Bette arrived at the gallery a quarter after 11; she had entered through the back door so Bette wasnt aware that Bryan was waiting for her in the front lobby. After Bette had settled comfortably in her office she decided to call Tina and see how her day was going.

Tina had left Bettes apartment around 8 oclock this morning telling Bette that she had to run home to pack up a few things. Tina knew Bryan is usually at the office by 8, so her timing was perfect. Bette and Tina had shared another lingering kiss this morning and Bette knew in her heart that Tina had captured her.

Bette called Tina and told her that she had missed her already, Tina reassured Bette that they would see each other later in the day, Tina had also agree to stay at Bettes apartment again tonight, which made Bette feel like a little schoolgirl in a candy store.

After hanging up the phone with Tina Bette decided she better make rounds to greet her customers. Bette was in a good mood as she made her way out of the office. Bette stopped by James desk first to check her messages.

Bette: Hi James, do I have any messages?

James: (looked up from his computer) There you are. Yeah, you do, and theres a Mr. Bryan Landers waiting for you in the lobby.

Bette: Oh ***** (Bettes facial expression suddenly changed into the look of frustration). What does he want, do you know?

James: (shrugged) not sure, I know its not about a painting that he had purchased. He mentioned something about a personal matter.

Bette: (lets out a deep sigh) Thanks James.

James: Bette, is there something that I can do for you?

Bette: Yeah, could you make him disappear in thin air?

Bette then turned and walked toward the lobby leaving James curious as to what was going on.

From afar Bryan noticed a beautiful woman in a power suit walking towards him, as the tall stature woman got closer, Bryan immediately recognized that it was the stunning Ms. Bette Porter. Bryan quickly stood up from his chair to greet Bette.

Bette: (fake smile) Hi Mr. Landers, what can I do for you today?

Bryan: (smiling back) Please Bette cut the formality *****. Call me Bryan. Did you get my message by any chance?

Bette: No, I just got here.

Bryan: I see, well, theres a reason for me being here, and dont worry, Im not asking you out again (smirking). Could we talk in private Bette?

Bette: May I ask what this is about?

Bryan: (sighing) If you must know, its about Tina. My girlfriend, the person that you dont seem to remember? (Bryan said sarcastically)

Bette was beginning to feel a bit nauseous at the thought of what Bryan might know between her and Tina. Bette hated confrontations when it comes to her personal affairs, especially if it involved a former ex of her love interest.

Bette: (staring at Bryan for a brief moment to see if she can read him) Follow me.

Bette led Bryan back into her office and motioned for him to sit, but he declined, so Bette leaned back against her desk with her arms crossed as she waits for Bryan to speak.

Bryan: Bette, I know that you and Tina know each other, so lets not play any mind games okay? And I dont care if you guys have become friends. Im just worried about her Bette; she didnt come home last night and didnt come in to work this morning. Do you have any idea where shes at?

Bette: Bryan, if Tina wanted you to know where shes at, dont you think she would of call you by now? And besides, what do I care if you care or dont care if we are friends, thats none of your business.

Bryan: Bette, no offense, but Tina is my girlfriend, weve been together for over a year, and it is my business with whom she hangs out with, whether you like it or not.

Bette: Well, if she is your girlfriend then why are you here asking me her whereabouts? Why dont you just call her and ask?

Bryan: I have! All I get was her damn voice mail! I need to see her Bette so we can talk and get back on with our lives. Cant you understand that?

Bette: Tina must of not feel the same way about you. Shes obviously avoiding you.

Bryan: (looking at Bette in astonishment) I love Tina and she loves me! Nothing is going to stand between us! We got into one little argument and thats not a good enough reason to break up with someone! Its not going to happen with me and Tina, and Ill see to that. Couples fight, thats part of life!

Bette: You cant force someone to love you, ya know. Tina deserves to be happy.

Bryan: Are you judging me Bette? And when did you become such an expert in our relationship!?!?

Bette: It sounds like youre still in denial. If I remember correctly, Tina had broken up with you, so why are you still referring to her as your girlfriend?

Bryan: (getting angry) because she is dammit! And why are you so interested in our relationship all of a sudden? Do you have the hots for my girlfriend? Well, just in case if you do (Bryan then lets out a sarcastic whisper toward Bette) youre not her type.

Bette shook her head in amazement then lets out a soft laugh at Bryans idiotic conclusion.

Bette: (sarcastically) my, what confidence that you have in yourself. How can any woman resist that trait?

Bryan: Cut the bullshit Bette! Wheres Tina? I know that you know where she is.

Before Bette could answer, the sliding door to her office slid open. Tina was going to surprise Bette by asking her out on a lunch date for she, too, misses Bette badly. Tina knew she has fallen for Bette because of the butterflies that she would get in her stomach at just the thought of being near or seeing Bette.

Bette and Bryan didnt realize that Tina has been standing outside of Bettes office listening to their whole conversation. Tina thought she better interfere before Bryans temper escalates and that someone may end up getting hurt. She be damned if she was going to let Bryan hurt Bette.

Bette and Bryan turned to look in Tinas direction. Both had a stunned look on their faces as they stared at their beautiful blonde, tan angel who was standing by the door. Bryan quickly ran up to Tina and wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug, Tina didnt return the hug, instead, she locked eyes with Bette who was still standing with her back leaning against the desk with her arms crossed.

Tina pushed Bryan away as she ran up to Bette and wrapped her arms around Bette in a tight hug; Bette slid her arms around Tinas waist and pulled her closer. Tina then slightly pulled back to give Bette a quick kiss on the lips as her forehead rested against Bettes. Both women gazing at each other intently not caring if Bryan was staring at them. Bryan stood there with his jaw dropped as he watched the interaction between the two women in horror.

Bryan: (shocked) No ***** way.

Tina: (turned around to look at Bryan) Yes ***** way. You heard Bette Bryan, why are you still referring to me as your girlfriend? You are obviously still in denial.

Bryan: This is unbelievable!! (shaking his head in amazement) Tina baby, can we talk in private for a minute?

Tina: No, thats not necessary. Whatever you have to tell me, you can tell me in front of Bette.

Bette then slid her arms around Tinas waist from behind and rested her chin on Tinas shoulders. Bryan thought he was going to ***** in his pants just seeing how intimate these two women were around each other. Normally, it would arouse Bryan to see two beautiful women being together, but this is different, this is his girlfriend and hes at risk of losing her. Bryan would have never guess in a million years that his Tina would fall for a woman.

Bryan: Tina, babyyoure going through a phase and I can understand that. I know youre stressed from work and with us not spending as much time with each other as we should, a person can feel lonely. But please honey, lets work this out. Ill change, whatever you want me to do, and Ill do it! We have a future together! Come on babe, lets get out of here okay? (Bryan extend his hand toward Tina)

Tina: Bryan, you just dont get it do you? A phase? What the ***** are you talking about? I am a grown woman! Im not 12! And I know what I want! so stop treating me like I dont know ***** about life! As for our future, we dont have one! Its your ***** future, not mine!

Bryan: Fine! But Im warning you Tina Kennard; dont come running back to me if your so-called relationship doesnt work out.

Bette: Oh, Tina is for keeps. I be a fool if I let her get away from me. And Bryan? Tina is definitely my type (winking at Bryan).

Tina blushed and couldnt help but giggled. Bette then tilts her head to give Tina a quick peck on the cheek. Bryan didnt think it was funny, and he hated the thought of seeing Tina being so happy with Bette.

Bette: Well Bryan, if theres nothing else I can do for you, I ask that you leave my office.

Bryan: You ***** home wrecker! How could you do this to me?

Tina: Bette didnt wreck us! You did! Bryan, you need to do some soul searching and stop blaming the world for your problems. I know deep down, youre a good person.

Bryan: Then why dont you give us another chance?

Tina: (sighs) because Im not in love with you Bryan.

Bryan: Are you in love with Bette?

Tina hesitate for a minute before answering, she didnt want to hurt Bryan any further, but he was asking for it, and Tina thought that she should professed her love for Bette in front of Bryan, otherwise, Bryan would keep on pursuing her until she goes insane. And besides, she wanted Bette to know that she was serious about their relationship.

Tina: Yes, Im in love with Bette.

Bette was grinning from ear to ear as she leaned in to whisper Im in love with you too in Tinas ear.

Bryan: Well, I guess thats it huh?

Tina: Ill be by the house later in the week to pick up the rest of my things.

Bryan ignored Tinas comment and was cursing under his breath as he stormed out of Bettes office. Bryans heart was definitely broken, hes not used to being dumped like this, of all people, he was competing with a gorgeous gallery owner, who, in Bryans mind, could probably have any one that her heart desire, men or women. And she wound up wanting his girlfriend, Tina Kennard, how unfortunate was that for Bryan.

After Bryan had stormed out of Bettes office, Bette turned Tina around so they could face each other.

Bette: (teasingly) so, do you mind telling me why youre here Ms. Kennard?

Tina: (smiling sheepishly) Well, I came by to ask you out on a lunch date Ms. Porter.

Bette: Oh really.

Tina: So, will you go out with me?

Bette: (looked up at the ceiling as if she was thinking really hard) Hmmmlet me seeshould I stay here and eat lunch by myself or go out with a beautiful woman that Im in love with.

Tina swatted Bettes arm playfully and giggled. Bette reached over to pull Tina closer; Bette then leaned in to place a soft kiss on Tinas lips. Bette sucked on Tinas bottom lip asking for access to her mouth. Tina happily parted her lips at Bettes command and when she felt Bettes tongue touch her own, Tina softly moaned into Bettes mouth.

The kiss went on for a few minutes before it was interrupted by James.

James: (clearing his throat) Ummexcuse me Bette.

Bette: (pulled away from Tinas lips and breathing heavily) what is it James?

James: Mr. Bryan Landers is still hanging around the lobby. Should I call security?

Bette: (looking at Tina) should we?

Tina nodded yes, Bette instructed James to do just that. Bette then grabbed her purse and lead Tina out through the back door hand in hand where they could go to lunch in a peaceful environment.

Both women knew that they have a long road ahead of them and there will be many challenges and obstacles. But with love, commitment, and honesty, they could get through anything, and the important thing is that they have each other to hang onto.


THE END