"Bernie taught me how to love women."

Gary glanced over to Tatiana. She was wearing a big smile.

"No, what is it about B...Naomi Bernstein?" Gary asked. He turned into the mall entrance.

"I was in college last summer," Tatiana said. She fluffed her blonde hair with both hands so it wouldn't droop in the heat. "Preparatory course. Naomi was peer advisor."

Last summer was well before Gary had met Bernie, back when he was with Sharon.

"I had trouble, could not concentrate. Boy trouble. Should I go with this boy, with that boy? Was I jealous bitch? I talk to Naomi, she help some," Tatiana said. She pulled off her glasses and chewed on one of the stems.

Gary couldn't help imagining those full lips working on something warmer, softer, and thicker than her glasses. He pulled his eyes back to the road.

"One night late I come crying to her room. Another fight with boyfriend. Naomi was up talking to her girlfriend. We talk all night and figure out what for me to do. No more boyfriends. Sex with boys make me happy, but love make me crazy. Get love from girls, sex from boys. All good."

Tatiana continued, "Then she and her girlfriend took me to bed."

Gary swallowed uneasily. Back then, he thought, Bernie didn't have much time for guys anyway.

"Naomi taught me how to love women. So I get what I want from men..." Tatiana circled her fingers and poked her other index finger through. "...and get what I need from my Nina, my Ninnotchka." Tatiana pressed her palms together and laughed. She put her frosted glasses back on. "I must tell Naomi how happy she has made me." She pulled down the glasses and squinted skeptically at Gary. "I hope you make her happy too," she said.

Gary pulled up in front of the pick-up area at the mall and looked for Bernie and Lil.