“I’ve met Tina a few times, and I know her deep devotion for you,” Jay said, “even after the last time when I went over to meet Angelica, she still had that same devotion in her eyes, but she looked disappointed.”

“Disappointed?”

“Look, Bette,” Jay said, “as a physchologist I would never say something like this, but as your best friend, I have to open your eyes to the situation. Can you handle the truth?”

Bette gulped, knowing that Jay always said it how it was. “Yes,” she answered.

“I don’t think Tina is the type of person to get revenge for something like that. There are other reasons for her sudden interest in men after 8 years in a relationship with you,” Jay said, “I don’t know for sure but I think I know what it is. You’re not the same person you were before Bette.”

“What do you mean?” Bette said offended.

“Ever since you lost your job you’ve gotten all broody and depressed,” Jay said, “since when do you like Yoga? Where’s the confident Bette Porter who used to be the biggest player in Hollywood? I’m sorry to say Bette, but that other Bette is the woman Tina fell in love with, not you. And I know so well Bette, that I know you’re figuratively dying because Tina is the breadwinner and you’re not. Don’t lie to me. Do you call her out about it?”

Bette gulped and averted her eyes that were starting to fill with tears again. She knew it was true and she was too afraid to admit it.

“That’s what I thought,” Jay said softly, “you know? The old Bette would have been one hundred percent supportive of Tina. I don’t know if this is the reason for Tina’s sudden feelings, but it might help if you just stop trying to get a job better than the one you had at the CAC. Get over your inhibitions, your stingy pride, and get a damn job for the sake of your daughter!”

Bette looked at Jay with shame in her eyes, “it gets worse.”

“Worse?” Jay said, obviously caught off guard by this new admission.

“I gave her permission to explore her feelings,” Bette said.

“So you basically gave her permission to sleep with men?” Jay said incredulously. This was definitely something the old Bette Porter would never allow.