There Bette stood, unable to press a rewind button that would take her back into her car and away from where she currently was, in one of the most uncomfortable positions she could be in. Not only was Bette shocked to see another woman answer Candaces door but for the very first time in quite a while, jealousy had reared its ugly head into her life. Why the ***** is this bothering you Bette thought to herself.

Mikela looked at Bette with a smile on her face, the same one she had the first time they had been introduced. Bette quickly forced a grin to appear as well, but she had yet to utter a single word. Embarrassment quickly swept through Bette. What must she be thinking of me coming over to see Candace? Wait, thats not even the important part. Why was she here? Candace didnt mention having a girlfriend, nor did she mention Mikelas name before the Provocations show.

That night Bette thought, better yet, Bette hoped that Mikela was simply a fill-in date for Candace. You know, the woman you call as to not appear that you have no one by your side on certain occasions. During her single days Bette had plenty of fill-ins and whenever she had an event to attend she wouldnt hesitate to call one of them but Mikela obviously wasnt a simple fill-in. No event, no nothing, just a regular day and she was opening Candaces door as if she lived with her. *****. *****. *****. How could I expect her to be alone when I was in a committed relationship with Tina, the entire time weve known each other, Bette thought to herself? Only difference was that I told her about Tina, whereas I hadnt known a thing about Mikela.

Its Bette, right? Bette Porter, Mikela asked before continuing to speak. We met at the Provocations exhibition, Mikela continued to look at Bette. She waited for Bette to say something but it was as if Bette had lost her voice.

Bette noticed that she had yet to speak and internally composed herself.

Umm, Im sorry, hi. Yes, I remember. Nice seeing you again. Bette finally said truthfully not meaning it. She was not pleased to see Mikela. Furthermore, it upset Bette that she had not been warned of Mikelas existence in Candaces life. All she wanted to do was speak to Candace and of all of the possible scenarios that she had thought would develop, never did Bette think that someone else would be at Candaces house. There was a tinge of confusion as to the reasons why Mikela was there laced in Bettes words and Mikela picked up on it.

Candace isnt here at the moment, Mikela said still in a sweet voice. There was no awkwardness on her part.

Oh, was all Bette could respond.

The woman at the door just looked at Bette while Bettes head was preoccupied worrying that Mikela could see right through her and could tell that something had happened between Candace and herself. What if Candace had told her? What if Mikela knew that Candace had completely turned her out? Bette had a reputation to uphold, besides, Mikela had also met Tina and that made things even worse. Not only would Mikela know that she was ***** Candace, who she is potentially ***** as well but she would also come to the realization that Bette was a cheater and a hypocrite. She saw me working the room with Tina while all the while she knew that I had been with Candace, Bette thought. Bettes incoherent thoughts were running rampant and there was no way for her to stop. She was a mess. Bette looked at Mikela and she looked clueless.

No, she couldnt know, Bette concluded. Candace did not strike her as the type to be less than discreet and with that Bette was satisfied, although she still wanted to know what Mikelas part in Candaces life was. Once again Bettes head was not functioning the way that she had hoped. Her thoughts were at a constant battle. She was rarely at a loss for words but with her body in one place and her brain somewhere else, Bette could not think straight, much less make any sense of the words that left her mouth.

She shouldnt be long, why dont you come in and wait for her, Mikela offered unwaveringly.

Bette snapped out of her pensive state and finally came too. She was now fully aware of where she was, who she was speaking to and now realized that she had to regain her composure. After all, the woman she stood before did know her. Bette successfully managed to complete her next sentence without sounding like someone, other than herself.

Thanks but you know what, I think Im going to go. Ill talk to Candace some other time, Bette said in her normal professional tone of voice almost making it seem as if the reason for her visit was strictly business, when in fact it was anything but. Mikelas presence definitely changed Bettes plans and Bette needed to show her that she was the respected museum director that she had met at Provocations. Bette no longer sounded like some shy teenaged girl, nor did she look like a deer in headlights. She suddenly went back to being her normal self, the intelligent, self-assured woman that has it all under control, well at least thats what people often thought of her. Whether it was true or not, was another story.

Are you sure? Its no problem, really.

Bette smiled at Mikela, this time it was sincere.

Im certain. Its not a big deal but thanks, Bette assured.

Okay, well Ill let Candace know you came by, Mikela said.

Okay, thank you. Good-bye.

Those were the last words that Bette said as Mikela went back inside. Bette retreating to her car but stopped in her tracks as she noticed the familiar car, pull up to the driveway. Bette looked up and there she was, driving her classic pick-up truck. It was Candace. Candace looked at Bette as she drove up closer to her. Bette walked the rest of the distance to the truck.

Hey, Candace spoke first with the cars engine still running.

Bette seemed nervous playing with her hands. A strained smirk appeared on her face before she spoke.

Hi. I just came by to, Bette began.

Candace reached over to the passengers side door and opened it for Bette.

Leave your car here. Lets go for a drive.

Bette looks at the seat in front of her, then at Candace before hopping in and Candace pulled out of the driveway and drove off. Silence fell over them. Bette stared straight ahead while Candace drove. They were each lost in their own thoughts which were seemingly similar to one another.

Im surprised to see you, Candace said breaking the silence.

Bette turned her head slightly to look at Candace. God, she just wanted to reach over and kiss her but she thought better of it.

I never got a chance to tell you what a great job you did. With all the controversy Provocations received, they couldnt stop talking about how perfect the layout was, Bette said.

Candace takes in what Bette had just said. She knew full well that Bette wouldnt take time from her crazy life to do something that could have been done over the phone. Bette wanted to see her as much as she wanted to see Bette.

Thanks, Candace replied just as she looked at Bette. Their eyes lock but Bette quickly breaks it as she looks down at her hands.

Im glad the show was a success.

Candace went back to focusing on the road.

Please stop the car, Bette asked.

Candace looked over at Bette.

Please, Bette asked once again.

Candace drove just a little more before turning into a remote area where she stops and shuts off the car. Candace turns her body facing Bette while Bette remains motionless for what seems like an eternity.

I didnt go to your house to talk about your work, Bette says looking down at her feet.

Candace doesnt say a word She simply looks at Bette. Bette feels Candaces eyes burn her skin. She wants to look at her but is afraid to. Afraid that she will once again fall for her lips and she wont be able to stop kissing her, that wouldnt help.

Candace reaches over to Bette, taking Bettes left hand, which is resting between them.

Bette, Whats going on?

Bette eyes close at the contact. She can feel Candace all through her body. Yes, Candace had provided a sexual outlet for Bette but between them there was more than just that. They were connected and it went beyond the physical.

Id been debating on whether to come see you or not, Bette started. At first I thought, everything that happened was a mistake and we should never see each other again.

Candace hand is still on Bettes but it is still.

I thought about how Ive hurt Tina and jeopardized my relationship with her. Thats why I came to see you.

Bette finally looks up at Candace.

But then I get to your house and your girlfriend opens the door.

Candace gives Bette a oh thats what this is about look. An acknowledging grin appears on Candaces face.

Mikelas just a friend.

Do all your friends stay at your place?

Candace lets out a chuckle.

They do when theyre taking care of my dog, Candace said amused by Bettes jealousy.

Bette stays quiet for a moment.

Bette, Mikela is just a friend. Were friends. Thats all there is to it.

Damn, I shouldve known, Bette thought to herself. There I was making all of these assumptions and she was just looking after her dog. Bette smiled at Candace and Candace moved closer to Bette.

So what were you going to say, before you thought that I was with Mikela, Candace asked before planting a soft kiss on Bette. They kissed slow, deep and long. Theyre tongues dancing a long song of passion. The kiss wasnt rushed and greedy. They break from their kiss then look away from each other.

Youre worried about Tina, right?

Ive been so confused lately.

Candace says nothing, just slowly caresses Bettes hand.

Before you, things were simple, my routine had not been broken. I was in control of my life.

Candace still said nothing just watched Bette as she spoke.

Things werent perfect but I knew how to deal with them. My life was normal, Id wake up, go to work, come home and go to bed, then start all over again. It kills me that I hurt Tina the way I have. It kills me that I cant go back and do things the right way, like everyone expects me to but I havent been happy. Ive been torn apart. A seven-year relationship isnt something to take lightly and before you Ive never cheated on Tina but then you come along and God its like you see right through me. I dont feel pressured, I don’t feel the need to be all-controlling and that scares me. Do you realize how difficult that is for me? Im not supposed to have these feelings but from the moment I met you everything changed and now I cant stop thinking about you.

Candace leans her head back on the seat.

That night at Provocations, when I saw you with Tina. I felt like I shouldnt have been there.

Im sorry about that. I was trying to get a moment with you all night and when I saw you coming out of the bathroom I wanted to, Bette stops talking and looks away.

So what now?

Bette leans back with her face close to Candace looking deep into her eyes.

I dont know, she said before kissing Candace once again, slow and soft.

Bette wanted to explore the possibilities with Candace but she knew that she also needed to resolve her issues with Tina. What to do?