“Is this a date?”  Bette turned serious. 

            “What would you call it” Rosanna challenged.

            “A getting to know you lunch…date.”

            “So it’s a date.”

            “Technically.”

            “Two single women, food, conversation, and no agenda other than getting to know one another and figure out if we want to know more and in what capacity.”

            “How do you know that I am single?” Bette challenged. 

            “I am a lesbian in WeHo.”  Rosanna laughed. 

            Bette gave her a dirty look.  Sometimes she hated the insular nature of the lesbian community even in LA.  “I never would have pegged you for a subscriber to The Chart.”  Bette returned evenly.

            “Oh, I’m not.” Rosanna replied nonchalantly.  “I’m a lesbian in WeHo.  I don’t need The Chart.  What I don’t know is if you are open to dating again or are you holding out for the love of your life?”

            “That would be pointless.  I am not actively dating right now.  I am focusing on my work and my daughter.”

            “You didn’t actually answer my question so I’ll take that to mean you are undecided.”  Rosanna returned.  “I on the other hand am open to dating.”

            Bette again found herself caught off guard.  She had a one night stand in NY and a couple of sexual liaisons since the break up with Tina but no serious interest in anyone. 

            “Hey, I’m sorry.  I had a really nice time at dinner with you the other night and if you are open to dating.  I’d like to take you out.”  Rosanna confessed. 

            “I had a nice time too. I could be open to a date or two.”

            “I might like to kiss you on one of those dates.”  Rosanna eyes were fixed on Bette’s lips. 

            “I might let you.”

            They enjoyed their lunch and the time quickly sped to a close.  They chatted and the ease that they felt in one another’s presence increased. 

            “Bette, you are a gorgeous woman.  I think you know that, in fact I’m sure you do.  There is something about you that makes me want to know you.  It may sound crazy but I really like how I feel when I spend time with you.  Would you go out with me Saturday night?” 

            Bette looked into the clear blue eyes that regarded her.  She felt herself falling into a space that she had only been once before.  It unsettled her more than she cared to admit. 

            “I’d love to see you again but I have my daughter this weekend.”

            “Ok, how about next Saturday then?”  Rosanna could see that Bette was getting uncomfortable with the pace she was setting.  She needed to back off a bit.

            “That sounds good.”  Bette answered quickly hesitant to move too fast but also curious as to what could become of the feelings that were growing. 

            “So are you going to give me your number?  It might make it easier to make firmer plans with you.”

            “You’re good.”  Bette laughed, pulling out her card and writing her cell number on it. 

            “Actually I’m better.” Rosanna smirked.