I didnt get enough sleep last night. ***** I think I didnt get any sleep at all. What is wrong with me? And why couldnt I stop thinking about Tina? Shes not even *****! I woke up from my sleep feeling groggy and forced myself to take a long hot shower. The water felt so good on my skin. I closed my eyes feeling every drop of water fall on my bare skin. And then it happened again. She was all I could see, smiling in front of me. I shook my head and opened my eyes. My God. What is happening to me?

I turned the shower off and walked out to find myself standing in front of the mirror. For someone who lacks sleep, I look pretty damn good. Maybe I could find a way to see Tina. No. Thats just so wrong. She is in a relationship and Im not one to, ***** who am I kidding? Ive slept with a lot of women in my life and I never cared if they were in a relationship. What makes me want to change now? Tina. Thats what. ***** what is wrong with me? Why am I having these feelings for her? I gotta get dressed.

I drove to my gallery listening to my favourite radio station and tada; theyre playing one of my favourites.

Sometimes I stare at the bed
Knowing that no one’s there
Something is telling me
That you feel the way I do
I dream of you all the time
Wishing that you were mine
I’m feeling so empty
Hoping you’ll think of me
I need ya here tonight

I imagine myself in bed with Tina; her holding me and my arms wrapped around her. I smiled and slapped my forehead. I do have it bad! I really have to concentrate on work today. I stopped over at Starbucks to get my morning coffee.

Alice: Well, well if it isnt Miss Porter. Morning Bette.

Bette: Hey guys.

Shane: Hey Bette hows it going?

Dana: Hey you feeling ok now?

Bette: Never better!

Alice: So Bette. You know you can give up right?

Bette: Who says Im giving up?

Dana: Whoa! You really are going through with this Bette?

Bette: Yeah why not? Its a challenge right?

Shane: Well, good luck. Im off to work. Bye guys. See you tonight at Riff?

Shane was out the door before anyone could reply.

Alice: You sure about this Bette?

I just paid for my coffee and didnt feel like talking especially if Alice kept doubting me about what I could do. I mean, I dont know if I could pull it off but I know I probably should try. Besides, I couldnt get her off my mind.

Bette: Well see you guys. I got my coffee. And I wont be able to go to Riff tonight alright?

Alice will always be Alice. I left before I could hear her response. I didnt feel like going out tonight, especially when I couldnt concentrate on anything but Tina. All the way to the gallery, I wondered what I could do today to get her off my mind. But I just couldnt find anything that could make this feeling stop. Its not like me to fall for someone so fast. In fact, I couldnt remember if I ever fell for anyone!

As soon as I got to the gallery, I cancelled all my meetings. I sat behind my desk wondering what I should do. I looked inside my bag and found the earring Tina left last night. Now what should I do. I checked my contacts on my computer and dialled Erics number.

Assistant: Mr Broads office. Lindsay speaking how may I help?

Bette: Hi Linds, er is it ok if I call you that? Well its Miss Porter here again. You can call me Bette. I was wondering if Eric is available. I kinda need to speak to him?

Lindsay: Er yeah sure no problem. Hold the line please Bette.

She sounded so sweet. Shes probably in her mid twenties. Someone I could date perhaps? God Porter do you have any self control!

Bette: *****!

Eric: Er Bette? Is something wrong?

Bette: Oh no no sorry I was just er well. The reason I was calling is that your date, Tina, last night dropped her earring and I was wondering if you or her could come and pick it up anytime today?

Eric: Oh I see yeah. Thank you for that Bette. Yeah my girlfriend Tina. Ill come by lunch time if thats ok?

I was so disappointed to hear that he was coming. Dont get me wrong, Eric had made money for my gallery. But I just wanted to see Tina today. Through gritted teeth I said;

Bette: Thats great. Ill see you then.

My plan didnt work! I was so upset. Now I didnt know what else to do at the gallery. Disappointed, I called Alice.

Alice: So Bette? Why arent you coming to Riff later?

Bette: Hello would be nice.

Alice: Yeah yeah. So why arent you?

Bette: Im just calling to tell you were on for tonight ok? So, bye!

I hung up and laughed. I could imagine the look on Alices face. So Ill count to three, shell probably call me back. One, twoAhh..

Alice: Nice one Bette!

Bette: Hey two seconds this time!

Alice: Bye Bette!

And with that she hung up. I heard a knock on my door and saw it was my assistant.

Jason: Miss Porter, someone is here to see you. Its a Miss Tina Kennard. I know you cancelled all your meetings

Bette: Who is it did you say?

Jason: It’s Miss Tina Kennard. You asked her to come over?

Bette: Oh ok. Let her in. And Jason, please stop calling me Miss Porter. Thanks.

Tina is here, Tina is here, Tina is here! I was so excited. I straightened my top and tried to look my most presentable. The moment she enetered my room, my heart just stopped beating. Shes as beautiful as I remembered. And her smile, that smile! I flashed her my signature smile.

Bette: Hello Tina. What a lovely surprise!

She smiled at me; the smile that made my heart flutter. I tried to stay cool.

Bette: I called Eric and asked if he could come by and pick up the earring.

Still she smiled. This was odd. I wondered if she was ok. The only thing she did was smile. She just stood and stared blankly at me.

Bette: Are you ok? Do you want anything to drink?

She finally said something.

Tina: Uhm No thanks. Im fine. Eric has meetings all day so I thought Id come by. Besides it is MY earring that was left here

I looked at her wanting to touch her. But I restrained myself. She isnt mine and I could see form the look in her eyes she loves someone else. But what was that I see? A flicker of hope, that she might actually feel the same way? She then bowed her head not wanting to look at me. So I moved closer.

Bette: I couldve sworn I watched you put this back on.

She laughed. That laugh is just as sweet as her smile. My heart melts. I walked closer to give her the earring. She didnt move an inch. I couldnt take it any longer. I had to have her. I need to feel her. I slowly made my move trying to be as cool as I could although I could feel my knees wanting to give up. As I got too close, there was no turning back. I leaned my head to her and kissed her lips; her beautiful lips.

I could feel electricity run down my back. The chemistry was so strong I felt I mustve done something right. She just stood there and to my surprise, she kissed me back! TINA KISSED ME BACK!!! I was over the moon. I didnt want to end it but I also didnt want to freak her out. So I broke the kiss feeling the lingering effect it still has on me. I watched her smile her mesmerizing smile. She took the earring from my hand.

Tina: Thank you Bette, for the earring. Ill see you

She was out the door before I could collect myself to properly say anything. I was stuck to where Ive been standing for what seemed like forever. I touched my lips and could still taste her in my mouth. I smiled to myself. Ive just never felt this before, it is very unfamiliar. Im so loving this feeling and I cant wait to see her again. Well meet again, Tina. Youll see