            Rosanna allowed herself to be led to the floor and pulled into Bette’s confident embrace.  Bette led the dance and Rosanna was lost in the sensation as Bette subtly pressed against her or touched the small of her back to guide her.  When Bette placed her arms around Rosanna’s neck it was all she could do to remain standing.  She did not miss the look of satisfaction that flashed in Bette’s eyes as she assessed the impact her teasing had made.  Rosanna’s eyes reflected burning desire.  Bette couldn’t leave it at that she leaned in closer and whispered into Rosanna’s ear.

            ‘It’s important to take time to smell the flowers.”

            Rosanna began to tremble and was grateful for Bette’s strong arms as her whole body flushed with a need so great she momentarily lost her bearings. 

            Bette smoothly covered the state of her partners disarray.  She swayed with her gently until the trembling stopped.  As the set ended Bette guided Rosanna back to their seats.  Neither woman was aware that the energy radiating between the two of them had captured the attention of the crowd.

             Helena saw it and it caused her to quickly drink down the glass of champagne that she had been sipping.  God Bette was hot.  Poor Tina she thought. The sparks between Bette and Rosanna were flying.  Knowing both women though not intimately she could see that they could indeed make quite a match.  Damn they looked good together. Seeing Bette in action Helena realized why she could not compete with her over Tina or any other woman.  Damn it made her want to be the woman who Bette was lavishing attention on. 

            While Peggy had cut her off financially the Peabody Foundation was a supporter of the Botanical Gardens so she saw no reason to pass up the invitation to the viewing and dinner.  Poor Tina she thought again.  She still cared for the woman even though she was lost in hetero suburbia these days.  Helena had no doubt that Tina would be back and she would not be pleased to see Rosanna or any other woman with Bette.  As much as Tina played it down there was a possessiveness she had over Bette that few were foolish enough to challenge. 

            The more she watched Bette and Rosanna the more amused she became imagining how this might be the thing that brought Tina to her senses.  She would have to talk to Alice about it.