“No worries, Tee…we have all the time in the world,” Bette smiled, snuggling closer to Tina.

March 20, 2006 – Monday morning

“Hey, babe…my boss just called and I have great news,” Tina hung up the phone and smiled wildly.

“Yeah? What is it?” Bette stopped brushing her teeth and looked at Tina, matching her smile.

“My Pilot for ‘The Unsolved Mysteries’ documentary was picked up by the TNT and they have ordered ten more episodes, each unveiling a new mystery.”

“Baby, I’m so proud of you,” Bette quickly rinsed her mouth and picked Tina up onto her arms, twirling her around in excitement. “So proud…”

“Thanks, baby…I have to be at the office in 30 minutes so we can start planning and research to get enough material for ten episodes. I can drop you at the CAC on my way to work.”

The CAC

Bette was sitting in her office, going through some paperwork when a knock on the door interrupted her deep concentration.

Bette sighed impatiently and raised her head, “Come in.”

Candace stuck her head inside and smiled seductively, “Hello, Bette.”

“Candace,” Bette’s smile was tense. “What can I do for you?”

“We are finished with the last installation and I was wondering if you would like to join me for lunch?” Candice wiped her hands with a dirty rug. “I love that Cuban place up the street from here. I can pick us up some take-out if you want. We can finalize the project while we eat.”

“Candace, I thought we’ve discussed this situation. Your persistence is not going to get you anywhere. I have a girlfriend and I would like you to leave me alone.”

“I’m just asking you out to lunch, Bette, not to a motel for an afternoon hookup,” Candace smiled again. “…unless you’d like to go to a motel. Your girlfriend doesn’t have to know.”

Bette sighed and took off her reading glasses. She gave Candace look that left no doubt about Bette’s feelings regarding carpenter’s proposition. But Candace was too arrogant to give up and continued leering at Bette with pure lust.

“Listen, Candace. Even if for one infinitesimal moment I entertained the possibility of cheating on Tina with someone for whom I have no feelings or desire, I would never mess up my future with a woman I love for a meaningless, undesirable fling. I know what I want. I want to share my life with Tina. No matter how hard you’re going to try, your charms won’t work on me. I cannot imagine my life without Tina in it, and if I cheat I won’t have any future because Tina will never forgive me. Even if she won’t find out now, the truth will come sooner or later. I love Tina. That’s all to it, so please leave me alone, Candace, or I’ll have you fired for unprofessional conduct at the work place.”