"Oh, nothing, I haven’t eaten yet," Bette replies, leaning back in her chair.

"That’s funny because we should be doing this together," Tina says.

"True, we should. But, I don’t think I’ll have time to meet you and hang out. I’m swamped with work and I’m trying to get done before the party begins."

"God, that’s right. The party I forgot to find a sitter for. Well, I’ll deal with that after lunch. Hopefully, I can get Angus to squeeze him in. Is he watching Angie for you tonight as well?" Tina asked, wondering where Angie will be.

"Yes, he is. I already worked that out the moment I saw him this morning. He’s really messed up you know. I feel bad for him. He’s really trying to get back with her, and she’s totally not buying it. That man’s sorry, T. He’s fucking sorry. And I’m afraid that if she passes this up, that she’ll regret it later."

"Me too," Tina admits. "I kinda feel bad for the guy. He and Kit have come so far and they’re sorta still partners with her album and stuff. He better get cracking before Papi does."

"Papi? What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Papi, Bette," Tina repeats boldly. "Something’s going on between them too. Haven’t you seen how occupied Kit’s been? She hasn’t paid Angus any mind and that’s unusual coming from someone who’s ‘in love’ with their partner. I know she’s hurt, but Papi’s planning something big. And it isn’t some car sitting in the garage. She’s getting in where I’m sure she’ll fit…with a little extra space."

Bette’s jaw snapped shut. A nerve shot through her spine, sharp, like a sewing needle. "She, what?" She asked clueless, feeling kind of sick.

"Never mind," Tina says innocently.

"Keep going," Bette replies sharply.

"That’s all I know. There isn’t anything else, I would’ve of told you. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. Kit’s not into woman, come on. This is just a phase she’s going through, because she’s hurt and vulnerable."

"Like you were with Helena?" Bette asked coincidently.

"Yes, like that. Except, I’m coming around. Let’s just hope she does."

———————————————————————————————–

An hour passed, when Jodi decided to check on Bette. She assumed that she’d be starving by then. Making her way upstairs, she’s greeted by a confused James when she turns the corner.

"Jodi…" James says surprised to see her back at the office. He was under the impression that she knew about Bette.

"Hello, again. I’m here to see, Bette," Jodi declares excitedly.

"She’s gone for the day. She left over forty-five minutes ago."

"Yeah, right. She couldn’t have left without saying goodbye," Jodi passes by him and busts into her office. The lights were off and the room was dark. There was no sign of Bette or that she’d be returning back. Her purse, seating chart, and keys were gone. She’d vanished before her eyes. And she felt bad that she missed this one big time.

James walks up behind her. She turns around once she sees his shadow. "She left with, Tina," James confesses.

"Tina?" Jodi repeats, finding it hard to comprehend. Actually she wasn’t trying to. "Excuse me?"

"Tina, Angelica’s mother," James replies, shaking his head. "The blond woman about 5’7" with pretty hazel eyes in the light who just had a baby a year ago. You know, Bette’s wife," James adds

"Wife? She’s not her wife. Bette doesn’t wear a ring on her finger!" Jodi shouts, stopping a few girls in the hallway. Some never knew she talked.

"She doesn’t?" James looks puzzled. "I could have sworn they’re still married," James whispers under his breath. "Hey, where are you going?" James asked when he realized she was walking away. "Do you want me to take a message?"

"She’s deaf, James, remember?" Phyllis questioned, coming around the corner.

"Phyllis, hi," A flushed James asked. "How’s your day?"

"Lousy. Where’s Dean Porter?" Phyllis asked, peeking into her office.

James swallows and says, "She’s gone for the day. Can I take a message?"