New York Minute

Chapter 14

Tina’s last words to Bette before they had parted the night before was “ We both expect you home at 4pm – not a minute late “. That sentence had kept playing on a loop in Bette’s head for the whole day. Today was her birthday and she knew from their past that Tina loved birthdays. Birthday’s had always been huge things for them -they would always take time off and make things as special as possible for their partner. So Tina hadn’t had to spell it out – Bette just knew that Tina had gone to some trouble for her and they would be celebrating her birthday when she got home. Bette was thrilled; it was a long time since anyone spoil her and it made her feel good that she would be spending the day with Angie and Tina. Not that surprises where the sole privilege of one Tina Kennard – Bette had been making her own plans for a few little treats for the two females who had turned her life around.

The last five birthday’s had been spent alone with a new book and no celebration – this year was obviously going to be different. Bette arrived at the apartment at 3:45 so she sat In the foyer going through her mail and chatting to the concierge who told her how much they all had taken to Miss Angie as he referred to her as.

Right on 4pm Bette let herself into her apartment. She put her keys and briefcase down and walked nervously to the living room. Tina and Angie had decorated the room with streamers and pink balloons – there was a giant banner “HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTE “ across a wall. Angie ran across

“Happy Birthday Bette “ she jumped up – Bette picked her up and hugged her

“Hello sweetie – is all of this for me ?”

“Yes – happy birthday “

“Thank you “

Angie kissed her “We have some nice things for you “

“I am happy just having a hug from you and your mommy darling. Is that a new outfit ?”

“Do you like it ?”

Bette put Angie down and looked at her – she was wearing new black jeans and a white shirt. She did look so cute