Date Night
Chapter Thirty-Three



Friday

Bette you have to quit walking up and down, youre gonna ruin my floor.

Sorry T. Im just so nervous.

For you or her?

Yeah Bette, for who? Alice threw her five cents in.

Bette looked at her with that look that Tina couldnt resist. She walked up to her and leaned gently into her.

Shes gonna be fine. Its James remember?

Besides Im sure with that little chat ***** be on his best behavior. With a quick kiss she went back to the couch to join the girls, as Bette returned to her pacing.

What did you tell him anyway, you never told me about it.

Im sure she just told him the usual banter. Ill kill you if you break my babys heart, blah blah blah. Huh Porter.

Alice, Dana tried to hush her because she was killing the romantic and nervous mood.

T, as her mind wandered back to their little lunch date they had earlier that week.


James had been waiting for her for at least ten minutes, but he was used to her timing. He had only hoped that she was in a good mood.

Sorry was all she said as she had taken her seat.

It was awkward but they had to start somewhere right?

James I just

Bette before you start can I ask something
first.

Sure.

I know this is a little late, but I was hoping that I could ask you first.

I thought I just said you could ask me.

Yeah but not the first question I meant this one.

Which one is that?

Even James was confused at this point.

Hmm. The one where I ask you if I could take out Libby to dinner.

Oh, I thought this is what this little talk was about?

No you wanted this little talk. I want to properly ask her mother for permission.

Right.

So?

So, um Tina and I would like nothing better than you taking her out. But I must be honest James, she had to convince me a little.

May I ask why?

I though youd never ask as she said behind clenched teeth. Well, I guess I wasnt used to you like that. I mean Im used to you as my friend and assistant and nothing else.

Oh, as he drank from his cup. And now.

Well I know you date and stuff but Id never think youd ever date with someone very close to me.

Well before, I didnt ever have a chance.

Why was that?

James laughed as she hadnt gotten it yet.

Because youre friends arent interested in my type the male type.

She laughed at this because for some reason she wasnt thinking right today.

Right. Now can I ask you a question?

Sure.

Why Libby.

Because in New York we got along okay, and I dont know beyond that except for I really like her.

You do?

I do, Bette.

But arent you a little old for her? She tried to think of many reasons as she could to throw his way after that one.

Its just five years. Im only 24. Besides arent you older than Tina?

Just by three years.

See and things are great between the two of you so no big deal there.

Ok you got me there.

All the silliness beside it was time for the real reasons to come forward.

James its not that I dont trust you. I mean I do, but just be good ok. I know its just dinner in all but things can happen and

Bette Im not asking her to marry mejust yet.

What!!

Im only kidding.

James shes my girl you understand I cant have anything happen to her.

Bette I dont want to hurt her, I just want to know her a little better and see where that goes.

But sometimes we say things and then we dont comply with them and, and it

Aha he knew were this was coming from, from somewhere within herself. Grabbing her hand and looking in to her eyes.

Bette Ive known you for some time now and you and Tina are great friends of mine and I do care for you guys a lot. I would never do anything to harm any of you.

Thanks James, but

But what?

I know there was a but at the end of that sentence.

Ok Dont get mad at what Im about to say ok. Tina came back to you right?

Yes, and Im grateful for that.

I know you are. But you have to forgive yourself Bette. Its time to do so.

What. How do you know?

Libby.

Libby.

Yeah weve talked some and she told me about some things.

Like what?

Look Bette thats not important. What is, is that you have you family now and you just have to let go so we can all move along.

WE?

Yeah, Im mean if Im blessed as you are, I intend to have THE Porter woman in my life with the two I already have in it right now.

Libby.

Right.

James.

Bette, I know shes your baby. I promise to be good for her and to her.

Then by all means take THE Porter woman as you so call her and have a good time.

Then I have your blessing?

Of course, now give me a hug before I change my mind.

Thank you Bette.

No James, Thank You for EVERTHING.



Bette did you hear me?

What babe.

So then youre not going to tell me.
Bette finally relaxed as she replayed the conversation in her head and thought about her daughter getting ready in her room.

Sitting next to Tina,

T, I just basically told him if he breaks her heart, Ill break his face.

I knew it, came from Alice as Bette looked at her and smiled.

Elizabeth Porter, I dont believe you.

Good because I didnt say such a thing.

Dont lie, came again from that voice.

Thats better.

I just put it in a nicer way.

Oh you, as she heard Bette and the girls laugh and went to kiss her.

Okay Im ready, Libby announced as she walked into the living room. So how do I look?

They all stood up without words coming from their mouths.

That good huh.

Yup, definitely Porters daughter.

Alice!

Ok, ok. But quick take a picture Dana, hurry.

As Bette walked over to Libby she swatted Alice on her head.

You look great, as Tina joined her side.

You look absolutely beautiful.

Aw thanks momma, thanks Nini.


The pictures were done, the few tears were shed, and the good lucks said, as the doorbell rang.

Hes here!

James, please come in.

Thanks, hello ladies. He turned then stopped at Libby. And these are for you. You look breathtaking.

Thank you James, you look good too.

Silence entered the room as Shane approached Libby,

Let me get those for you.

Thanks Shane,

Sure.

Ok, shall we?

Yes. Goodnight you guys.

Ladies.

Bye.

The door closed as each stood where they had not moved the moment he got there. Tina looked over at the girls and then stopped at Bette. Her eyes were holding back tears that she was fighting not to let go.

Oh baby, itll be okay. Went she went to hug her, the girls silently made their exit.

Later that night.

Bette you have to go to sleep. Its already two-thirty.

Exactly, and shes not home yet.

Bette. I dont want to have to tell you one more time to go to bed.

Al right. Im closing my eyes.

And if I dont hear you snoring in ten minutes you are going to get it.

Promise.

***** yes I do.




A Call, with Some lunch
Chapter Thirty-Four


Babe, Peggys on the phone.

Thanks Ill get it in the study.


Peggy to what do I owe this call.

Oh Bette cut the bullshit.

Ok,

Im calling about your little request.
This didnt sound good.

And.

And I think it would be better if you do this without the CAC.

What are you saying?

What do you think Im saying? You can have your little gallery but only if you have ties back to me and only me.

Why.

Because I like you and having you up in front is what I want. Ill give you whatever you need.

Are you sure?

Darling dont make me say it again or Ill change my mind.

Have you discussed this with Franklin?

Yes and he didnt argue with me.

Didnt or wouldnt.

Does it matter?

I guess not.

Well then. So are we good then.

Yes I believe we are. When do you need me to start with everything.

Hows Tina and the girl.

There are good, but

But nothing play like a good little wife and mother, and spend some time with them, then you can start looking.

Thank you Peggy.

Hmm. Bye Darling.

Bye.


Putting the receiver down, she knew Tina was at the doorway.

So.

Turning to her wife, She wants me to do this, without Franklin.

Are you okay with that?

If Peggy is so am I.

Good now lets celebrate, how about some take out or something in the fridge?

Sounds good. Libbys not home yet.

No her and James are out at the beach or something.

Speaking of James, I forgot to tell you that I was thinking of making him like my partner in this. What do you think?

I think its great to have your future son-in-law in the business so close to you, as she ducked into the kitchen.

Tina!!!!

You think youre funny dont you.

I have you laughing dont I?

I wouldnt exactly call that laughing T.

But it wasnt yelling so

Come here you, kisses with some more kisses, help me put you on the counter T.

What about dinner?

What about it.

On three okay.

Three, as she did, Tinas legs made their way around Bette.

One button, two buttons, threeshirt lifted upkisseszippers downmoansmore kissessandals falling off feethands in hairshirt fallingkisses neck, shoulders, chesthands in hairclasp undonetwo claspshands everywhereTinaBetteI love you

Nini, momma, were back.

Two sets of eyes, one deep brown, the other blue, look at each other for answers.

*****.

Tina.

Um, get my shirt Bette, as her own hand flowed to buttons fighting to go back in.


Momma.

Bette, Tina boomed James voice.


oh my God hes here.

Bette Im almost done.

T, as she slipped her shirt back onto her wife.

Everything graceful as the two entered the kitchen.


Hey you, uh oh, when they stopped.

Hey you guys, as Bette turned around.

Tina remained on the counter with Bette in front of her. She spotted her bra in the sink and quickly placed a plate on top of it.

We were just making sandwiches.

Um yeah, we were hungry.

James can you take my stuff to my room
please.

Sure.

A few steps and he was gone.

Libby turned to make sure he was out of earshot.

Sorry, you guys. Feeling a little embarrassed.

About what, we were just finding something to eat.

Too late as Bette went to cover her mouth.

I mean, Im going to help James.

Momma its was all she got as Bette walked past her still covering her mouth.

So how was the beach?

Fine, how was lunch?

Fine, as both women giggled.

So James, I talked to Peggy today and up shes gonna give me my own place.

Great, so when do I start?

Why dont we talk by the pool?

Okay.

As they walked by the kitchen the laughing could be heard.

So about you starting, um I was hoping that youd be okay with not being my assistant.

Oh okay. Not a happy tone, she thought.

No James, not like that.

Good you had me scared for a minute.

I was thinking that you could like be my better half in this.

Like your partner?

Yeah.

Are you kidding me, Id love to.

Good.

And just think I didnt have to sleep my way to the top just yet.

James, as she stormed out back to the kitchen where the giggling continued so she walked straight ahead to the couch.

Bette, no answer.

He stopped in the kitchen. Shes on the couch.

Thanks.

Bette I was just joking. No harm done k.

Fine but dont joke with ***** like that. My baby girl remember.

How could I forget?

You cant,

I dont intend to.

Good.

Good then.

Bette, came from the kitchen.

Yeah.

How about that sandwich now?

Tina!!!

More laughter filled her ears, until she herself couldnt keep from laughing.