Tina thought that was a little odd, but she didn’t comment. He seemed to be… Scared? Why would he be scared of Bette? She looked up at her and then took a small sip of her wine. “I’m not planning on drinking too much, Bette.”

“That’s no problem, Tina. I’m not going to kick you out if you don’t get as drunk as Alice.” She nodded towards their friend, who was jumping up and down on Bette’s sofa. “I tried getting her to stop but she hopped back on again, she even tried to pull your friend up there.”

“Jenny?” Tina looked towards the scene and laughed when she saw Alice pulling Jenny’s arm, in an attempt to get her to join in. “How unfortunate for her.”

“Anyway, I’ll talk to you later Tina… It’s nice to see you again, Marcus.” She smiled at them both for turning on her heel and walking in the opposite direction – right towards another woman, who appeared all too happy to see Bette.

Tina narrowed her eyes at the woman, who now had her arms draped around Bette’s neck and a leg hooked over her hip. Granted, Bette seemed to be squirming uncomfortably, but she wasn’t trying that hard to fight her off.

“Do you like her?” Marcus asked, suddenly bringing Tina back to reality. “Bette, I mean.”

“I do like her, it sucks.” Tina looked back up at him and smiled shyly. “She seems to like somebody else though.”

Bette was now trapped in a rather passionate kiss, against one of the living room walls. Tina could feel her eyes burning up, so she had to turn away. Marcus seemed to know what was up, so he wrapped an arm around her back and drew her into a hug.

“Hey, it’s ok. Bette has always been like that. Just… forget about her for this evening. Enjoy your time here. I know Bette has had her fair share of glasses of wine tonight. She is pretty drunk, even if she doesn’t seem that way.”

His words seemed to calm her down and keep her tears at bay. As she sniffled, she smiled nervously. “Thank you, Marcus. I suppose you’re right. She doesn’t even know I like her, so I can’t expect anything. I don’t really want to be here anymore though.”

Marcus nodded slightly, knowingly; he knew what it felt like to be in her shoes. “How about, I walk you out and we can go get coffee or something? I don’t really want to stay around if you’re going. You’re the first one I’ve engaged in proper conversation with.”

“Coffee sounds good; I’ll just need to go get my friend. Is it ok if she comes with us?” Tina asked uncertainly, “If not, I’m sorry but I’d have to decline that offer. She travelled here today and I can’t leave her by herself.”

“Go get your friend. Jenny, was it?”

“Yes, Jenny. Hold on.”

Marcus buried his hands into his pockets and waited patiently for Tina’s return. As soon as she waved across the room that she was ready, he weaved his way through the crowd until he reached her.

“Lets go get some coffee then.”

He placed his hand on the small of her back as he steered her out of the house.

But they hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Bette quickly broke the kiss that she was engaged in and looked at the door. There was a deep frown on her brow and her lip was nearly at the point of bleeding, as she bit down on it.

“Did you see that?” Alice exclaimed, suddenly appearing beside Bette. “Tina just left with a man.”

“I noticed…” Bette said slowly.

“Sorry Porter, but your methods of seduction are pretty lame. You almost had her.”

“What do you mean?” Bette asked in confusion.

“Well, it was so obvious that Tina was hot for you. I’m not sure now; you have a skank draped across you…” She looked at the woman, who was deeply offended, “No offence.”

As Alice wandered off, Bette looked back towards the door. She was silently hoping that Tina would change her mind and return. Did Tina really like her and did she just ruin any chance that they ever had?

The thought made her stomach drop.