They had the nights of ‘endless pleasure’ as Tina called them when they were lying in bed, kissing fervently and touching each other with abandon but keeping their hands above the waist. As soon as Tina was trying to initiate anything more intimate, she noticed right away how rigid and tense Bette was getting. Tina’s love for Bette was growing exponentially every day but she didn’t want to push and force anything that would make Bette build more walls around her heart.

That’s why Tina welcomed Alice’s idea. The perspective of an evening of relaxation, dancing and drinking with her closest friends was something she had missed during the last few months.

“SheBar, my friend, is the ultimate place for fun, good company, mind blowing drinks and hot action on the dance floor,” Alice said dreamily.

“The only hot action you’re gonna get is my ass grinding into you,” Dana slurred drunkenly.

“Wow, babe,” Alice laughed, “That’s supposed to be my line.”

“I guess when I’m drunk I’m turning into you…I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse,” Dana laughed back.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Bette said excitedly, “As much as I hated most of the balls thrown by my mother or one of our neighbors, after such an intense month it seems like we need a relaxing evening of socializing and mingling. And I’m sure Tina would be more than happy to get away from my books and movies and even from my company,” she finished, winking at Tina and smiling.

“Books and movies maybe…your company…never,” Tina winked back.

Bette produced such a charming, innocent smile that no matter what mood Tina was in or how tired or upset she was, that smile always warmed her heart and took away any negative thoughts or feelings.

Tina didn’t know if Bette was aware of the affect her smile had on her. If she was, then she was one hell of an actress to use that smile and still appear innocent and sincere.

“Okay then,” Tina exclaimed, “We’d love to go. I think it will be fun.”

The rest of the evening the girls continued their chat, trying to catch up with everything that was going on with them for the past month. It was well after midnight when everybody was ready to go home.

Kit didn’t drink and she volunteered to take home Alice and Dana, who were both almost in a comatose condition. Shane and Carmen just walked home and after hugs and kisses the gang left and Bette and Tina were finally alone.

Bette stood in front of the mirror in their bathroom, getting ready for bed. She looked at her reflection and said softly, “I love you, Tina, I love you with all my heart…Tee, guess what, I love you, I know it now…Tina, darling…eww, I sound like Helena…Tina, I love you more than I could possibly love anybody else. You are my love, my life, my everything. I want to be with you forever and beyond…okay, breathe, breathe…” Bette took several deep breaths and washed her blushing face.

She looked in a mirror one more time and whispered again to her reflection, “Friday night after SheBar will be the day that my life will change forever.”

She turned the lights off, went back to the bedroom and joint Tina who was already in bed, reading a book. Tina immediately put the book away and said, snuggling closer to Bette, “That was some week…”

“That was some month,” Bette replied, inhaling Tina’s scent and kissing her gently on her lips. They held each other close, both immersed deeply in their thoughts.

‘I love you, Bette. I know you care about me, but do you love me?’ Tina thought, closing her eyes and caressing Bette’s hair.

‘I love you, Tina Kennard,’ Bette thought, pulling Tina to her even closer. ‘Why can’t I just say it? What is wrong with me? Tomorrow night, baby…tomorrow night.’

TBC…