So far, so good. Greg and I already had a buzz going as we paid (I paid) the cover charge for Girl Bar. Actually, it was only fair that I paid since Greg was here as a mere device in my plot--- my plot of love.

I looked fabulous in my black see-through silk shirt with a black bra, loose fitting dark jeans and low-heeled black espadrilles. I gelled my hair a little so it would slick back leaving my face with confidence and a little make-up. As we walked in, I saw a bunch of great looking chicks, a few that took my breath away, but I truly had no interest. What a relief. I was so excited to admit to myself that I loved Shirley and it seemed that once I admitted that, my path was chosen. Therefore, there was no reason to be distracted by these lovely dykes.

Greg pulled on my arm and I stopped. We stood in the middle of the crowd of ravishing lesbians when I turned to see a stunned Greg, "Before we do anything else, a drink is expected."

"Expected?"

"NOW!" Greg said with a smile.

"All right already."

Greg watched me pull a twenty from my front jeans pocket. "Ever hear of a purse Miss Fran, after all, you are still a girl."

"Espadrilles are as far as I go. Real lesbians don't do purses."

"What's that about?" Both our voices were heightened.

We headed to the bar as I began to explain, "Well, I think it's because it's too vulnerable to have a purse, like you need something other than just yourself."

"I'll buy that."

"Wow, I've never heard you say that you'd buy anything." I admitted.

"Fuck you, buy me a drink."

"A true artist you are Greg and that's why I love you."

"Listen Fran, I just may shock you here, but I love you, too." Awkward silence. I realized then that Greg was the little brother I never had and suddenly I felt warm and fine. He turned to the waiting bartender, Patty, and ordered two shots. She stared him down, refusing to accept his presence and I could see the question in her eyes--- is he straight? Too many straight men, posing as gay, go to lesbian bars to get their rocks off.

I stepped forward, "Two tequilas Patty." She slowly nodded, realizing he was cool. Greg looked at me, wondering what the hell was wrong. I leaned forward and whispered, "She thought you were straight." He laughed out loud when out of the corner of my eye I saw Betsy standing alone by the juke box. I froze, nudging Greg, "Drink up, the eagle has landed." I looked at my watch; it was 11:55--- and no sign of Shirley.

We both shot our drinks back, Greg eyed Betsy like a hawk, then grimaced, "I may dance with her, but I ain't touching her."

"Just keep her busy Romeo." And I headed for the back room in search of my future lover.

Excitement in the back room was double that of the front bar, but I still couldn't see Shirley. I had about three minutes when suddenly I felt someone's hand on my ass. I turned, seeing a lovely young woman grinning who was actually pretty hot. "I'd like to kiss you at midnight." She quipped.

I leaned into her and whispered "Just goes to show you that when you're not looking for it, it's dropped at your doorstep. Sorry but I'm in love and there's only woman I'm looking to kiss."

The girl didn't seem rejected at all, "She in love with you?"

"I think so."

Before she walked away whispered, "If you change your mind, let me know."

What a cool chick and then I felt a hand on my shoulder. Immediately, I knew it was Shirley. As I turned toward her I caught a glimpse of Betsy and Greg, seeing he had her completely distracted, doing his job.

I turned around, seeing Shirley standing directly in front of me, smiling. I touched Shirley's hand. Love had me shaking and when I looked into her eyes I saw...well, how do I explain it? I saw her love, her love for me. She kissed me on my face somewhere and she whispered, "Betsy's here. I can't."

People started counting off and I whispered back, "Yes, you can. You have to." And I placed my hands on her face and we kissed as New Year's Eve turned to New Years Day. People hugged and kissed around us, but not with the love we exchanged. I wanted to hold her forever, but time was quick and she pulled away. "I love you Shirley." She stared intently, soaking up my every shudder as if that proved my confession--- and it did, it was obvious.

"I..." Shirley paused, clearly uncomfortable, when suddenly, "I love you too, Fran." We stared each other down, our true selves suddenly silent with our honesty. "I...I have to go find Betsy and tell her the truth." And she left.