"I know, shit. Kit already informed me"

"Yeah that would cover it. Is it Tina? Did she freak?"

"No, no Shane its not Tina. Actually, she was amazing, absolutely amazing when I told her. She accepted it, the entire thing she had been so good about it. It feels like a dream. We’re going to deal with what needs to be done together this afternoon. "

(Shane smiles and reaches over to put a hand on top of Bette’s in a rare show of public affection)

"I’m really glad. Really glad that you found it Bette, real love. Lots of us will never find it"

Moved by the intensity in Shane’s response, using her food to distract herself, Bette reached for her coffee and took several bites of egg before speaking.

"I didn’t sleep well and this morning has been a nightmare it started with the studio calling Tina at 7:30 demanding she come immediately to deal with a crisis and this hearing with the Board of Directors of the University is in 2 days. Not to mention the fact that Kit obviously has an issue with me. I guess that’s enough to make me look a little frayed around the edges."

"Definitely, all I know is if anyone can handle pressure its you Porter"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence"

I even have my limits Shane. Trust me and Monique was always good with getting around them.

"No problem."

(Shane, looking at her watch) "I have to go. I have an 11:30 but I hope things sort themselves out this afternoon"

"They will. They will"

"Now that’s the Bette Porter I know and love" were Shane’s word before she was gone as quickly as she arrived.

Once her stomach was filled Bette felt her inner self begin to fall into its usual preparations for conflict. The familiarity of it brought comfort and strength to her as she glanced at her watch–12:15 pm. Checking to see that Kit was nowhere in the front, she headed to the door of the Planet herself. She would need to leave now if she was going to meet Tina at 12:45. The Purple Parrot was far enough away from their neighbourhood that traffic would make it a 20 minute drive.