“I should hope I have some taste” she turned to face me, grinning. I suddenly feel really stupid.

She’s owner and director of her own gallery, moron.

“Of course, I’m sorry … I forgot” I mumble, looking down at her spotless flooring, “I meant to say that … You have a great collection here” I say, gesturing to the walls surrounding us.

“Thank you” I can hear the smile in her voice and consciously shift to watch the toothy representation. I feel myself starting to lose face and excuse my presence and allow her to direct me to the bathroom.

In the washroom, I find myself smiling at her carefully arranged shelves. It seemed that everything had a place even in the most unseen places of her home. I dry my hands and carefully smooth it back onto the railing, wanting to respect and uphold the obvious care Bette took with her possessions.

As I made my way back to finish my drink, I hear a voice ringing out through the living room. I can tell from the vaguely mechanical tinge that the voice is speaking through the answering machine and I begin to retreat, not wanting to overhear anything personal.

“ … and I dropped by the gallery, but you weren’t there either so I have no idea where you’ve been since the party ended”

I stopped moving backward, struck by the long sigh Bette was letting out. She sounds troubled or frustrated; it’s hard to distinguish from this distance. The voice who I’ve already assumed is Alice, her girlfriend, is carrying on after a long pause.

“Anyway, just give me a call when you get in or whatever.” She finished before a long beep sounded.

I walk forward, deliberately scuffing my feet to announce my return. Bette turns to face the noise and I see the debate in her eyes.

“You should call her” I say, not wanting the woman Bette obviously cared deeply for to be mad with her, I can wait down the hall or something, if you like”

“No,” she says, waking forward, “there’s no need for you to make yourself scarce. You can go finish your drink. I’ll just give Al a call”

She picks up the phone and I wander back to my drink, wishing desperately that Alice won’t want to come over for an impromptu nightcap.

It’s late. She might be sleeping.

“Hey, Al- No, I know what time it is … Yes, I’m sorry you wasted your time … No, I wasn’t at the gallery … Yes, I know you went there … No, I was having coffee … Yes, she did … Actually, I’m not sure that’s a great idea. Tina’s here … No, Alice, don’t be absurd … Yes, as a matter of fact she is. She’s having some difficulties at the moment and I offered the spare room … Alice? Alice, stop it, please. I’m sorry I ruined your surprise and yes, I will definitely call you next time I plan on being late but the reasoning for her being here is none of your business”

I hear every word and cringe as my mind fills in the blanks. I notice how Bette lowers her voice when speaking about me, shooting glances over to check my comfort level. I feel incredibly responsible and I step up to try and right things. Placing a hand on the bloused shoulder, I gently prise the phone from her hand.

“Hello, Alice, I’m Tina Kennard. I’ve heard a lot about you from Bette” I say as Bette raises her eyebrows, looking somewhat panicked.

“Is that right?” came the hostile response in my ear.

“Yes, she speaks very highly of you” I watch Bette tilt her head in interest, “Listen, I’m sorry to cause any difficulty but it really wasn’t Bette’s fault. You see I had a fight with my fiancé, Eric, and well … I really needed a place to stay tonight while things calmed down, you know?” I purposely highlight my relationship with a man, hoping she’ll connect the dots and realise I’m straight.

Straight? That’s why you’re having these thoughts, these feelings?

Bette’s smile warms me and I’m glad she approves of my intervention. Apparently Alice feels similarly as she clearly becomes more friendly, even offering her sympathies and best wishes. I close the conversation and hand the phone back to Bette, who then parts with Alice too.

“Thank you” she whispers, obviously still somewhat affected by the call. She looked embarrassed. She places the phone back in it’s the cradle and strides back to the kitchen.