Previously in Chapter 1

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.

____________________________

In Bettes office

Bette feels her heart soar. For the rest of the day, she cannot concentrate on her work. Every few minutes, she will glance over to the door, expecting Tina to turn up any moment.

Time passes quickly and it is already seven in the evening.
Maybe she is not coming at all. Bette thinks to herself. Im so silly. Why would she bother over a worthless piece of accessory?

Bette looks at the documents lying all over the desk. The growl in her stomach reminds her that she has not eaten anything for the whole day.
*****, when will I ever going to finish these? Bette curses, as she gets back to the papers. She does not notice Tina standing at the door.

Tina: I hope Im not disturbing.
Bette looks up. Her heart skips a beat.
Bette: Hi, of course not. I was just clearing up. Please come in.
Bette stands up and tidies the documents on her desk.
Bette: Im sorry about the mess here. Please have a seat.
Tina: Thanks.
Just then, the phone rings. Bette sets it on speaker as she searches her desk for the envelope which she has placed Tinas earring.
Bette: Bette Porter.
John: Hi, beauty.
Bette looks at Tina. She smiles in slight embarrass and quickly picks up the phone.
Bette: Hey.
John: Im calling to check if youve taken dinner.
Bette: Nope, not yet. Im still doing the stuff.
John: I know you would say that. Do you want me to get you something?
Bette: I thought you have a dinner appointment.
John: Yes, I am. But I would fly to you if you need me.
Bette chuckles. Her eyes accidentally caught Tinas. She quickly looks away.
Bette: No, thanks. I will grab a bite myself later. I just need to finish a few more.
John: Alright then. I know I cant talk you out of it but remember to eat something, okay?
Bette: Okay.
John: I call you again tomorrow then. Love you, beauty.
Bette: Bye.
Bette put downs the phone.

Tina: Was that John?
Bette nods.
Bette: Ya, it was him. Hes having dinner with Eric.
Tina: Eric told me about it yesterday. Are you joining them?
Bette: Nah. To tell the truth, I feel bored when he brings me to his business dinners. They talk about law, legislations and stuff and I see it more to like, a mens thing. You know what I mean?
Tina laughs and nods in agreement.
Tina: So do you want to have a womens thing now?
Bette frowns.
Bette: A womens thing?
Tina: (shyly) I mean, do you want to have dinner together? Just the both of us.
Bette is overwhelmed by Tinas request. She tries to hide the excitement on her face. She walks over and stands beside Tina.
Bette: Well, sure. Theres a famous Chinese restaurant just two streets away from here. We can take a walk there if you want.
Tina: Well then, shall we?
Tina stands up. Bette takes out the earring from the envelope and holds it on her palm.
Bette: Before that, I need to return you this.
Tina smiles and stretches her hand to take her earring. Bette closes her hand on Tinas. They stare at each other.
Bette: I could have sworn I watched you put this back.
Tina can hear her heart thumping as she feels the warmness of Bette through the touch of their hands. At the same time, she is thinking if Bette has seen through her trick by leaving her earring behind. She blushes and before she can say anything, Bette leans in and kisses her on her lips. The kiss is simple and sweet, but it nearly took Tinas breath away.

Bette: I hope I did not scare you off. Im sorry, Id never done this before.
Tina looks into Bettes eyes. She is still catching her breath.
Tina: No, no you didnt. It was.nice.
Bette: Nice?
Tina: Ya, nice.
Tina smiles shyly.
Bette smiles, trying to hide the awkwardness. She does not understand why she had done this. John is her first love and she has never kissed another other than him. It was a total different feeling from John. Tinas lips were so soft, so irresistible that it makes her want to kiss her again.
Tina: Shall we go for dinner?
Bette: Sure. After you, Tina.
Bette heads towards the door and open it.

Bette and Tina had a wonderful dinner that night. They seemed to put aside what had happened in the office earlier and chatted like old friends. At the end of the dinner, they exchanged their email addresses.

Bette: I will send you a price list of the paintings through email tomorrow.
Tina: Thank you so much.
Bette: No, I should thank you instead. You are spending the money.
Tina: I mean, thank you for tonight. It was really wonderful.
Bette: (smiles) Thank you.
Bette and Tina look into each others eyes.
Tina: So, I guess it will be good night then.
Bette thinks of leaning in for a goodbye kiss but she decides to forgo it for fear it will mess up their first date.
Bette: Good night.
Tina leans in and kisses Bette on her cheek. Bette blushes.
Tina: Bye.
Tina smiles and walks off.

The next few days, Bette and Tina were sending emails to each other. As first, the emails were forwarded attachment, consisting of jokes and funny clips. Soon, they began to reveal things about themselves and their personal life. They could talk about anything – their childhoods, family, relationships and their mutual love of arts. It was obvious that they have a real connection and both are thrilled to have found such a unique and interesting friendship.

Everyday, Bette and Tina look forward to go to work. Once they reached their offices, they would sit in front of their desk and stare at the computer screen for hours. There was twice where they chatted through email till wee hours in the morning. The long hours of stay in their offices obviously, begin to affect their love lives.

John: Youre still in office?
Bette: I need to put up the papers by tomorrow.
John: But, beauty. I havent seen you for days. You need to at least eat, right?
Bette: Sorry, John. I really need to rush this. I will call you, okay.
John: (sign) Alright then. You take care, okay?
Bette: Okay.
Before John could say his usual love you, beauty before ending their call, Bette has already hung up.

Tina: I really cant make it to dinner, Eric. I need to prepare a presentation.
Eric: Again? God, I starting to feel I do not have a girlfriend anymore.
Tina: Eric, please.
Eric: Okay then. I will call you again.
Tina: Okay, bye.

After two weeks of regular meetings in cyberspace, Bette begins to feel more strongly about her relationship with Tina. She feels a bond that she hadn’t felt before with anyone, family, friend or even John. Tina, on the other side, is feeling the same. It seems so unrealistic and they have only known each other for a few weeks.

One fine morning, Bette decides to tell Tina the depth of her feelings. She drafts an email, Tina, I know its crazy, but I think Im in love with you. After reading it over, Bette thinks it is silly and childish. She hesitates to send it and after reading back the words repeatedly, she feels she needs to tell Tina how she feel. With one mouse click, the email is sent.

That night, Bette can hardly sleep, thinking of the response Tina might give. Her friendship with Tina is now hanging in the balance.

TBC (if you want)