The cool morning air in the house rudely swept over Bettes naked body. She quickly tried to reach for her blanket, but noticed that she didnt have any. When she opened her eyes she realized she was on the couch and began to remember the prior nights events that led to her nakedness in the living room. Her last memory was snuggling with Layla, but she didnt feel a warm body beside her or on top of her, which was disappointing. She sat up hoping to see her in the kitchen or even on the floor, but it looked like she had disappeared. Bette looked at the clock on her DVD player- 8:49am. Where did she go?
Bette stood up and started making her way to the bathroom. She called out Layla, you here? No response. Layla, are you hiding from me, she said playfully. No response. She looked in the bathroom and she wasnt there. She made her way to her bedroom and grabbed her robe. Where the ***** is she? She turned and made her way to the kitchen. There was still no sign of Layla. Bette looked outside in the back yard and still didnt see her. Damn. When Bette turned and went back in the house she saw the letter sitting beside her answering machine. She walked over and picked it up.

Bette,

Last night was incredible. You were incredible. I cant tell you how good you made me feel. I hope I did the same for you. You were sleeping so soundly this morning, I couldnt bring myself to wake you to take me home. I called a cab so dont worry about me. The girls and I plan on going out again on Saturday night. I hope you will join us. Ill be leaving for San Diego Sunday night. I really want to see you again, but if not I understand. Remember, no attachments. If you want you can call me at Vees house. The number 555-7438. Hope to see you soon.

Layla

Bette smiled at the letter and sat it back down. She thought about last night and how wonderful it was and how she really felt like she was on cloud nine this morning. She smiled at her thoughts, Nothing like a massage, a new haircut, and some amazing ***** to get you back to feeling like a million bucks.

Her stomach grumbling brought her back to reality though. She thought back to the last time she ate. Well food that is, and it was yesterday afternoon. She went to the refrigerator and noticed there was absolutely nothing in there. It looks like a trip to The Planet is in order this morning, she thought. She looked at the clock on the kitchen wall and it was 8:55. It then dawned on her that it wasnt the weekend. It was Friday and from the looks of it she had 5 minutes to get showered and get to work. Not gonna happen. She picked up her phone and dialed the gallery. James always got there at 8:30.

Bette Porters office, James speaking, may I help you, he said cordially.

I can always count on you to be there early.

Yes maam. I always use this 30 minutes to prepare for you and your attitudes in the morning, James said playfully. Are you coming in this morning? Please say yes. Ive had to fight off Franklin for the last few days. I dont know how much longer I can keep him off your *****.

Dont you worry about my ***** James, Im a big girl. Tell Franklin Ill be in at 1:00. Im going to work from home this morning and Ill be in to take whatever I got coming to me.

Well thats better than not coming in at all. Ill let him know.

Thanks James, see you at 1:00.

Hey Bette?

Yeah?

You sound different this morning. I mean you sound better. Did something happen yesterday?

Bette smiled knowing that inside she was better and that she had possibly turned the corner, and for James to hear it in her voice was even better.

I had to come face to face with a few things yesterday, and I had a good night. All in all, I am doing better James. Thanks for asking.

Im happy for you Bette. Talk to you later.

Okay, bye James.

Bye.

>>

After a long hot shower she threw on some jeans that hugged her ***** nicely, a t-shirt and grabbed some proofs she needed to look over before going in to work today. On the way over to The Planet, she couldnt help but think about Layla. First how beautiful and soft she was, but also how understanding she was about her feelings for Tina. It made her feel good that Layla didnt want anything from her and didnt expect anything of her. It was refreshing to say the least. She could end up being a very good friend Bette thought.

When she walked into The Planet there werent that many people in there. Just a few scattered about at different tables, but she pretty much had her pick of where to sit. She decided to sit at the table her and the girls would normally share. Bette knew she needed to call Alice, Shane, and Dana. She knew they were probably going to be real upset that she had basically cut them off a few months ago. She prayed that they would understand that she had to get herself together first before she could even think about being a good friend to them. Ill go ahead and call Alice this evening and get it over with. First Franklin is going to tear into me, and then Alice. This is going to be an *****-chewing day for you Bette Porter. She laid her things on the table and went over to the counter. Nobody was there so she rang the bell that was sitting on the counter.

Okay, Okay. Be right there, the voice said in an accent Bette was so used to hearing.

Marina came around the corner and stopped in her tracks.

Bette?

Yeah its me. I dont look that different do I?

No, no. You look beautiful, Marina said with a smile growing on her face.

Marina came around the counter and hugged Bette.

Where have you been? Its been at least a month since Ive seen you. Let me think, the last time I saw you, you came in here, and then left when Tina came. Her voice trailed off remembering the day Tina came into the Planet with Carlie and Bette came in after them with tears running down her face. Im sorry Bette.

Dont be sorry Marina. Everything is okay now. I had to face a few demons, but Ive come out a better person. Thats why you havent seen me in so long. I had to, you know, fix myself up.

Well you look excellent. And look at your hair, you cut it. And the highlights are magnificent. They really go well with your complexion, Marina said playing in Bettes hair.

Thank you Marina. Now I would love to stand here and chit-chat but I am starving. Can you help me out?

Yes, sure. Im sorry. Im just so happy to see you. What would you like?

Give me 2 raisin bagels and a bowl of fruit salad. And of course, my vanilla latte. Im sitting over there at that table. She pointed over to her usual spot and Marina glanced over her shoulder. Marina turned back and smiled at Bette. She knew Bette was back.

Okay. Ill have it for you in a few minutes.

Thanks.

Bette went back over to the table and started spreading out proofs over the table. She had a lot of work to get caught up on, but she wasnt overly pressed about it. She had planned on doing all she could today, and then maybe work some over the weekend if she felt like it. As of now she didnt have any other plans, so she might as well do some work. Then it hit her. Layla, Saturday night, the club. I might just take Ms. Layla up on her offer to join her and the girls at the club tomorrow. Maybe Alice, Dana, and Shane will want to go, Bette wondered. The thought made Bette smile. She could hang out with all her old friends and get to know a new friend a little bit better. Sounds like a plan to me Porter, she thought to herself. She went back to eyeing her proofs through her magnifying glass and didnt even look up when she heard someone tap on her table.

Marina, just slide the proofs out of the way and sit the plate anywhere. Ill get to it in a second.

Well I dont have a plate to sit down, the voice replied.

Bette knew that voice. Oh how she loved that voice. She slowly raised her head up. She didnt want to make any sudden movements to run her off.

Tina..hey.

Hey yourself, stranger, Tina said with a smirk on her face.

Its great to see you. You look nice. Bette wasnt as nervous as she thought she wouldve been around Tina, even though it had been a while since she had seen her.

Thank you and you look nice also. Your hair really looks great too. It suits you. Tina could see something else was different about Bette. The way she looked at her wasnt the same. The last few times she saw Bette her eyes were so heavy. They always looked like a gallon of tears were just sitting in the corners ready to fall and make a puddle at her feet. But not now. Her eyes looked clear and she remembered how she could get lost in them with just one look. Something familiar was in her eyes. Like she had reclaimed something she had lost long ago.

Are you okay Tina, Bette asked noticing that Tina was just staring at her. My hair isnt that drastic of a change is it?

No, its just.Well you look. Tina stammered trying to think of the right words to say and trying to shake off her last thoughts.

You dont have to say anything Tina. I understand. Bette knew Tina was seeing a difference in her. No longer was she crying and begging at her feet. She just wanted to talk as friends. Just get to know each other again with no expectations.

Would you like to join me? I have an extra seat, Bette said patting the chair next to her.

Are you sure? You look like you are really busy.

Im never too busy for you Tina, Bette said sliding the chair out for Tina to sit down. She started gathering up the proofs she had spread out so she could make room for Tina. Right when Tina sat down, Marina came over with Bettes food. She smiled at them both.

Hello Tina, how are you?

Im great thanks.

Marina sat Bettes plate and bowl of fruit in front of her There you go maam. Would you like anything else?

No this is fine, thanks.

And for you Tina, what would you like?

Well what Bette has looks good, but Ill take my regular.

Bette spoke A croissant and a double espresso for the lady.

Tina just smiled Thats correct.

Be back in a second, Marina said turning and walking away.

Bette crossed her hands and fiddled with her fingers for a second then looked at Tina. She really didnt want to feel this awkwardness between the two so she just decided to cut right through the bullshit.

How are you and Carlie?

Bette, dont.

Dont what? Im asking a question. I dont mean anything by it. I really want to know how things are working between you two. Im serious T. Im not trying to start something. We are friends remember, and friends should be able to talk about things like this.

Tina could see that Bette wasnt trying to start an argument. She was really making an effort to start over with her.

Were fine. Actually everything is going great. We get along real well. She is just so laid back and we have a lot of fun.

Thats a change from me, huh. I could be a real stiff sometimes.

I didnt mean it like that Bette. I was just saying that.

Bette interjected T, I know what you meant. I didnt take it the wrong way. She took Tina by the hand. I need you to do something for me Tina. I need you to relax. I dont want you to feel like youre on pins and needles every time you say something. I am not going to break you know.

Tina looked at Bette. She thought to herself Okay, where did they hide the real Bette? My Bette? This is not the person, I knew. Shes telling me to relax.

Bette, Im trying. This is just so new to me.

I know its weird for me too. Its hard for me to talk about you and someone else knowing that I still love you, but you have made a decision and Im going to respect it. So are you going to relax for me?

Yeah, I will.

Marina came over and sat Tinas food and espresso in front of her. She didnt stay when she saw Bette was holding Tinas hand.

Thanks, Marina, Tina said to Marinas back.

No problem.

Bette let go of Tinas hand and started to butter her bagels and Tina did the same to her croissant.

Now where were we? Bette said breaking the silence. Oh yeah, Carlie. Do you love her? Bette asked without flinching.

Tina bucked her eyes open surprised at Bettes straightforwardness, but decided to go with the flow. Well, I feel so comfortable with her. She makes me feel safe, and I feel like we are complete equals in our relationship. Its nice.

Tina?

Yeah?

I didnt ask you if you were comfortable, I asked you if you loved her, Bette said with a slight smirk. She knew Tina was trying to dodge the answer to that question. She didnt say anything else she just stared at her.

Well weve only been together like 3 , 4 months. Were growing into each other. I guess you can say I love her.

Bette knew that was bullshit, but she played along anyway.

Well, Im happy for you Tina. You know thats all I want for you is your happiness. Even if I cant be the one to give it to you right now.

Thanks Bette. I want the same for you too. How have you been? You look so much better than before. Is there someone special in your life? Tina was tired of feeling like she was on the hot seat. It was time to turn this around.

Bette had to think about this one. Now she did have an episode with Layla last night but she wouldnt classify her as someone special in her life. Plus she lived in San Diego and was leaving Sunday. Then again she didnt want to act like she hadnt done anything either.

Well you know me. Im not ready to be with someone yet. Im human though, and I see people I could be interested in, but now is not the time.

I see. Well I hope you find the person that is perfect for you, Tina spoke softly.

Tina, I have already found the person that is perfect for me. Maybe one day shell realize it.

Tina didnt say anything. She just looked at Bette who was staring at her intently.

So what do you have planned for this weekend? Tina asked.

I dont know yet. I think I might go to Milk tomorrow. I was thinking about inviting Alice, Dana, and Shane to go with me.

You know what, that is funny because that is exactly where we are meeting tomorrow. We thought wed have a little girls night on the town. We all see each other every now and then. Alice called me the other night complaining about how we dont see each other anymore, and that she was going to start taking applications for new friends if we didnt get our ***** together. Do you want to join us? I mean Carlie is going to be there too, and I dont want you to feel too uncomfortable.

I wouldnt feel uncomfortable Tina. I told you, Im supporting you and your relationship. Now Im not going to let her hurt you, but I will respect you. I tell you what I will just meet you all over there. I think some other people are going to be there too. Is that okay?

That sounds like fun. Well probably get there at around 10:00.

Okay sounds like a date, Bette said smiling.

Bette!

What, what. Okay its not a date. I thought Id try though, Bette said laughing.

What happened to you respecting my relationship?

I do. Im just playing with ya, Bette said poking Tina in her side.

Tina smiled and continued to look at Bette. She always loved the playful side of Bette. She was so pleasant to be around when she acted like that.

That fruit looks good Bette.

It is good. Would you like a few of my grapes? You normally would have taken them out already.

Through a laugh Tina said yes.

Bette picked up a grape between her index finger and thumb and stuck it out. Tina was about to take it out of her hand when Bette stopped her.

Ah, ah, ah, Bette said playfully. Take it out of my fingers with your mouth, like you used to do.

Now Bette, I dont think thats appropriate behavior for two old friends.

Come on. For old times sake. Bette looked around and made sure nobody was coming in. No one is even looking at us Tina. Go ahead. I know you want to.

Tina knew she shouldnt do it out of respect for Carlie, but Bette knew all the right things to say.

Okay, just one.

Bette put her fingers right to Tinas mouth. Tina opened up and Bette put her fingers in her mouth just behind her teeth. Tina slowly closed her mouth around Bettes finger.

Just with that contact, Bette was about to lose it. Tinas warm mouth around her fingers was driving her crazy. They both closed their eyes. Tina could taste Bettes finger and it was sending little jolts of sensations through her. Bette slowly pulled her fingers from Tina. First her thumb came out and then she let her index finger linger on Tinas bottom lip.

They both opened their eyes and were staring directly at each other. Bette had her and she knew it, but she didnt want to take advantage of the situation. She removed her finger from Tinas lip and looked into her fruit bowl and picked up a piece of cantaloupe for herself. Tina was still looking at Bette. This Bette reminded her so much of the woman she fell in love with 7 years ago. She knew it was best that she pushed these feelings and thoughts right back into the tiny box she had locked away in her heart.

Tina stood up I have to use the bathroom. Ill be right back.

Bette stood up as Tina walked away. She sat back down with conflicting feelings running through her. Did she go to far and scare Tina off, or did she ignite a spark inside Tina that she was going to have to fight off? Either way Tina revealed too much right then. Her eyes said it all. Her body had betrayed her. She smiled on the inside at the revelation. Could she still want me? I guess well see in a little while.

>>

In the bathroom, Tina was pacing back and forth trying to regain her composure. She turned on the water and cupped her hands under it so she could splash some water on her face. Do not do this, Tina said out loud. Do not let her back in. It isnt right. And anyways youre with Carlie. You care about her and you cant hurt her. Bette is a friend now and thats it Tina. She was desperately trying to fight her feelings but her body was betraying her. That slight ache between her legs was an indication of just that. She tried to squeeze her legs together to cut off the sensation. Okay. Now go back out there and act like nothing has happened. Just friends, Tina, just friends. She took a paper towel and dried her face and her hands and walked out.

>>

The moment the door closed behind Tina going into the bathroom, Mimi and Ivy walked through the front doors. Mimi saw Bette first and waved. Bette waved back. She could tell Mimi told Ivy that she was sitting over there, cause Ivy then turned and looked at her. Ivy smiled at Bette and took the index finger of her left hand and started rubbing it over the index finger of her right hand. Bette laughed. She had just given her the universal sign of Naughty, Naughty. Bette looked down at her fruit bowl. She knew then that Mimi and Ivy must have known something about her and Layla. Ivy made her way over to Bette as Mimi ordered their food.

Girl you are scandalous, Ivy said smiling from ear to ear.

I have no idea what youre talking about, Bette said trying to keep a straight face.

Come on Bette. Lets not play this game. One minute youre on the dance floor grinding away, then the next youre gone. And suspiciously, so was Layla. Vee told us you two left with each other. Then she called over to the house early this morning around 7:30 asking if Mimi and I had seen Layla because she didnt come in last night.

Well Im sure Layla is a big girl, and wherever she was, she probably had a good time. Is she back at Vees house now? Bette asked already knowing the answer to that question.

Yeah. Vee called back around 8:15 telling us she had finally crawled back in the house looking like she had been fucked real good.

Bette almost spit the melon she was chewing on, out of her mouth.

So come off it Bette, I know you screwed Layla last night. You might as well confirm it. And plus youre glowing yourself.

Just then Ivy felt fingers tap her shoulder. She started speaking without turning around thinking it was Mimi. Mimi, she was just about to admit it. Bette screwed Layla last night.

Oh really, thats nice to know Ivy. Whos Layla, Bette? Tina said with a scowl on her face.