“I’m going in with you.”

“I’m a big girl, Shane. I can change my own clothes.”

“I’m sure you can. But I don’t need you fucking around in there. In and out. You’re not here to work. It’s just a pit stop. We’ve got things to do.”

“Things? Things that you’re not telling me.”

“Exactly.”

Bette rolled her eyes in exasperation.  

“You’re gonna love it. You trust me, right?”

“I’m skeptical right now. But typically, yes, I trust you.”

“Then hurry up and get changed.”

“What pray tell am I changing into?”

“There’s a duffel on the couch in your office.”

Bette raised her eyebrows.

“I kinda figured you would need to change.”

“Am I that predictable?”

“I wouldn’t say ‘predictable.’ But yes, you are,” Shane chuckled.

Bette and Shane walked through the Gallery towards Bette’s office. Carpe Diem closed yesterday. It was the Gallery’s most successful installation thus far. It completely sold out. Bette was beyond pleased and she was excited to go over the receipts with Rachel Reese at dinner Friday at The Harborview.

Bette’s mind flashed back to Tina wearing that green dress the last time they were at The Harborview. It was also the day Tina informed Bette she was moving to Van-fucking-couver. She shook the images out of her head and concealed her emotions before Shane had the chance to detect anything. 

Bette noticed James had already tagged the pieces designating where they were to be sent. He must’ve stayed after closing, Bette thought. Bette knew James was well aware of how tricky uninstalling Carpe Diem and installing KiKi’s show at the same time was going to be. That whole process would start early the next day. She was glad he was on top of it. Bette was grateful how James had leveled up his game these last few months. She decided if Mark Bradford signed with The Bette Porter Gallery, she was going to let James take point. He’d earned it. 

When Bette emerged from the office, she lifted her hands up. She was wearing leggings, a short sleeved gray shirt with a picture of a dog on it, a visor and a sweatshirt around her waist.

“This is what you wanted me to change into? Where are you taking me, Shane?”