Tina was becoming more irritated as she neared her destination, and the bumper to bumper traffic wasn’t helping. 

            How could the studio do this to me?  I don’t do documentaries, especially about abstract art.  This is going to be hell.  Thank God the crew is already there, and that I only have to supervise. 

            Tina whipped into a parking spot and hopped out of her car walking briskly to the building.

            Damn it, I’m late.

            She swung open the glass door, and before she was even through the door she was greeted by a handsome young man.

            “Hello.  Welcome to the Bette Porter Gallery.  How may I help you?” the young man said.

            Cute AND friendly. 

            “Hi,” Tina said with a smile.  It was good to see a friendly face after the awful L.A. traffic.  “I’m Tina Kennard with Alpha Productions.  We’re here…”

            Before she could finish the young man cut her off.

            “Oh, Ms. Kennard, I’ve been expecting you.  Let me take you to where they’re filming.  By the way, I’m James,” he said emerging from behind his desk.

            “Okay, thanks.  It’s nice to meet you, James, but please, call me Tina.”

            “Well, if you insist…Tina,” he said with a smile, leading her through the hallways.

            Little did Tina know that James was actually leading her toward her future, and that this assignment was actually a blessing in disguise because it was going to change her life forever. 

                                                   ********************

            Bette sat in a chair with one hand under her chin, and the other hand tapping on the table next to her—clearly showing her annoyance. 

            Ugh.  I do not have time to sit around and wait for these people to get organized.  Who’s in charge here anyway?

            She got up from the chair and walked over to buzz James.  After she got no response, her level of annoyance increased.

            Does anyone work around here anymore?

            “Ms. Porter?  We’re ready for you now.  I’m sorry for the delay,” a meek looking man said.

            “It’s fine,” she said following the man.  Her tone clearly indicating that it wasn’t.

            “Okay,” the man said quietly, “just have a seat here and we’ll begin.”

            Bette adjusted her suit as she settled into the chair.  When she looked up she saw James walking toward her, but he only held her attention for a second because the beautiful blonde woman standing next to him took her breathe away. 

            “Ms. Porter.  Ms. Porter,” the man said repeatedly, trying to get her attention.

            “Um,” she could barely speak, let alone tear her eyes away from the blonde.

            “Are you alright?”

            Yes, I just found my soul mate.

            “Yes, I’m fine,” she said softly, finally breaking her gaze and trying to get her breathing and pounding heart under control.

            “Okay.  Here we go…”

******************

            As Tina and James rounded the corner, Tina could no longer hear James’ voice and her knees almost gave out at the sight of the beautiful brunette in front of her.  She could feel her heart beat faster and the breath escape her lungs.  All she could hear was the tranquil voice coming from the brunette. 

            “Tina?  Tina?  Are you okay?  You look like you’ve just seen a ghost,” James said.

            No, more like my soul mate. 

            “Um, yeah, I was just…” she said, still staring at Bette.

            “Admiring the amazing Bette Porter?” he said with a grin. 

            “Yeah…Wait.  What?  No.”

            “That’s what they all say.  Come on,” he said laughing.

            James led Tina closer to where they were filming—closer to Bette.  She found herself nervous, scared to find out what would happen if she looked into her eyes, but before she had the chance to wonder…Bette looked over and their eyes met.  In that instant, lighting struck and stars aligned because Bette and Tina had finally found each other. 

Finding your soul mate is only the beginning because there’s still the journey of falling in love and making a life together.

TBC?