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The Space Between–Why Can’t We Be Friends, Chapter 2
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1997, Chignon, minutes later.
Alice winced when Ephraim ordered a Glenfiddich and then asked the waiter for the wine list. Ephraim spent five minutes studying the list, occasionally looking up with excited eyes as he exclaimed about a wine that the restaurant had available. He looked at Alice “White or red?”
Alice thought quickly “White” in her naïve belief that there were no expensive white wines.
Ephraim tried to hide his disappointment, “Great.” But he suddenly seemed happier. “A white burgundy!”
Alice panicked at his excitement, “Um, you know, I can’t tell the difference between the wine that comes in jugs and a good wine. No taste buds at all. I’ve tried and tried and tried, and nothing. Don’t you think it would be a shame to waste a white burgundy on me? I mean, it is a limited resource, right? I bet it’s from a great year. Once it is gone, it’s gone. Kaput. Not a renewable resource. Next week there will be diners here celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. They’ll see that selection x-ed off the list and be crushed that it isn’t available. Because it was wasted on me. I feel terrible that I could cause their disappointment.”
“There’s more than one bottle.”
“Ah, but eventually there will be a disappointed couple.”
Ephraim rolled his eyes as he closed the list and smiled at Alice, “You are strange, Alice.”
The waiter had seen the wine list closing and had scurried to Ephraim’s side.
Ephraim handed the list to the waiter, “I’ll have a glass of red. What do you suggest?”
Alice tried to hide her relief, and reminded herself to order the chicken.
“Alice? How are you taking notes?”
“Notes?”
“For your article.”
“Oh, notes. I’m taking notes in my head. My mind is a steel trap. Like an elephant’s.”
******************
“What back there is more interesting than the person paying for your meal?” Bette asked.
“Hm?” Susannah replied without moving her gaze from the corner of the restaurant. “Oh. Sorry.” She turned her focus back to Bette for a moment, but her attention immediately strayed back to the corner, a smile curling at the corner of her lips.
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Very interesting that Bette tried to extend the hand of friendship first. Al is maybe a pain in the ass, but a loveable one. Great chapter, Spumoni… Alice babbling her way out of a bottle of wine being ordered was classic. And who *were* those studio execs? And I suppose Susannah’s partner-bound lawyer brother is Eric? Most interesting indeed. I want to see how Bette smooths it over with Al. More when you can, thanks!
I really like Susannah’s and Bette’s relationship. I like how they can be real with each other and joke and how they truly care about each other. Susannah and Bette..doesn’t that just roll off the tongue?? sounds great to me!!!! Now about Alice. It was very nice for Bette to come over and say hello to Alice, but she owes Alice nothing. Dating someone for a few weeks gives no promise of forever, yet, also on the show, Alice has never forgiven Bette for ending it. Would she rather Bette have stayed with her, even though it wasn’t working for Bette, and then be left? I also think if Alice acted like a resident of THIS planet even only occasionally, she might have better luck. Spumoni, I do like this fic, but I know SHE is coming…so I will enjoy my Bette with Susannah as long as I can!!!
Outstanding!!! Thank you!
Nice to see you back, all caught up now. Love it. Thanks.
This is just terrific. I think you have absolutley nailed this younger less troubled Bette with all her focus and arrogance intact. Wonderful writing.