James walked into Simones workspace and noticed the tension. He immediately spoke up.

James: Bette theres a piece back here you have to see. Its called Eyes of Love I think youll find it interesting.
***
Simone’s eyes plead with James not to divulge anymore. James just couldn’t keep this hidden. They had come here to discuss Simone’s new work and this was apparently new. Bette needed to know about this she’d know best how to handle this, hopefully.

Bette: Is it a new painting? Simone why did you say you didn’t have anything new, why are you playing games? We don’t have time for games today. James show me. Is it as good as these? These are great aren’t they?
James: Bette it’s different from all of these but I have to admit in a lot of ways it’s better than these, but brace yourself it’s different, really different.
Bette: Brace myself, why?

James directs Bette over to the easel and uncovers the canvas Bette is frozen. She feels her heart race within her chest she doesn’t know if she should be flattered or frightened. She does know this isn’t the professional relationship she had hoped for with Simone. The more she examined the painting the more she realized how truly talented Simone was. She never posed for this but here she was. The portrait was clear but not ordinary, somehow Simone saw the depth within and that alone frighten Bette. But it wasnt a complete portrait either it really was just a view of Bettes eyes but anyone who knew Bette would know this was definitely her”these were definitely her eyes. As if she read her mind Simone walked up behind James and Bette.

Simone: I can explain. Look I hadn’t painted anything in two months and the day I meet with you in your office and you were speaking about Tina. I saw something in your eyes something that made me believe in love again. See I’ve only dated one woman all of my life and she cheated on me after we’d been together for five years. She was all I’ve ever known –of women anyway and definitely all Id ever known of love. I changed my life to be with her and she broke my heart. After I came out my parents even disowned me but it was all right because I had her–until I didn’t. Now I’m starting over alone and I guess I’d stopped believing in love altogether until I saw you and how your face lights up when you speak of Tina. I will admit when I first saw you I thought I wanted you”***** youre attractive enough thats for damn sure. Then I realized I want what you two share. I don’t want to come in between you and her I just want to be around it to know that it exist. I guess I want some of what you have to rub off on me. Seriously–after what I’ve been through I wouldn’t intentionally cause another couple any grief. I guess I stopped painting because she left me because she said I never saw her anymore all I ever did was paint. The funny thing is thats what brought us together and what drove us apart. ***** I want what you and Tina have, I do, but more than that, I just want me back.
Bette and James looked at on another at the same time and then Bette looked at her watch.
Bette: Simone I’ve gotta go. You’ve given me a lot to think about, more than you can imagine really. You are hands down one of the most talented artists I’ve ever met but if we are going to work together I have to trust you. James and I will give you a call tomorrow morning early to let you know where this all stands.
Simone: (barely above a whisper) Bette this is all I have. I know I’ve behaved poorly but please don’t take this away from me. Don’t kick me while I’m down. I need this. Without this I really don’t know where I’ll be or what I’d be doing. Please I’ll be on my best behavior.
She looked at James and at Bette her green eyes brimming with tears.
Bette’s heart was getting the better of her judgment. “Ok, ok Tina always says everyone deserves a second chance, but Simone you’ve gotta get it together and focus on you and work. I know it isn’t easy. Believe me I know, but find something that makes the pain bearable–like painting. But don’t paint me anymore that’s not acceptable, ok?” Bette said with a smile trying to lighten the mood.
Simone smiled and thanked Bette she walked towards her wanting to hug her but stopped herself instead and held out her hand and Bette shook her hand and James extended his too. Simone whispered thank you to James not knowing that the little exchange could have gone either way. James wasnt totally surprised that Bette relented after hearing Simones story but he knew Bette didnt totally trust Simone either. Bettes mind was reeling and her feelings of guilt were beginning to become unveiled it was only a few short months ago she had put Tina in the same awful place Simone was in now and she didnt like seeing this broken woman in front of her”she knew that kind of pain all too well. She wanted to offer her something encouraging, something warm. She didnt want to over extend herself because she knew that Simone was in a very vulnerable state and she didnt want there to be ANY misinterpretation. Simone, paint put your feelings on canvas and if you need to talk call me at the CAC during working hours or stop by the Planet in the mornings, ok? Thanks Bette”I appreciate that offer”I really do.

As Bette and James drove back to the CAC Bette made sure she got James to agree to meet her at the Planet through the duration of the preparation for the new artists show. James realized Bette really wanted to help Simone but really didnt trust her”he didnt blame her. He believed Simones break up story but wasnt quite convinced that if given an opportunity she wouldnt make a pass at Bette. He also knew that Bette had fought really hard to get her family back and that Simone nor anyone else would ever be able to break the commitment Bette had reestablished.



They left just in time for Bette to make her appointment with Shane back at the CAC.
Shane was waiting for Bette in her office when she got there. She was looking at the photographs Bette had taken of Tina.

Shane: Bette I dont know what to say these are absolutely beautiful. I mean yeah Tina is beautiful but youve made her seem unobtainable and cherished all at once. She loves these, right?
Bette: (smiling) She does. You ready for you tour? How is Megan these days?
Shane: Shes great. I really like her but were going slowly. Simones hot”really hot. What is she like?
Bette: Wait I thought Megan was great, whats the deal?
Shane: Im not married?
Bette: Im not sure about Simone shes going through a few things shes looking for something to call her own right now.
Shane: Well she could call me hers for a night or two
Bette: No. Shes a good kid just a little mixed up I think. Please stay away from that one. Youll thank me for it later.
Shane: Ok. Take me on this tour. What are you and Tina doing later?
Bette: Doctors appointment.
Shane: You okay, is Tina okay?
Bette: Were trying again”to get pregnant.
Shane: I didnt know. Oh, Um, Thats good”Congratulations.
Bette: You sound really excited for us. I thought you knew. Maybe I told Alice. I thought you knew too. Shane you gotta be happy for me”for us. This is what we want.
Shane: No I am happy for you guys. I cant think of two better mommies.

Shane pulled Bette into a hug, I really am happy for you guys. Really Bette whispered, Thats more like it, thank you.

Bette gave Shane the tour of the CAC. Shane was actually really into it and taking notes and all. She asked questions and really enjoyed it. She planned to come back when she had more time to re-visit some of the pieces she really liked. Bette was thrilled that Shane was so into it. They finished up just in time for Bette to go pick Tina up from the Community Center.

Tina: I was going to meet you at Dr. Wilsons office.
Bette: T I thought we agreed. Well go together or well reschedule our baby, our pregnancy.
Tina: We arent pregnant yet.
Bette: Tina I love you and Im so happy were together (leaning in kissing her)
Tina: (Noticing some sadness in Bettes voice) Whats wrong Bette?
Bette: I feel so sorry for all the pain I caused you. Sorry is such a deficient word it just doesnt cover it. Tina I promise Ill never do anything to intentionally cause you or our baby any pain. Thats a promise Ill spend the rest of my life fulfilling. (Tears rolling down her cheeks)
Tina: Babe where is this coming from?

Bette told Tina about her time at Simones leaving out the portrait not wanting to freak Tina out. She explained that Simones story was so similar to theirs it just reminded her so much of what the pain she had caused Tina and it broke her heart. Bette then shook her head and started the car. Kit used to always say this messed up thing but it applies to this same *****, different people.
Tina: No”we dont fall into that category. We beat the odds. I need you to stop beating yourself up. We are back together because this, what we share could never be considered the same ***** under any circumstances. Our love is special”so much so we are about to go make another person out of it. Do you hear me? Dont you get it? Lets never mention that again its the past its over”its over.
Bette looked at her watch and realized they had exactly 30 minutes and they were 10 minutes away traffic was cooperating, surprisingly. She sped over to a sparsely occupied parking lot.
Tina: What are you doing well be late.
Bette: No we wont. Tina I love you so much sometimes it literally hurts. Do you have any idea what you do to me, for me?
Bette took Tinas hand it held it over her heart and Tina felt Bettes heart pound erratically through her blouse. Then Bette brought a pleasantly surprised Tina into a frantic, passionate kiss.
Tina: I love you too Bette Porter”more than youll ever knowkissmore than youll ever know.

TBC