I have never been so in love in my whole life.
I know. I love you too, beauty.
No, John. I mean, Im in love with another.

Those words have been haunting him since. John looks over at Bettes picture on his office table. Why did things turn out the way they are? Everything was so perfect with them. They were the couple everyone was envious of. They have known each other since childhood. He is tall, gorgeous and a well-known practicing attorney. He had proposed to her 2 months back and she had agreed. They had even planned to move to New York City to start their marriage life. Everything was so ideal and nobody thought that anyone or anything could possible spoil it. Nothing until.

2 months ago
At Bette Porters Gallery opening

Eric: Excuse me, Bette.
Bette turns around. She smiles at Eric.
Eric: This is my girlfriend, Tina Kennard. She heads up Development at Alphaville. Tina, this is Bette Porter.
Bette and Tina shake hands. Both stare at each other, taken aback by each beauty and charisma.
Bette: Nice to meet you.
Tina: Hey. Nice to meet you.
Eric: Bette, wheres John? Is hes au fait with tax law? My company is facing some law suits and might need his help. Tina, you must meet John. He is Bettes fianc and they are the most compatible couple one could ever meet.
Bette: (smiling) Thank you. Well, why dont you ask him yourself? Hes right over there.
Bette points to John who is standing nearby, talking to a group of artists.
Tina: I think Ill just stay here.
Eric: Okay, excellent.
Eric heads over to talk to John as Tina stays to talk to Bette.
Tina: Ive heard so much about you, Miss Porter. You are indeed an amazing woman.
Bette looks at Tina. She smiles as she reaches to touch Tinas hair.
Bette: Oh, youve lost your earring in your hair. Here, and please call me Bette.
Bette removes the earring from Tinas hair. She holds it in her hand and stretches it to Tina.
Tina: Thank you.
Tina takes the earring from Bettes hand. They smile and stare at each other.

Eric: Tina, I want you to meet John.
John stands beside Bette and rests his left hand around Bettes waist. He stretches his right hand to Tina.
John: Hi, Tina. Eric has been talking about you.
John and Tina shake hand. Tina is a bit taken aback by his charm.
Tina: I know what they mean by most compatible couple now.
John: Are we the one, beauty?
John turns his head and smiles at Bette. He gives a soft kiss on her lips.
Bette moves her head away awkwardly. She turns to Eric and Tina.
Bette: Urrm, you need me to show you around the gallery?
Tina looks at Bette. She feels a sudden emptiness she cannot understand why.
Tina: I think I have to leave.
Eric: What happen, Tina? Are you okay?
Tina: Yesno, I have a slight headache.
Bette: You want to take a rest in my office?
Tina: NO! Sorry, I mean no thanks. I just need to go back home.
John: Eric, I think you better send Tina home. She does not look well.
Eric: Okay. Well, thank you guys. Bette, youve a wonderful gallery and John, I will call you again to fix an appointment.
John: Okay, see you.
Eric holds Tinas hand and leads her towards the exit.
Bette watches Tinas back as they walk out of the door.

John: Are you okay, beauty? You dont look well too.
Bette looks up and gives a weak smile.
Bette: I guess I am just feeling tired.
John: Youve worked so hard to come this far. Im so proud to have you.
John holds onto Bettes face as he looks into her eyes tenderly.
Bette: Thanks John. I do not know what I was thinking earlier.
John gently pulls Bette into his arms.
John: You always have me, beauty. I will take care of you.
Bette closes her eyes and rests her head onto Johns shoulder.

3 days later
At Tinas office

The phone rings. Tina quickly answers it.
Eric: Hello, dear.
Tina: Oh, hi.
Eric: Are you expecting a call?
Tina: No, nothing particular.
Eric: I am meeting John tonight to discuss some legal issues. Do you want to join us for dinner?
Tina can feel her heart pace quicken for a second.
Tina: Is Bette going also? I mean his fianc.
Eric: I do not think so. Ive heard from John that Bette is tied up with the paper works at her gallery.
Tina: You go ahead with the dinner, Eric. I have some unfinished work to be cleared today.
Eric: You sure you okay with that?
Tina: Yes, please go.
Eric: Okay then. I will call you again tomorrow.
Tina: Okay, bye.
Tina hangs up the phone. She has been thinking about Bette since she met her the other day.
What makes you think that she will call you? Tina thinks to herself. Oh god, what am I doing?
Tina slaps her forehead repeatedly as though trying to knock the image of Bette out from her head.

The phone rings. Tina allows it to go to the voice mail.
Voice: Hi, this is Bette Porter. I, I just call to say that you have dropped your earring in my gallery the other day. I am wondering if you can drop by when you are free.
Tina quickly grabs the phone.
Tina: Hi Bette, this is Tina.
Bette: Hi Tina Urrm, I thought you were out.
Tina: Sorry, I didnt hear it ring.
Bette: Oh anyway, I just call to say that you have dropped your earring the other day.
Tina: My earring? I didnt even notice I had lost one. Thanks Bette. It is just an ordinary earring anyway, doesnt worth much.
Bette: I see so it means you are not taking it back?
Bette sounds a bit disappointed.
Tina: No, no I am. I mean, yes of course. Can I drop by later to collect it?
Bette: Sure. You can drop by anytime you want. I mean anytime later. I will be in my office.
Tina: Well, I see you then.
Bette: Okay, bye.
Tina: Bye.

Tina puts down the phone.
The oldest trick in the book does work. Tina grins.


TBC