Chapter 10

It’s now Bette’s turn to travel away on business. She will be in Washington DC for a mid week conference. She has dinner plans with Senator Barbara Grisham. Bette’s conference this time is on funding arts education. Bette has developed a state of the art high tech resource lab for her art students and faculty. She did this with a combination of private donations and grants and made the Art School at California University a national model. Bette agreed to participate on the panel primarily as a way to showcase CU as well as to crusade for continued funding of programs to support the arts and arts education. Though she is entrenched in her family life; she is still Bette Porter, art goddess.

The family is having an early dinner at home on a Monday night.

Angelica: This is good Mommy.

Tina: Thanks baby I’m glad you like it. You’re doing a good job eating too.

Bette: So what’s for dessert?

Tina: Apple pie ala mode!

Angelica: A la what?

Bette: Boo that means ice cream on top. So we’re having apple pie and ice cream?

Angelica: Yummy I’m finished. Can I have some now?

Tina: Well baby can Momma and I finish eating first?

Angelica: Yes, but hurry up. Bette gives her a raised eyebrow look. Please.

Bette: Be patient I’m almost finished. Mommy spent a lot of time making this delicious dinner for us and I want to enjoy it. Besides I’m going to be gone for a few days so I won’t get Mommy’s good food for a few days. Tina smiles softly at Bette.

Angelica: OK but can you stop talking and eat. It will go faster that way. Bette just shakes her head, smiles and eats her final few bites.

Bette: OK I’m finished now are you happy?

Angelica: Yup. OK Mommy we’re ready for ala pie now.

Bette: Apple pie a la mode.

Angelica: Yea that’s what I said.

Tina: Who invited Alice to dinner tonight?

Bette: Oh god please don’t wish that on us. She’s enough of a handful.

Tina: Here’s the pie and some bowls. You dish up the pie while I’ll get the ice cream.

Bette: Do you mind eating out back? It’s such a nice evening?