Bette put her small suitcase on the front porch and sat down on the steps. Shane followed suit and handed over the cigarette. Bette took a few puffs and gave it back. She smiled at her good friend but even the dimmed porch light couldn’t hide the sadness in her eyes. Shane and Alice were like night and day in almost all regards but especially when it came to privacy. Shane never pried and never repeated anything that was told to her in confidence. She didn’t judge, she only offered her opinion or advice when asked. Her greatest endearing characteristics were her quiet strength and uncompromising loyalty.

“How are you holding up?” Shane asked tentatively.

“I’m good all things considered. The retreat was just what I needed to relax and regroup. It’s been a very stressful year and I didn’t manage it too well. Being away really helped me to see things more clearly. I’ve learned some things that will definitely help me to manage better in the future. How about you? What’s going on?”

“Nothing much. I’ve been taking a lot of pictures these past few weeks. Maybe when you have time you can look at them.”

“I’d love to. You know your photos are in high demand at the gallery. You think you might have enough for another showcase?”

“Yeah. James and I talked about it earlier this evening. He’s got a few collectors interested so he thought we should do an artist dinner and private showing later this year.”

“That’s great. Did everyone make it to Sunday brunch and dinner?”

“Yeah. Pretty much.”

“I take it you mean Tina wasn’t here?”

“I’m sorry Bette. No one has seen her since the night we all got together at that club for Kit’s live recording. That was like a week ago.”

“I guess I shouldn’t expect that she’d want to keep up our Sunday tradition since we’re separated but I just thought she might need or want to spend time with you guys.”

“She hasn’t said much to me. I just don’t get it Bette. I mean you guys were like the perfect couple. I always wanted what you two had. It gave me hope you know but now I don’t think I’ll ever have that.”