Chapter 2

What just happened?

After escorting Tina Wilson out the door Bette felt a bit dazed and confused, no, more like dazed and amused.  She walked back to her desk wondering, ‘What had she done?’ but she still sported a wide grin and a very light step.  Tina was certainly not boring.  And with that thought James buzzed Bette reminding of her of her 4:00 class at the CAC.  Bette quickly gathered her things and made her exit and headed toward the CAC.

For the last 9 months Bette had been conducting a monthly outreach program for inner city teens using art as a means of expressing anger and inner turmoil.  It was an innovative project initiated by a small non- for -profit, The Center for Social Justice, but, incredibly, the agency was able to bring together several agencies and prominent members of the community to really make an impact, and the program has proven to be a major success.  At first Bette agreed to do the project primarily because Peggy Peabody, a much valued customer, had insisted she spearhead the art instruction, but now it was the highlight of her month, with many plans for expanding the project.  Bette loved the program except for having to work with the pompous President of the Board of the CAC.  With that thought Bette entered the CAC.

After a wonderful session, Bette left the CAC feeling like she was on top of the world.  She hopped in her Lexus convertible, put the top down, and thought about inviting some friends over for dinner and drinks.  Those thoughts were soon erased when she received a text from her ex or ‘Bette’s wannabe be ex’ asking if she could meet Bette at her house.  Bette’s mood changed.  The last thing she wanted to deal with were the tears of her 20 something ex – definitely ex girlfriend – lamenting the fact that Bette had broken her heart.  Which, by the way, had been about 2 weeks ago with at least 10 crying sessions and 2 hot steamy sessions which Bette really couldn’t help but very much regret – sort of.  Karen seemed so stable, so solid, a school teacher.  How could Bette keep screwing up so badly?