At Bettes

A plethora of emotions ran through Bette. She couldnt for the life of her think why Tina went to see Candace. What could be said that wasnt already said? Did Candace initiate the meeting of was it Tina? What is? What was? What? What? What? There were so many questions and no answers. Bette paced the floor as James words regurgitated in her head. She felt her stomach contract as the images of Tina and Candace fighting at the house, and theyre near fight at the restaurant flashed vividly in her minds eye. How had it come to this? Bette thought. Unable to steady her mind or her body from reeling, Bette threw up where she stood unable to make it to the bathroom. Have I driven them both to this point? Bettes mind continued to wonder as her body wracked with heaves. Dizziness took over and Bette passed out.

In Candaces office

Why do you look so smug? Candace cautiously inquired, still not sure of what Tina had in her purse. She knew it wasnt a gun and felt good about that, but it didnt rule out another weapon.

Tina chuckled. It amazes me how many personalities you have Ms. Jewel, Tina replied softly, as she toyed with the folded paper in her purse.

And what the ***** is that supposed to mean? And why do you keep calling me Ms. Jewel? Candace fired back.

Calm down Ms. Jewel, Tina intentionally dug, getting upset isnt going to make you look any better in my eyes, Tina indignantly replied. In fact, I must commend you, Candace stared at her. I mean, you had me fooled at the restaurant, acting like youd had enough and even spoke up for me, Tina slid her hand from her purse and clapped, insulting Candace even more. And to answer your question, Tina grinned. Calling you Ms. Jewel depersonalizes you. It distances me from you and Im quite content with that.

Candace stood up and put her hands on her hips. She stared at the time as if to make Tina hurry up. Look, I have a business to run and I dont have all day to waste on you.

Fine! Have it your way, Tina reached into her purse and threw the paper on the desk.

Candace hurriedly reached for it and unfolded it. A look of pain and embarrassment covered her face. She looked up at Tina, who was wearing the sweetest smile.

Where the ***** did you get this? Candaces voice broke. Tina shrugged her shoulders. Answer me dammit! Where did you get this? Candace sat back down.

Uh, huh! Thought youd see things my way, Tina folded her arms across her chest. Her investigative work revealed that Yolanda was a silent partner in Candaces business. It was with her inheritance money that Candace was able to start her business. Though shed been pretty successful, she was still in a fair amount of debt after an out of court settlement. Candace was still trying to pay Yolanda back for covering some of the initial legal fees, not to mention some other expenses. If Yolanda knew Candace had been using the business account to cover Bettes hospital visit and their trip to the motel, all ***** would more than break loose. And if Bette found out that she was being cared for (pun intended) with Yolandas money, she too might open ***** gate on Candace.

Candace refolded the paper and placed in on her desk. I guess its safe to assume you have additional copies? Candace sounded defeated. Tina nodded. Okay. So what is your proposition again? Candace bowed her head.

As I said, I want you to have absolutely no contact with Bette. None! Nada! Zip! Zero! Tina said with authority. Also, you keep Yolanda away from her too. If anyone is going to do anything to Bette Porter, that would be me, Tina pointed to herself. You both have done more than enough. Especially you! Tina eased the chair back and stood up.

What if she contacts me?

Youre a clever woman Ms. Jewel. You managed to pull off running around with a married woman, so Im sure you can come up with something to stay away from said woman, Tina began heading to the door. Have a nice day Ms. Jewel and thank you for your time. Tina nodded and left the building.

Candace snatched the paper off the desk and unfolded it again. She threw herself backwards into the chair and read the information Tina gathered. Damn her! Candace spit. Bette better not contact me and she better watch herself. That woman makes Uma Thurman look like an Angel!

Back at Bettes

Bette woke up in a cold sweat, a little delirious, and still very weak. The smell of throw up almost made her lose it again, but she managed to get up and get to the bathroom this time. She leaned over the toilet heaving, but nothing came up. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and looked at herself in the mirror. What are you doing to everyone Bette? She asked herself. Seems like you have anything but the Midas touch, she continued. She dried her face and heard her cell phone chirping. *****! Kit! Bette ran out of the bathroom to get her phone. Two missed calls. Bette felt herself getting tense again. Before she retrieved her voicemail, Bette looked at the time. *****! I should be there by now, she complained. Maybe shes just checking on me, Bette dialed and waited to hear Kits voice.

Baby girl, can you grab some of that Chai tea that I like. Hopefully youll get this message before you get here.

Bette deleted the message and waited for the next one to play. A call was coming in while she waited for the message, but Bette ignored it because it was coming unavailable. BG! Kit giggled, like that? BG stands for baby girl, easier to say, another giggle. Anyway, Im not sure if you got my other message about the Chai, but you shoulda been here by now kiddo! Maybe theres traffic. Call me when you get this message.

By the time the message played out, another one was left. Bette gathered her purse and headed out the door. She got in the car and the new message was playing.

Bette, its Tina! Bette froze.