8:00am

Tina was standing in the kitchen of her sister’s home, making a pot of
coffee. Her feet were a little sore from yesterdays gallery and shopping
marathon, but overall she was feeling quite rested. She had slept more
soundly last night, than she had in a long time. She didn’t know if that was
because of all the walking and fresh air from the day before, or if it was
because when she closed her eyes last night she had felt a quiet peace come
over her, knowing she was going to see Bette today…Bette…what have you
been doing these last fifteen years? It was obvious by what Tina saw
yesterday that Bette was happy. You could tell by looking at the way Bette
and Milaine moved around each other that there was an incredible closeness
there, and there was an ease and contentment with Leslie and Bette that only
comes from being close to someone for years.

Tina was happy for Bette, even if she did feel some sadness lingering around
the edges of her heart. She didn’t want to feel that sadness, tried to push
it away…but still…it lingered. Tina didn’t realize it, but she was just
standing in front of the kitchen sink, staring out the window, not really
seeing anything…

“Is it out there?” Tina turned to see her sister Susan, leaning against the
kitchen door jam.

“Is what out where?”, Tina asked.

“Whatever it is you’re so intently looking for out that window.”

Tina gave Susan a sad smile. They had not had a chance to talk in private
last night about Tina and Dani’s encounter with Bette. Susan had tried to
get a minute with Tina after she heard Dani going on and on about mom’s
friend who was so beautiful and had “the most jammin gallery in all of New
York”, but Tina’s other two children, Paul and Alex, had wanted their mom’s
attention, after having to spend all day with their aunt.

“No, it’s not out there. Everything I’m looking for is right here, in this
house.”

Susan gave Tina a look of disbelief. “Don’t give me *****.” Susan put the
back of her hand up to her forehead. “Alas…I don’t need someone in my life that will love me and ravish me. I get all the love I need from my children.
I will live my life for them, and put my own needs aside! Yea Tina…whatever and phooey on that!” Tina couldn’t help but giggle at her sister’s antics. “Tina, you deserve to have all the love there is in this
world. I want that for you so much, so don’t you think it’s time that you
got your head out of your *****, and go after it!”

“Geez Susan, it’s too bad you never met my friend Alice. You and her would
have been like two peas in a pod.” Tina sighed and looked out the window
again. “It’s been 15 years. She has a very successful business, a daughter
who obviously adores her, and a beautiful partner. I just don’t know where I
would fit into her world. I mean, I want her to be happy…I do, I just…I
just wasn’t prepared to see her happy with someone else.”

“Tina, would it make you feel better to think that she was miserable,
pinning away for you all these years? Is that what you wanted to see?”

“God Susan, no! I just wasn’t prepared, that’s all. I want her to be loved
and to have a happy, full life. But…well, is it so wrong to still feel
like I wanted her to have that with me?”

“No Tina, it’s not wrong honey, but I hate to tell you this, it is a little unrealistic. Especially when you were the one that broke off the
relationship. I’m sorry honey, but Bette had no choice but to move on. You
left town and ask Alice not to tell Bette where you were. You can’t blame
her for following your wishes. I know that hurts, but…”

“I know Susan. It was my decision, and even though the part of me that wants
to be with Bette, regrets that decision, I really don’t regret it at all,
because if I had stayed, those three beautiful, wonderful, hellions sleeping
in your guest rooms wouldn’t be here.” Tina looked at Susan with love and
humor in her eyes. “And that thought is unacceptable. Those kids are
everything to me.”

I know they are Tina. You and Dan managed to produce three incredible kids.
But honey, you have been divorced for two years now. Dan has moved on and
found love again. You need to do the same, even though I know it is way
easier said than done…but you have got to at least try. If not with Bette,
then with someone else.”

Tina took a deep breath and walked over and hugged her sister. “I know it’s
time. I’ll tell you what, when we get back to Seattle, I will start putting
myself out there…whatever the ***** that means, but I will. Ok?”

Susan reached over and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Tina’s ear.
“Ok.”



11:00am

Tina took a deep breath and picked up the phone to call Bette.

“Kennter Galleries, this is Milaine.”

“Hi Milaine, it’s Tina Kennard. How are you today?”

“Oh hi Ms. Kennard. I’m good thank you, and you?”

“Great thanks. Is your mom in?”

“Sure, let me get her for you.”

“T?”

“Hi Bette. How is your day today?”

“It’s good…I just finished meeting with a young man whose photography is
absolutely haunting. His photos will be a great addition to the gallery. How
bout you. Did you survive the rest of your day?”

“I did, but Dani and I both agreed that the rest of the galleries were a
little anticlimactic after seeing yours. You really have done a wonderful
job Bette. You should be so proud.”

“Thanks T, but I didn’t do it all on my own…but hey, why don’t we talk
about this tonight. Are we still on for dinner?”
Bette crossed her fingers and held her breath, waiting for Tina’s answer.

“Yes, I would love to meet you. Just name the time and the place.” Tina’s
voice sounded calm and light, even though in her head she was thinking that,
I want to meet you right now, right now…RIGHT NOW!!!

“Great! How about 7:00 at Camozzi’s. It’s a little Italian restaurant. Don’t
worry about finding it, the cab driver will know.”

“Ok Bette, 7:00 it is. I’ll see you then. Bye.”

“Till then T…and T?”

“Yea?”

“I just want you to know that I am so very grateful that you are giving me
this time tonight. It’s been so long, and I can’t wait to share a
conversation with you again. Thank you.”

Tina’s heart stopped beating. God, this woman always knew just what to say.
“I know, I can’t believe how much I’m looking forward to this as well,
Bette. See you at 7:00.”

“Bye T.”