Tina had spent the entire day preparing for the evening that she had planned for Bette. She had intentionally not called her as she wanted to keep Bette in the dark until she saw her tonight.

The Four Seasons concierge had been instrumental in making everything come together. When Tina had sat down with him and explained what it was that she wished to accomplish, he took over and with her blessings and approval, arranged everything in just the manner that she was hoping for.

The fact that Bette had not called her after receiving the flowers strangely excited her in a way that she was not really able to identify. She read it as a sign that Bette was a willing participant in this little mating dance that she was creating and just thinking about what may come from Bette in return was enough to send an electric current throughout her body to settle directly between her legs.

Deep breath she said out loud as she looked in the mirror at her reflection, shifting her mind from Bette to study the image in front of her.

What am I trying to say? she asked herself as she looked at the low cut black spaghetti strap dress that tightly hugged her ***** while curving snuggly around her waist to end just above her knees, allowing her legs that she knew Bette loved so much, to remain visible.

I want you and Im not afraid for you to know it she simply answered herself.

The ringing of the phone pulled her out of her reverie. She walked over to the bedside table, lifting the cordless phone while reading the called id.

Youre timing is impeccable as usual Tina smiled into the phone.

Tell me something I dont know said Alice.

Whats up?

Nada, just wanted to see what your hot plans for the weekend were. You know, kinda like how does the other half live? What do New Yorkers do on a Friday night?

Ok, first of all, I would not really say that Bette and I are New Yorkers smiled Tina. And secondly, even if we were, why would that make us the other half?

Ok, whatever, Im just bored. Im sitting in traffic on the 5 and you are the lucky recipient of my reaching out.

Couldnt get Dana or Shane, huh? laughed Tina.

Well, neither answered

As I figured

Well, whatever, here we are! So tell me, whats up for the weekend?

As if I should share that with you when you just admitted that I am third in line with your dialing attempts! she continued to chuckle.

Well she said trying to justify her actions. Youre long distance and aside from costing more money, youre more numbers to dial she laughed at her own lame attempt at explanation.

Uh huh said Tina.

So?

SoIve gotta a hot date tonight teased Tina.

What the *****!!! With who? she screamed. You had better start talking right now, Kennard!!

What do you mean with who? she laughed at Alices predictable response. Who else would I be going on a date with?

***** if I know these days! The two of you are all over the place and it’s everything in my power to stay just a step or two behind you!

Tina continued to laugh and said, I asked Bette out on a date. Does that bring you a step closer?

I guess she begrudgingly responded.

Well, fill me in! said Alice.

Al, as much as I would love to do just that, I think that this one has gotta stay between Bette and me.

Why? pleaded Alice.

Well, because she doesnt even know what I have planned for her and so I dont think that it would be fair for you to know before her, do you?

Of course I do! She has always said that it is totally ok for me to know things before her. She actually encourages it

Al, I hope that it is not cloudy in LA cause lightening is sure to strike with those lies she laughed.

Fine she dejectedly said. But no later than tomorrow! You can tell me tomorrow everything that happened, right? she begged.

Well see was the best that Tina could offer.

After everything that I have done, this is the thanks that I get? said Alice.

Apparently laughed Tina.

Fine, well see about that! So, onto a different subject as according to you, this one is exhausted. How are the two of you doing?

Good replied Tina as she walked over to the side of the bed to sit down. Actually, really good.

Yeah? asked Alice.

Yeah said Tina, looking down at her dress and smoothing it out. Of course, after you and I spoke the other day, I had a total breakdown.

What happened? she asked with concern.

Well, I guess that it just really sank in how much of a roll I had in our break up.

Meaning?

Meaning just that. After I hung up the phone with you, I sat there and thought about all of the ***** ways that I had treated Bette and realized that we truly were partners in destroying what we had had. Basically, I could no longer solely blame her and that realization hurt. Hurt a lot she added.

And did you share any of this with Bette?

All of it.

And how did she react?

Well, I think that she was a little surprised at my admissions but at the same time, grateful for them as well.

I see said Alice. And now?

And now? Now we start over smiled Tina.

Start over? What does that mean?

It means that we start over explained Tina. We learn from our mistakes and move forward. Simply put, we start over.

Aha!! You asked her out on a date tonight, right? A first date?

Tina didnt say anything, just smiled into the phone.

I am so right! You little sly devil, Kennard! I gotta hand it to you, nice move.

Im glad that you approve laughed Tina.

Approve? *****, I dont even think that I could have come up with that one! she laughed.

Beat Porter to the punch also. I love that!! she continued to laugh.

Al, as much as I would love to continue this conversation, I have a date to finish getting ready for laughed Tina.

Fine, whatever, ok! Finish gettin all gussied up for your woman and go get her back! she laughed. But, I hope whatever you’re wearing shows off some leg, cause you and I both know how Porter loves your legs! she reminded her.

Al, I think that Ive got it taken care of she laughed. Now, I really do have to go.

Alright, but remember what we talked about in terms of safe ***** giggled Alice.

Dear God, Al! You exhaust me. Good bye!

Call me tomorrow with all of the details?

Probably not, but if it gets you off the phone quicker, than sure, Ill call tomorrow laughed Tina.

That is so evil chided Alice.

Good bye! said Tina.

God love her she said out loud shaking her head as she placed the phone down.

Tina looked at her watch and saw that she only had five minutes to finish getting ready before the car was to take her to the restaurant. She planned on getting there twenty minutes before Bette to ensure that everything was set according to her plan.

Ok she said, turning one last time to the mirror. Lets get this show on the road. Ive got a woman to get back she laughed out loud at Alices words. But truer words were never spoke she confirmed.

She walked to the front door after grabbing her wrap. She looked around the apartment to see if she had collected everything. After determining that she had, she closed the door behind her and then locked it.

She pushed the button to call the elevator. As she waited for it, a surprising realization hit her. She was not nervous, not in the least. She had figured that when the time came for this date to happen, she would be a nervous wreck, but she was not. She actually felt a certain calmness descend upon her and that caused a smile to light up her face.

Thats gotta be a sign, huh? she asked the elevator.

As the doors to the elevator opened up to the lobby floor, she slightly paused on leaving the car, but then determinedly headed for the front door while saying under her breath, Here I come baby, here I come.