All of a sudden Tina gasps. “I forgot about work!  I’ve got to call Katie and let her know I won’t be in today.  Oh God she’s going to kill me.”  As Tina is getting out of bed, Bette grabs her.  “Babe relax.  I called Katie this morning and she’s going to cover for you. I took care of it.”   “See this is what I mean.  You take care of my needs before I can say anything.  A girl could get use to this!” said Tina lovingly.

“Now Ms. Tina Kennard how would you like to have a romantic lunch at the beach with YOUR Hot Babe today?”  Bette says in a sexy voice. “Really?” Tina says as she’s bouncing on the bed.  “I’d love to.”  Bette says, “Okay then, lets get moving Ms. Kennard.”  Bette pulls Tina off the bed and they head for the shower.  Tina reminds Bette,  “Remember no hanky-panky in the shower.”  Bette retorts, “Who made you the shower monitor?”  They both laugh. 

***

GLADWELL’S AT THE BEACH

 Bette has the top down on the Saab; she has KWSC on the radio.  They’re listening to classical music as they make their way to Gladwell’s. Tina has her hand out the window, so she can catch the breeze in her fingers as they drive along.  It’s a beautiful afternoon at the beach.  It’s 78 degrees with a refreshing breeze rustling through the palm trees that line the Pacific Coast Highway.  The sun is out and the seagulls are squawking as they skim over the surface of the ocean looking for their lunch.  A couple of surfer’s are in the water waiting patiently for that ‘perfect wave.’

When they arrive at Gladwell’s, Tina said she would like to walk along the beach a little bit before they have lunch.  Bette and Tina take their sandals off.  They walk along the sand in front of the restaurant in silence, as they enjoy their private thoughts.  After a few minutes of walking, Tina grabs Bette around her waist and arms, almost like a bear hug and says, “I can’t wait until I can take care of you, and love you, and be your partner.”  Bette questions,  “But how can you be so sure of yourself that you want to be my partner? Don’t you have to take time and think about it?   Tina replies.  “Bette when you kissed me that first time it was magical.  I know that sounds corny, but it felt like I was home.  It felt right.  Bette I think your problem is you think too much!  Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct, and go with the flow. You have to loosen up and have fun and not worry so much.”   “But Tina aren’t you scared?” Bette asked.  “Well yeah, but it’s a good scared.  I’m scared of the unknown, but not of us being together, that’s one thing I’m sure of.  Babe it’s all right to be scared, just don’t let it get in the way of you living your life.”  Tina said matter-of-factly.

Bette looks at Tina in amazement.  Bette’s thinking to herself, ‘Tina is so confident when it comes to us.  How can she know already what she wants?  It’s only been a month?  She sounds like she’s ready to make a commitment to me too.  How does she do that?  I wish she could teach me how to be free with my thoughts and act upon them.’  Tina sees in Bette’s soulful eyes the confusion and doubt that she feels. Tina continues, “Bette in business you’re a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with.  Yet in your personal life you’re a scared little girl, quite the dichotomy. Bette to bad you can’t take your business acumen and apply it to your personal life. The little I know about you, it sounds like your mother’s abandonment had a profound effect on you, and it seems to be surfacing now as you contemplate a relationship with me.  You know what might be helpful is a therapist.  Alice was telling me about her ‘best of’ list for LA Magazine.  I think she mentioned Dan somebody, a Therapist to the stars.  You’re a biggie in the art world, maybe he’ll take you as a patient?”  Bette says, “I don’t know. I guess tomorrow I’ll talk to Alice about it.  Okay?  Does that make you happy Tina?”   Tina replies. “Babe I just want you to be happy.”

As they’re driving home Tina calls Alice on her cell phone.  “Hi Al, it’s Tina.  Listen I know we were suppose to go shopping after work, but I have some free time now.  Can you get away? ……. Alice how could you say such a thing?  I did not call in sick today to stay in bed with Bette.  Please!  ….  Okay it true.  I’m busted.  Okay, Okay.  You were right.  You win.  Yes Bette and I couldn’t wait until Friday!”  Bette looks over at Tina and starts to laugh and says.  “Babe, it’s just beginning.  We’re never going to hear the end of it!!!”   Tina just rolls her eyes.