“Thanks,” Tina said, feeling dizzy and disoriented and completely at ease, all at once.

“If this is how you thank me, I hope you lose both next time,” Bette said.

Tina looked away, suddenly shy. I should go.

Wait, Bette said, reaching out to put her hand on Tinas arm.

Neither of them moved. After several moments, Tina looked into Bettes face again.

Dont you have to get back to work?

I couldnt get back to work right now if my life depended on it.”

Look, Tina swallowed hard. I didntI..

Is this what you expected, Tina?

Im not sure what I expected, Tina replied softly.

Is this what you wanted? There was an intensity in Bettes eyes that made Tinas breath catch in her throat.

I wanted to see you again.

And now that you have?

Now I know Im not imagining things, Tina whispered.

You are most definitely not imagining things.

I think I need a drink, Tina said, finally smiling. Tentatively, at first, but then with more certainty.

I know the perfect place, Bette said.

They sat across from each other at a table for two, the untouched glasses of red wine the only thing separating them. The late afternoon light cast the nearly-empty restaurant in ambers hues, and Bette noticed the way the sun teased out a hundred shades of red and gold in Tinas hair.

What are you looking at? Tina asked, playing with the stem of her glass.

Your hair.

Did I lose something in it? Tina arched her eyebrows skeptically.

Bette brushed her fingers through the long, wavy strands. No. Nothing like that.

Tina smiled nervously and took a sip of her wine, looking around to see if anyone was watching them.

Im sorry, Bette said, sitting back. Did I make you uncomfortable?

I feel veryconspicuous.

You are. But you must be used to that by now.”

I cant believe Im doing this, Tina said, half to herself.

What? What are you doing?

Sitting herewith you.

Is there something wrong with two friends getting together for drinks? Bette crossed her arms over her chest, a smile spreading slowly across her face.

I dont kiss my friends, Tina said.

So you dont want to be friends?

Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe

Bette put her hand on top of Tinas, suddenly serious. Tina. This wasnt a bad idea. IveI havent stopped thinking about you since I met you at the reception.

Tina exhaled slowly and relaxed a bit in her chair. Is that why we got the dinner invitation?

I needed to make sure that I

Wasnt imagining things? Tina finished.

Yes.

Bette. Im not Ive never been with a woman before. I dont Tina shrugged wordlessly. Im not in a position to promise you anything or

Wait a minute. Slow down. Right now all were having is a pleasant conversation. You dont have to promise me anything, okay? You dont even have to be sure about anything. All you have to be is honest. Fair enough?

Tina nodded and took another sip.

Why don’t you tell me about you and Eric?

They talked about relationships and dating; about their families and careers. Gradually, the restaurant began to fill up around them, and they leaned in closer to be heard above the dinner conversations and clinking of silverware.

What time is it? Tina asked.

7:20.

Weve been here three hours?

Are you supposed to be somewhere?

No. Im a little surprised, thats all. It feels like we just sat down.

Bette traced a light fingertip along the back of Tinas hand. Now what?

IumI would like to see you again, Tina said, watching the movement of Bettes finger on her skin. If you want to.

Yes. I want to.

Good, Tina breathed, grinning.