Tina Kennard dressed carefully for the artists dinner she and her boyfriend Eric were attending that evening, hosted by the renowned Bette Porter. The woman intrigued her, and for some reason Tina felt the need to impress her. Having chosen an elegant black dress and wrap, she finished the outfit with a pair of long diamond earrings. Shed only met Ms Porter once, but there was something about her that made Tina want to know more. And Eric could never speak too highly of her, so she must be something special.

Do I look okay? she turned to Eric for approval.

Beautiful as always he pecked her on the cheek.

They arrived at the dinner and were seated slightly along from Bette. Tina watched her as she spoke confidently with her guests. She noted how easily peoples attention was drawn to Bette. She made everyone feel so comfortable, and like what she had to say was the only thing in the world worth listening to. Tina knew of her sexual orientation, but somehow she didnt fit any stereotype. She was her own woman, and Tina admired that. Bette turned and caught Tinas gaze. Her smile made Tina feel warm inside. Never had she felt so privileged to have someone smile at her before. Maybe it was the way she smiled with her eyes. Those deep, chocolate brown eyes that made you feel as if she was staring into your soul

Are you ready for this, Tina? she was snapped back to reality by the fact that Eric was addressing her.

Sorry, what?

Whats up with you? Its time to mingle, you know, talk to a few of the people here. Hey, George and with that Eric wandered off leaving Tina to fend for herself.

She cupped her glass of wine and looked around, trying to spot someone who seemed vaguely familiar. Soon a couple of artists approached her and she managed to hold a conversation about Eric and how shed come to meet the great Bette Porter. They eventually moved on and once again she found herself glancing around almost desperately.

You look a little lost the soft voice came from behind her.

She turned to find Bette Porter smiling at her. She smiled gratefully in return at the woman whod saved her from looking like the new girl at the edge of the playground on her first day at school.

To be honest its a relief to see a friendly face she confessed.

Well I hope I can be that

Careful Porter, Bette thought to herself. This womans straight, you idiot. You dont want to scare her off with any stupid attempts at seduction. She could at least be a friend if you give her a chance, so dont go and blow it with any of your dumb ideas. But could you handle being just friends with a woman that you find as attractive as her?

So how are you enjoying the evening? she tried to strike up a neutral conversation.

Its a little daunting Tina confided.

I can imagine Bette laughed.

Im torn between getting drunk and throwing myself into conversations with people that Ive never met, or staying sober and silent so as not to risk making a fool of myself

I think youre doing just fine as you are Bette soothed.

Tina smiled. No matter how nervous she was about the whole situation, being around Bette Porter put her at ease. She felt flattered that she was taking the time to talk to her.

God, I could talk to this woman all night, thought Bette. Forget all the pretentious artists, she would be happy to spend the entire evening in the company of Miss Tina Kennard.

You seem to have lost an earring Bette noticed the diamonds glittering on Tinas left shoulder here, let me help you

Slowly Bette reached over and lifted the earring from Tinas shoulder. She carefully slid it back into her earlobe, making sure her fingers softly brushed against Tinas neck. She knew it was wrong, but she had to take any chance to touch this woman.

To Tina the touch felt electric. There was something delicate about Bettes hands, and she was shocked at the effect that the subtlest hint of contact was having on her. After taking a moment to regroup her thoughts, she smiled.

Thank you she said softly.

My pleasure Bette tried to hold her gaze.

Bette! someone was calling her.

I guess I should probably see what they want Bette pulled a face, but Ill come and find you later

Okay Tina mumbled after her.

As if you will, thought Tina to herself. Who was she kidding, Bette Porter had loads of people shed rather be talking to than her. Shed probably just imagined that electricity, as that artist had provided Bette with an easier way out of their conversation.

Damn artists, Bette was thinking at the same time. Why do they always have to interrupt things when Im getting somewhere? I really thought I was getting her to warm to me, but now shes probably gonna run a mile.

Tina was in a daze for the rest of the evening. Every time she looked over at Bette someone new was trying to engage her in conversation. The woman was incredible, and everyone in that room seemed to want a piece of her. It was all too soon when Eric approached her.

Time to get you home, missus he put an arm round her.

Why didnt his touch feel electric to her? The man she loved aroused her senses less than a woman, thats right a woman, she barely knew. Tina knew something was seriously wrong with that. There was also something wrong with the fact that her biggest regret of the moment was not having been able to spend more time with Bette that night rather than Eric.

On the way to the car Tina realised that her left earring had fallen out again.

Fate? she wondered out loud.