Chapter 24 – Early Morning Picnic

Carol came into Tinas office to collect her for lunch. Tina had her head down pouring over some paperwork. So Carol sat down in front of Tinas desk waiting for her to take a break.

Tina was working out the details of the fundraiser auction. She was amazed at how much her friends were able to accomplish. They had over a hundred donated items to auction off. All of the girls had called in favors and the items varied in value from twenty to fifty dollars to some items were well in the thousands. Dana had even gone to her mother and received help from her Republican club friends. Alice had been amazing in that she got the magazine involved which got the fundraiser some local coverage with different news organizations. Tina and Oscar were scheduled to be in live interviews with some local camera crews and their live news personality. Its amazing how much had come about so quickly but true to her word, Alice was organizing this as well if not better than any gala Bette had put together.

Tina finished up, putting her pen down. Looking up she was startled by Carol sitting there. Carol, how long have you been sitting there?
Carol was now embarrassed: Oh, not long, you looked so intent I didnt want to interrupt. I came to get you for lunch but if you have too much to do Ill just get going. It was a light day today and we were going to take an extra half hour and wander through the Farmers Market. You want to come?

Tina looked down at the work on her desk and made a snap decision. Things looked organized enough why not. Getting up Thanks for the invite, lets go.

Carol and Tina walked down the hall to collect Cindy and they were off.

It was another beautiful day in LA, with a slight breeze which was keeping the heat from getting too hot. Cindy was on a mission as usual. She was in search of some sort of wedding shower present. You know I was thinking some pottery vase would be a good gift. There are a couple of artisans that show here that maybe I can find something unique but usable. I always try to get something that no one else will get them. You know I always try. Cindy was rambling on and Tina and Carol just chuckled to each other as they each gave the look which meant they were phasing her out. With Cindy leading the way, they walked up to the food vendor row first. Tina got a gyro she could munch on as she browsed around. Because of Cindys mission, they hit every arts and craft ceramic/pottery stand in the place. Tina was looking around an interesting pottery display when she turned around and spotted a wall of paintings. These paintings were intense with color. Having them all lined up, they presented a dramatic wall of color that Tina found intriguing. Tina felt compelled to move closer to the painting. The second picture Tina spotted made her catch her breath. It was a scene of a picnic so to speak. Abstract in nature two figures were atop a red checked spread. There were images of fruit which appeared tossed around. The two figures emoted a feeling of intimacy.

This immediately brought back a wonderful memory of Bette. Bette had come home exhausted, more mentally then physically. She had a hollow look in her eyes that told Tina she needed a rest. The moment she came through the front door Tina knew she had to get her into bed. Bette put up little resistance and was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Tina smiled remembering how protective she felt watching over Bette as she slept. Waking up around 5 AM, Tina decided she wanted to do something different and a little crazy. Getting up, she went around the house collecting every pillow or cushion they owned and spread them out on the pool deck. Grabbing a red and white checked table cloth, she spread it across the pillows. Now for the food, Tina had raided the kitchen coming out with all kinds of fruit, strawberries, blueberries, oranges and bananas. Opening a bottle of champagne, she mixed it half and half with orange juice. Looking around the only missing piece was her Bette. Going into the bedroom, Bette looked like she had slept so hard she hadnt moved all night. Lightly caressing Bettes ear lobe with her finger, Tina was slowly waking Bette up. Before Bette even fully opened her eyes. Tina pulled her up in a sitting position. Bette began to protest but Tina kept pulling and led Bette out to the patio. Seeing the scene, Bette immediately became a participating partner. They had one of the most memorable intimate morning picnics full of sharing, fruit, champagne and their love.
Tina felt that tingle in her stomach and her cheeks becoming flush just by this mere memory. As Tina looked at this painting it was as if someone had stolen her memory. She walked up to the guy manning the booth. Excuse me, what is this painting? Are you the artist?
Jason looked at the painting the lady was pointing to and bent down to read the card Bette had placed naming the painting. No, Im just covering. This painting is call Early Morning Picnic are you interested?