She had not only made a name for herself in the art community, but between the exhibit and the state of the art renovations that she’d spearheaded she also managed to put the CAC on the map as one of the most progressive and innovative art museums in the state of California. In just over a year Bette’s professional life had reached its pinnacle while her personal life spiraled downward into the depths of despair.

Tina made an appearance at the opening, but only stayed for a short time. She and Bette didn’t hide the fact that they were separating, but used discretion as to how much to disclose to family and friends. No matter the outcome they wanted to remain civil to each other and should things not work out they did not want to force their mutual friends to choose between them. Of course Tina had already talked to Alice so discretion pretty much went out the window.

***

After the opening Marina hosted a private celebration at the Planet for Bette, the artists, and the CAC staff and board. Once everyone got to the party with their dates or significant others Tina’s absence was even more pronounced, but Michael and James wouldn’t allow Bette to wallow in the loneliness. They kept her engrossed as they were both extremely attentive.

Alice, Dana, Jenny and Marina were standing at the bar discussing the latest of the many trials and tribulations besetting the making of Jenny’s screenplay into a movie. She’d gotten word earlier that Josh Becker hadn’t approved a budget item on something she wanted so she asked Tina to intervene and work her magic on him. Angus and Kit walked up to them just as Jenny was ranting about Josh.

“… fucking Josh.”

“Who is ‘fucking Josh’” Angus asked facetiously

“Tina” replied Alice without skipping a beat

Once again Alice’s brain took a few seconds to catch up with her mouth. Angus, Jenny, and Marina were oblivious to what she meant, but Kit and Dana gave her a look that could kill. Kit quickly changed the subject and started talking about her CD launch date. She invited the girls to the live recording session of a couple of songs for her CD including her duet ‘Bareback’ with Angus and ‘Transformation’ with her friends Nona Hendrix and the group Betty. Unfortunately it was taking place while Bette was away at the retreat so she couldn’t attend. Kit had planned to invite Tina out of respect for Bette’s wishes not to let the separation affect Kit and Tina’s own sisterly bond. Kit was still holding out hope that they could work things out once they had some time apart, but after hearing Alice’s flippant comment and knowing Bette’s stipulations she feared that the damage was now beyond repair. She was just grateful that Bette wasn’t around to hear what Alice had let slip.