Tina couldn’t help but chuckle at the passion with which Bette took on every new endeavor.

“So it’s a boy. Have you decided on a name yet?”

“Yes. Alexander Wolff Porter.”

“That’s a strong name.”

“Wolff was my mother’s maiden name. I just wish she was still alive to see him but he has his Grandma Peggy. She’s just as excited as I am about the baby. She already has a room prepared for him at the beach house.”

“So does this mean that you won’t be working in New York on her private collection and the museums?”

“Yeah we are still doing it but James and Lisa are going to work from New York. I’m staying here at least for the better part of a year. Once Alex is old enough to handle the travel I might spend a few months in New York or take some periodic trips.  Having the private jet at my disposal will make it very easy to do that.”

“What about Francesca?”

“She’s still going back to Italy as planned at the end of the year. She’s going to stay in Los Angeles until then to help me with the Peabody collection. We’ve already started to design and build the displays. She has some very innovative ideas.”

“Do you think she’ll have any anxiety about leaving the baby? I mean it sounds like you two are doing everything together for the baby as if you were partners; even having a baby shower?”

“We’ve talked extensively and she’s seeing a therapist. I’m sure she will have to work out some separation issues but she’s being very selfless for me and the baby. She wants me to have the full experience that I might have had were I doing this with a partner. She wants what is best for the baby and she’s willing to make some self-sacrifices. I’m very grateful to her.”

“Sounds like you have it all worked out Bette.”

“Not really. I’m scared to death but I’m also excited. My life is going to be so different.”

“But you’ll finally have what you want.”

“It’s not exactly how I wanted it, but as everyone keeps pointing out. Everything doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and let things happen naturally.”

Tina nodded, then almost by mutual agreement without saying anything more they both retreated into their own thoughts and spent the rest of the ride in silence until Bette pulls up to Tina and Valerie’s house.

“Would you like to come in?” Tina asked as she gathered her things.

“No it’s late. I better head home. I’ll see you tomorrow for brunch.”

“OK. Thank you for the ride and I really am sorry I was so hard on you tonight.”

“I guess we just caught you off guard. I promise I’ll make more of an effort to connect with you.”

“And I promise I will make more time to spend with you and our friends. Good night Bette.”

“Good night Tina.”

Tina gets out of the car and Bette waits to make sure she gets into the house okay before she puts the car in drive and takes off. She was glad that they’d had the opportunity to smooth things out a bit. As she got on the highway she put the top down, inserted the Susan Alegrato CD in the player and headed back to West Hollywood.