“Baby?”

“Yeah Tee.”

“You wanna talk?”

“I suppose Helena told you.”

“Yeah, it was unintentional. She didn’t even realize what happened until she started saying it.”

“I know it wasn’t her fault Tina.”

“How do you know,” Tina asked, sitting on the patio lounger with her.

“Because of the way Franklin was talking about her, the way he was talking in general. This was so sudden, so out of the blue, the way he talked to me Tee; he’s never spoken to me like that. Ever.”

“What did he say?”

“Basically what he wants is a robot, someone he can control. I guess I am too outspoken and opinionated for him. Tee, I don’t know what to do. I have failed. I never fail.”

“Baby, you didn’t fail.”

“Yes I did. I failed you and the baby, I failed the CAC and worst of all, I failed myself.”

“Bette, you did not fail. Don’t ever say that. You did what no one else could have done. Who else could have swooped in and book Provocations? Who has been the driving force at the CAC for the past four years? You. It’s always been you. We moved to L.A. so you could prove to these west coast people that you can pull off what you did on the east coast. Now it’s time for something new.”

“What should I do?”

“I think you need to make Los Angeles a second home for the Bette Porter Gallery.”

“You think,” Bette asked, sniffling a bit.

“Yes. I think it’s time to be your own boss again. When you were running your own gallery, you loved it. You did whatever you wanted and no one was there telling you you can’t. Plus you were able to paint; you hardly ever get to paint anymore. Besides, you need to show Franklin what he’s lost.”

“You know what Tee, you’re right. It’s time for me to just do what I do best, run my own space. James quit with me you know.”

“I figured, he adores you so.”

“He’d make a perfect assistant director. Plus I’d be able to help him out by displaying his work and he’d help me by stepping in in my absence. I’m sure Peggy would help me with funding. Shit. She’s out of the country.”

“I’m sure Helena wouldn’t mind helping. She’s already decided to pull her funding from the CAC.”

“I don’t know.”

“Bette she feels awful about it. She told me that even though you two really didn’t spend time together at all, she looks up to you like a big sister. She really admires your work and your passion.”

“She said that,” Bette asked, trying to hide a smile.

“Yes, I imagine that’s why she’s trying to run this movie studio. To be like you; a successful, independent woman.”

“I never knew Helena felt this way.”

“Maybe you two should talk, she really isn’t as bad as you think,” Tina said and Bette shot a glance at her, “I know, she can be a huge spoiled brat, and really inappropriate at times, but her heart is in the right place. Come on babe, let’s go shopping. We have Dana and Lara’s wedding this weekend, and we haven’t gotten them anything and we need to get something to wear. Plus you need to get your mind off that asshole Franklin.”