Rhythmic Freedom

Chapter 10, Open String Exercises

Bette stepped out onto the balcony to wait for Tina.  She walked over to the balustrade and closed her eyes as the breeze caressed her face.  Her mind traveled to the prior evening and the vision of the cellist on stage engaging her senses.  The brunette’s head swayed slowly with the image of the delicate ivory hand bowing the strings.  Her mind’s eye followed the path of the virtuoso’s arm to her beautiful expressive face and each emotion that had shown itself for all to see. Bette smiled with the contrasting performance later in the night at the café, laughing aloud when she recalled the blonde singing from the backseat of the limousine.

Tina made her way onto the balcony and paused, with tray in hand, as the sound of the brunette’s laughter thrust its way to weaken her knees.  The tray suddenly became heavy and the cups rattled when a tremor was launched in Tina’s response to the enchanting timbre. 

Hearing the slight noise of the cups, Bette turned and faced the blonde with her laughter’s smile still full.  Tina grinned shyly then hastily stepped over to the table and set down the tray before her grip gave way.  The blonde rubbed her hands down the sides of her hips to both steady her nerves and wipe away the moisture that had began to rise. 

As she concentrated on pouring the tea, Tina spoke without looking at the stunning brunette.  “Did you find something amusing in the view?”  She asked.

Bette took a moment to consider her answer as she moved to Tina’s side and graciously accepted the cup of tea held out by the blonde.  “Thank you.”  She said.  “I was thinking about last night.”  She finally replied.

Tina blushed as her thoughts immediately went to requesting Goldfrapp and the uninhibited dancing that followed.  She really didn’t know what happened after and silently prayed it wasn’t too awful and vowed to herself never to drink purple hooters again.  Looking up as she mindlessly stirred the sugar in her tea Tina smiled nervously.  “Oh?... last night huh?”  Bette sipped her tea then proceeded to add sugar.  Tina took in a deep breath and rushed her words.  “I’m-afraid-I-owe-you-an-apology.”  She said looking down at her cup.

Bette looked at the blonde with a puzzled expression.  “Oh?... why’s that?”  She asked.

Tina kept her head down and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “My behavior… I know I…” her cheeks turned a darker shade of pink as she searched for the words.  Looking up and meeting Bette’s gaze, she continued.  “I acted foolishly… I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.” 

Bette set her cup and saucer down on the table and smiled warmly as she took Tina’s from her hands and placed aside as well, she reached behind the blonde’s elbows and slid her hands down the soft ivory forearms as she pulled gently forward then captured Tina’s hands in her own. 

Tina’s eyes closed involuntarily under the touch.  She consciously stifled the moan so desperately wanting to be heard and forced her eyes opened to look into the deep brown eyes of the brunette.

“You did not embarrass me, you captivated me Tina.”  Bette said with all her heart and gently squeezed the blonde’s hands.

The hazel eyes rapidly moved between Bette's soulful dark brown eyes and her full exquisite lips.  Bette eased forward tilting her head ever so slightly and just as her lips parted the blonde subtly cleared her throat. 

Bette straightened her head and looked on with a small grin.  Tina squeezed the brunette’s hands before pulling away.  “Can we sit for a minute?”  She asked just above a whisper.