LA Times 7

“I just don’t understand it Shane.  I’ve never known two people to bicker so much”   Bette said as they entered The Planet for their morning coffee.

“I don’t know Bette.  Carmen can be so volatile at times.  We did agree to take a break for while; I think she still has a problem with my reputation cause…”  Shane trailed off after spotting a pair of cute blondes sitting together. 

Bette smiled and shook her head saying to herself, ‘I wonder why.’

“Alright Shane, could you order my regular?  I’m just gonna chat with Kit for a minute before…Shane, Shane?”  Bette called after realizing her friend was paying her no attention.

“Huh?” Shane answered without breaking eye contact with her admirers. 

Bette just sighed, “Never mind.  Be right back” she said as she made her way towards Kit’s office.  “Good morning, Jenna.  She in?”  Kit’s assistant manager nodded, “Yeah Bette. Go right in.”

Bette knocked twice before opening the door.  She was surprised to find that Kit was not alone.  In front of Kit’s desk sat a beautiful brown skinned woman with the prettiest, brightest eyes and most full and luscious lips she’s ever seen.  “Oh, excuse me.  Jenna said to come right in” Bette finally said. 

“Hey baby sis!” Kit said rising.  She came behind her desk to kiss and hug Bette before introducing her guest.  “Kerry this is my sister Bette; Bette this is Kerry.  Kerry is the architect Tasha and I chose to handle the restaurant’s upgrades.” 

Kerry stood and extended her hand to shake Bette’s.  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.  Your sister speaks very highly of you.”

Blushing Bette shook hands and quickly looked at Kit before turning back to Kerry, “Thanks, um…I should let you get back to your meeting.”

Kit spoke to Kerry, “Well, I think we were just about done right?  You’re clear on what I’m looking for?”

“Absolutely,” Kerry answered holding a portfolio in front of her.  “I’ll take another look at your current blueprint to see where it’s best to start with the modifications you want.  I’ll want to come in again this week for on site measurements and I’ll start getting the permits we’ll need.”  As Kerry spoke to Kit, Bette took the opportunity to sneak a peek at Kerry’s assets: high cheekbones, long hair swooped up, smooth skin.  Her full breasts strained against the white blouse, very tone legs extended from her knee length skirt and a firm round behind pushed from the rear.  This woman was a package.  “So you and Tasha have my personal number so feel free to use it if need be.  It was nice meeting you Bette.”  Hearing her name, Bette snapped back to attention.  “You too, thanks.”  This time when Kerry shook her hand Bette felt sure that she gave a little squeeze.  “Maybe I’ll see you around again” she said smiling. 

“No doubt about that.  Bette’s in here all the time trying to get some free food and coffee” Kit chuckled.

Bette just smiled then said, “Yeah, you’ll probably run into me again.”  Kerry smiled once more before closing the door softly behind her.

Bette sank heavily into the just vacated chair and said, “Geez Kit, she’s gorgeous!  She looks just like that woman from Ray.”

Kit laughed, “Yeah, she does, doesn’t she?”

“How long have you been working with her?”

“Let’s see, we’ve been talking to her about the expansion for about a month now.  She’s been in a couple of times, as a patron though just to get a feel for the place.  Her company did the renovations of the Amistad last year.

“Oh yeah,” Bette looked at the closed door.  “That place is spectacular now.  Kit?  Is Kerry…?” she trailed off.

“What?  Is she straight or not?  That I don’t know for sure.”

Looking back to Kit, Bette teased, “You mean you didn’t get a sense with your world class gaydar?”

“No I did not.  She’s very nice but that woman is all about her business.”

“What do you mean by that?” 

“Nothing, just that she is very professional, serious you know?  Now that I think of it, she reminds me of you when you are in Bette Porter-gallery owner mode.”

“Anyway,” Bette said, “how are you?”

“Doing well.  I’m excited to get the expansion started but we’ll probably only be working out of half the premises for a while.”

“How long did she say the renovations will take?”

Kit took a breath, “About 9 months.”

“How soon will they start the construction?”

“A couple of months probably.  She’ll need to get the permits in order before any of that” Kit answered absentmindedly rifling through some papers.

‘Good,’ Bette thought to herself.  ‘That gives me almost a year for me to get a vibe on her.  And please god, please, please, don’t let her be straight!’