Bette arrived home shortly before 7 and couldnt wait to surprise Tina with the fact that she had come home early to spend some time with her. She had swung by the florist and the wine shop on the way home and picked up a dozen long stem roses and Tinas favorite bottle of wine. Deciding to leave her things in the car until later, she grabbed the flowers and the wine and bounded across the driveway, up the porch and to the door. She could hear music playing and stopped to listen to what Tina was playingshe could hear the tail end of Shes Like the Wind playing over the speakers, followed immediately by Take My Breath Away. Oh gawd, I must have really neglected her this week, Bette thought to herself. She knew just by hearing that one song which CD Tina was playing. It was a mixed CD that Tina had made with some of her favorite songs from movie soundtracks. Tina had once told Bette that she listened to that CD whenever she missed Bette and felt lonely or sad. Taking a deep breath, Bette unlocked the door timidly, expecting to see Tina upset or moping around the house reminiscing and waiting for her to come home.

T, Im home.

Hearing no response, Bette pushed the entrance door open wider and was greeted by the delicious scent of Italian food. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of a good Italian meal being prepared. Upon exhaling, Bette opens her eyes and takes a few steps in to the house, closing the door behind her. She sets down her purse as she makes her way to the kitchen, the source of the wonderful, enticing smells that fill the house. On her way to the kitchen, Bettes eyes settle on the dining room table and she stops in her tracks. The table was arranged in an intimate dinner setting for two complete with a vase of fresh flowers, candles and a bottle of wine being chilled. Bette stood there in confusion unable to move as she scanned the setting. Whose coming to dinner? Tina didnt know that I would be coming home earlyso who the ***** is this elaborate set-up for?, Bette thought to herself. She felt guilty for having neglected Tina this past week and the music that Tina was playing didnt help matters either. But the setting that she saw before her now had started sending pangs of jealousy which was cutting through her guilt, Could Tina be having someone over for dinner because Ive been working late? Damn I hope notI didnt leave work early for nothing. And who the ***** deserves to have an intimate setting like this with Tina besides me?.

Bette was still confused and jealous as she rounded the corner toward the kitchen. She stood there stunned as her eyes took in the sight of Tina standing there in the kitchen, still unaware that Bette had come home. Tina was singing the lyrics of the playing song to herself, moving to the beat and finishing the preparations for dinner.

Hi T..
(gasps) Bette, you startled me. I didnt hear you come home.
Why am I interrupting something? Are having company since you figured that I was going to be working late?

Tina stood there in shock as she heard the questions tumbling form Bettes mouth.

Huh, seems like you have nothing to say. I picked these up for you, but I guess I shouldnt have. You can share them with your dinner guest tonight, Im going back to the office.

With that, Bette turned and started heading for the door. Tina was still shocked at what had just transpired in the kitchen. Her mind began racing as she quickly followed Bette toward the front door, reaching for the ***** ahead of Bette, preventing her from walking out of the house.

What the ***** is going on Bette? Tell me what is going on. I have no clue what just happened right now so please tell me so I can understand where the heck this is all coming from.
Oh come one T. It should be obvious. I came home early to surprise you, to be with you, but it looks like you have other plans. The music, the table setting, the flowers, the food
Wwhhhhhaaaattttt? God Bette, you got it all wrong. Look around you. This, all of this, is for you.

Now it was Bettes turn to look stunned as she listened to Tina. She found herself feeling even guiltier than when she arrived, and more and more like an ***** for jumping to conclusions.

Bette, seriously who else could this be for but you?
(lowering her eyes, and speaking softly) I dont know
Baby, youve been killing yourself all week getting ready for tomorrow night. Ive hardly gotten to see you in the past few days and I miss you. You come home exhausted after working 14 to15 hours a day, stressed out and tired. Yet in true Bette Porter fashion, you still think that you are Superwoman and dont give yourself time to relax or to rest. Now look, everything you see was so that we could spend a quiet, loving evening together.
But you didnt even know I was coming home early.
Yes I did. I called the CAC and spoke with James shortly after you left. He told me what you had said I wanted to do something special for you, for us. I was over taken by an overwhelming feeling of wanting to love and pamper you when I heard what you wanted to do.
Well I just wanted to come home and be with you. T, Ive learned from my mistakes and I dont ever want to repeat them. You are the most important thing in my life, and I know that I havent been home lately so I just wanted to surprise you.
And I just wanted to surprise and pamper you baby. You see this is all just a misunderstanding. You are so stressed out at work, why would I ever want to add to those stresses?
I dont know.
Bette I wouldnt. Gawd, you are so exhausted and stressed, come here, let me take care of you tonight.

Tina reached out and pulled Bette and pulled her into a loving embrace. Bette had now begun to cry on the shoulder of the woman she loved, releasing the stress that had been building throughout the week. She felt herself relax in to the arms of her woman and she hugged her tighter, not wanting to let go. Even after all these years, Bette was still amazed that Tina could be so patient and understandingeven when she was being a complete *****.

T, Im sorry. I shouldnt have been so assuming and angry.
Its okay babe. Youve had a hard, stressful week at work so its understandable that you would be so wound up. But you know even Superwoman has bad days and needs to be taken care of.
Superwoman huh?
Yup, Superwoman. But Bette, you maybe Superwoman to everyone else, but to me youll always be my big softie.
(blushing) Awww TIm not a big softie.
Yeah you are, but dont worry, I wont tell anyone.

Tina gave Bette a warm and loving smile that successfully pulled down the last of Bettes defenses. Bette began to stop thinking about work and about the opening the following night and just started to let herself feel relaxed, and feel loved. Tina continued to hold on to Bette as her gentle gaze and quiet understanding quickly made Bette forget about all the stresses that she had been feeling and replacing them with feelings of happiness and true love.

Bette reached her hand up to Tinas face and lightly traced her jaw line before pulling her in for a kiss. She lightly brushed her lips across the softness and fullness lingering there for a second as she basked in the love that they shared. She gently parted Tinas lips with her tongue and began to explore the contours of her lovers mouth. The kiss was one that was filled with love and understanding between them both. After a few moments, Tina finally pulled away and looked at Bette. She reached down towards Bettes hand and intertwined there fingers before whispering to Bette,

Okay Bette, how about we go and have dinner before it gets cold. Even Superwoman has to eat you know.

Bette laughed at the fact that Tina was calling her Superwoman. She loved this playful side of Tina, and loved it even more that Tina could be like this after she acted the fool. As Tina was leading Bette toward the table, Bette stopped and pulled her back into a hug before whispering to her,

I love you T. You are my rock, my foundation, my pillar of strength. I dont know what I would ever do without you.
I love you to baby. You are the most important person in my life now, and forever.
Thanks T, you always know just what to say to make a woman smile.
Well Im glad I could put a smile on that face of yours Porter. Now come lets eat, I got a whole night of pampering planned for you.
Oh yeah?
OOOOOh yeah.

With that last statement Tina shot Bette a mischievous look accompanied by a wink and led her over to the dining room table. This didnt go unnoticed by Bette as she cocked an eyebrow and licked her lips.

I cant wait T, I cant wait.
Patience Bette, patience. Good things come to those who wait.

And with that Tina sauntered off into the kitchenleaving Bette wanting and waiting for the evening ahead and what it may hold, curious as to what Tina had in store for her.



TBC