Tina’s brow raised when Jody entered the room….and behind her, was Bette. Her hair was a mass of disarranged curls, her body outlined in a form fitting black dress.

Angie was right, Bette was absolutely stunning. She drew attention where ever she went. Tina was amazed how often she was bombarded with questions from women about Bette, most of them married . Now that they were separated, who she was seeing,was she in a serious relationship, were they getting back together? and endless variation of those questions, none of which she could answer. What could she tell them?, to back off?, that Bette belonged to her? She had no answer for herself.

Earlier in the breakup ,Bette had tried everything possible to win Tina back, but Tina was too hurt to ever consider taking her back. Then Bette had lost interest and they had watched each other move from one relationship to another. None of Bette’s flings had lasted any time____until Jody. Tina told herself not to moon over Bette, not to make much of her attention these past weeks._____Bette had never been one to control her jealousy, and Tina was convinced that Bette was showing interest in her now only because of Helena. ____but as soon as that thought registered in her head , a memory would surface , that of a loving, gentle woman, caressing her and making love to her and Tina knew that Bette hadn’t been acting out of jealousy.

She couldn’t get Bette out of her mind. And seeing her here tonight with Jody was killing her.

she told herself sternly. You need to find your date. And with that she went looking for Helena. She only hoped that Bette would behave herself tonight, when she saw Tina with Helena.

But she needn’t have worried, Bette was a perfect lady. She was very attentive to Jody throughout the long dinner. A fact which made Tina’s stomach knot. Tina tried not to look at her and told herself that Bette was no longer hers. She shouldn’t have been surprised, Bette had always loved companionship and sooner or later, Bette would have found someone who was committed to her.