Chapter 51 – The Visions

I was thinking that if youre really bringing this critic by I might just play a little hooky this afternoon and lend Bette some moral support. What time do you think the two of you will make an appearance? Tina asked Alice over coffee before their perspective days start.
Well this critic is tricky, you know full of herself, so I really dont want to have lunch with her so I told her I had a previous luncheon appointment to meet me at the market between 2 to 2:30. Alice related. I figured that way I would only have to listen to her for a short period of time.
Wow that late, you know that cinches it Im just going to take the afternoon off, you dont mind if Im there do you? Tina asks Alice.
Not at all, from what I have seen and heard about Ms. Jessica Astair, she is a royal piece of work. I guess she is really good at what she does but her personality and sandpaper have a lot in common. Im going to just be glad to finally get her voice off my answering machine. Every time I hear her I get this gag reflex going. So Im thinking if Im around her too long who knows what might happen. Everyone tells me she prides herself on discovering the unknown talent and pushing them forward. We all know that Bettes paintings are full of talent so this should be an interesting meeting. Alice was feeling good about setting this meeting up. It helped that she had Bettes blessing so she didnt have to be sneaky. She was hoping that by helping Bette in her new life, partially to make up for leaving her behind but also because she wanted to be in Bettes life more and this was a start.
How long will Bette be at the market anyway? Maybe we could all go out and grab an early dinner? Alice was beginning to like the sounds of this plan.
Shane says Thursdays are her long day but maybe you could come back? Lets see what Bette thinks. Tina concluded.


Bette had just finished selling another painting. It had been one she really liked, A Vision of Inspiration. It was a painting loosely based on the vision of Tina that Bette had seen the night of the auction. The buyer was to pick it up later that afternoon. Bette was pulling the picture down and placing a sold sign on it when Tina walked up.

Tina saw the painting Bette was moving and had to catch her breath, Man shes good. Tina thought. Tina knew immediately the figure was her. She recognized the pendent. But the figure was abstract enough that not everyone would know it was her. Tina doesnt know how long she stood there looking at Bettes paintings. Every time she sees them they absorb her. Tina standing there in thought didnt realize that Bette had moved close behind. Bette was trying to gain Tinas perspective. Immediately Tina knew exactly where Bette was, every nerve ending was firing its notice to Bettes presences. Tina turned around smiling shyly, Hi Bette, you having a good day?

Bette sees the blushing in Tinas cheeks takes a step back. Sorry I was just trying to see what you see. But yeah its been a good day but better with you paying me a visit. What do I owe the pleasure? Bette smiled that smile that included her eyes.

Arent you seeing the art critic today? I thought I would come by and offer some support. Tina informed Bette.
You know that is today. Do you have any idea when theyre coming? I really havent heard from Alice, but it doesnt matter ***** either like the painting or not. Bette says as she shrugs her shoulders.
Well, Alice said something about her being a bit of a haughty ***** so she wanted to minimize her close contact and come between 2 and 2:30. Tina clued Bette in.
SHE isnt Alice bringing Joe Rice? Bette asks raising her brows.
UH .. NO .. I think, damn what was her name? Tina now creases her brow thinking as she tries to remember.
It isnt Jessica Astair is it? Bette asks in even tones.
Yeah .. thats it. Tina proclaims.

With that Bette starts laughing, really laughing one of those belly laughs that brings tears to your eyes. Bette now is beginning to hold her side as she continues laughing.
What What am I missing? Tina is now really curious.
I just (laughing) thought that she .would be bringing Joe. Bette pauses trying to gain control but loosing the battle, tears coming down her cheeks. She is one of the most insufferable ***** on this planet. Bette is trying to get this out but is still laughing almost too hard for the words to be recognizable. Alice is right to minimize her exposure. Bette finally gets this all out.
Oh wait, the best is that she absolutely hates me. Bette delivers this last line with almost a gagging as she is laughing so hard again.
Great this should be ever so much fun. Are you going to quit laughing when she gets here arent you? Tina wants to find a way to make this work but realizes that Bette just doesnt care. As this realization hit Tina she starts laughing also. Leave it to you Porter to have known the critic what did you do steal one of her discoveries of something? Well Im going along for the ride, this should get a little bumpy but might be a good show.
Something like that, but with someone like her it wouldnt have mattered, no it will be OK today. She will probably turn on her spiked heels and exit with a few words we can laugh at later. Bette says still chuckling.

After they had a moment to settle down from the critic discovery Well Tina youve come pretty early then you want to grab some lunch or something?
Actually if you dont mind, I would like to spend the rest of the day hanging with you. Tina asked looking to Bette with an inviting smile.
Bette surprised for a moment, paused then thought how she would like nothing better. Great, when Jason gets back we can grab something to eat and spend the rest of the day people watching. Bette says with a twinkle in her eye.

Jason made his way back soon after this. Bette promptly introduced him to Tina and they were off to grab lunch at one of the vendors.
Bette and Tina had an easy interaction between them. Their conversation was varied and diverse as Bette seemed to have a broad range of interests now and so the conversation flowed into many areas that Tina had never known that Bette had an interest. They passed a pleasant lunch and then settled back to the booth. Tina settled into the chair that Bette brings along for Shane and the two of them sat back and started people watching.
In truth this was one of the most relaxing, laid back and enjoyable afternoons Tina had ever spent in Bettes presence.