Tina was in the middle of drinking water and began to laugh.  Bette’s comment was so unexpected; Tina started to cough when the liquid traveled down the wrong pipe.

Bette placed her hand on Tina’s shoulder.  “Oh my god!  Tina, are you alright?”

Tina was laughing and nodding her head ‘yes.’

Once Bette was sure Tina was in fact alright, she continued.  “Are you sure…because I took a course in First Aid and would be more than happy to give you mouth to mouth…”

Tina burst out laughing even harder.  “Hey!  You promised you would be on your best behavior, remember?”

“I am being good Mother Teresa…so very good.” Bette flashed her mischievous smile and clasped her hands together like she was getting ready to say a prayer.  With that, Bette was back on the road to their destination.

Tina was able to compose herself.  “Other than flirting, Bette Porter, what else keeps you occupied?”  Tina questioned.

Bette smiled and then took a moment to think.  “The Gallery is very time consuming.  However, since it’s my passion, I don’t mind dedicating so much of my life to it.  I also enjoy speaking about Art in public venues.”

“I think public speaking is one of the top phobias.  You must be quite confident in your oral skills.”

Tina realized what she said and felt her cheeks warm.  “Shit!”

Bette noticed the expression on Tina’s face and replied with a sly smile.  “Well, I’d like think I’m pretty good.  Would you like to find out for yourself?’

Tina was just about ready to pass out, realizing she had been holding her breath.  ‘Fuck!  Fuck!’

Tina tried to regain control of her ability to speak.  “Um…excuse me?”  Once she asked the question, Tina unconsciously held her breath.

“Care to critique my oral skills?”  Bette enjoyed teasing her.  “I’m giving a lecture next week.  Interested?”

Tina finally exhaled.  “Lecture?  Yes…that would be great.”  Of course, now Tina had a difficult time focusing on anything but watching Bette’s sensual mouth and imaging those oral skills in action…with her.

The forty minute ride was over almost as fast as it began.  Tina was so lost in their conversation that she had not noticed they finally arrived at their destination and Bette pulled the car into a parking space.

Bette gathered her purse and walked over to open the passenger door for Tina with an extended hand to help her out of the car.

Tina slowly exited the car with an awestruck expression.

“So, here we are…Cloud Nine.”  Bette smiled.

Tina is unable to speak and only managed to let out a gasp.