Bette walked into The Planet. It was crowded with the morning rush. She looked around for her sister, and spotted Kit behind the counter.


“Hey there, Kit.”


“Baby girl! What are you doing here? I know you aren’t trying to use this as time for us to talk.”


Bette laughed. “No. I’m meeting Alice for coffee before I get to work.”


“How is work, Miss Head of the Art Department?”


Laughing again, Bette replied, “Fine so far. I’ll grab a table. Stop by if you get a minute, okay?”


“Alright. But we still have to have a serious talk, baby girl.”


“Soon, Kit. I promise.”

——–

Bette maneuvered her way through the crowd to an empty table. She sat, and looked around, watching the patrons enter and exit. After a few minutes, she spotted Alice coming through the door. She waved to get Alice’s attention, and Alice trekked over to the table and sat down.


“Good grief, what the hell is Kit putting in the coffee these days? People are knocking each other over to get here.”


“Business is good, Alice. That’s a good thing.”


“Whatever. How are you, Porter? It’s been a hell of a time lately, huh?”


Bette laughed. Alice always had a way with words. “You could say that Alice. But things are looking up, and I’m glad for that. I want to know how you are.”


“Surviving, that’s the best I can do for now. I’m trying to get focused on work and trying to get a life.” Alice looked down at her hands. “I miss her so much, Bette.”


Bette reached over and placed her hands on Alice’s. “I know, sweetie. We all do. I know how much you loved her. She would want you to be happy, you know.”


“Speaking of happy, what’s the deal with you and Tina? Living together but not together-together?”


“Nice change of subject Alice. Deflect the attention off of you.”


“Well Dr. Freud, how you’ve changed.” Alice retorted. “How much is this session gonna cost me?”


“Alice…”


“Really, Bette. What is going on at the Porter-Kennard residence?”


Bette exhaled. “We’re trying to work out our problems. We want to be together, as a couple. But I can’t just jump back into things like the last few months never happened.” Just then Kit comes over with coffee for both of them.


“Here you go ladies. Compliments of the house.” Kit smiles and turns back into the crowd.


Alice picks up her coffee cup. “So, can you get past all of that stuff? The man stuff?”


“Alice, I think that she’s finally let go of my affair. I have to try to get past her mistakes. I love her. I can’t deny that. I don’t know how to stop loving her, and frankly I don’t want to.” Bette took a sip of coffee. “It’s just a lot for me to get over.”


“Well, Tina seems very sure of wanting to be with you.”


“I know that she loves me, Alice. But is that enough?” Bette couldn’t believe that she was having this serious discussion with her wacky friend.


“It has to be, Porter. You two were meant to be together. Anyone can see that. True, you’ve both done some things you regret, but doesn’t love trump all of that crap?”


“That’s what they say.”


Alice looks seriously at Bette. “Not everyone gets to have what you two have, Bette. You guys have a once in a lifetime love. Sure, you screwed it up a time or two or three or…”


“Alice…”


“Look…you two have what we all hope for. And that connection can overcome anything. Love is too easily lost…” tears form in Alice’s eyes. “Sorry. Damn pollen.”


“Alice, it’s okay. I know how much you loved Dana.”


“I did, Bette. And I would forgive anything to have one more day with her. ANYTHING. I don’t care what it was. Just to have one more day…” Alice begins to cry. “Look, I have to go. I’ll see you later, okay?”


“Alice, please don’t leave.” Bette was worried about her.


“I’ll call you later on. I’m fine.” Alice stands and works her way to the door.


Kit returns and sits down. “Where did Alice get off to?”


“She got upset and left.” Bette looked at her sister. “She’s really grieving.”


“I know. I feel like we haven’t had time to stop and miss Dana. So much has been going on.” Kit propped her head in her hand on the table. “Are you okay? Really?”


“Yeah, Kit, I’m okay. Trying to get my life back together.”


“With Tina in it?”


Bette saw the concern on her sister’s face. “Yes, with Tina in it. Stop worrying. I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself.”


“After what she did, I’m gonna worry. I know how bad she hurt you and I’ll be damned if I stand by and let her do it again.”


“I know that you’re looking after me, but you have to let us try to work things out.” Bette sighed. “I love her, Kit, and she loves me. We’ve started working on what went wrong. We’ve gotten a lot out in the open. We both messed up. So now we’re both trying to fix it. Just give us a chance, okay?”


“What you mean is give her a chance, right?” Kit was still wary of Tina after the last few months.


“Yes, that’s what I mean.”


“Fine, but if she hurts you again…”


“I know, I know. Look, I’ve got to get to work. We’ll get together soon, maybe for dinner.” Bette stood up. “Thanks for caring about me so much. I love you too. Take care of yourself and that baby, okay?”


“Okay. But I’ve still got my eyes open where Tina is concerned.”


Bette ignored her sister’s comment. “Bye Kit.”


———-

Tina exhaled nervously. Peggy Peabody had called yesterday and told her that she would be at the studio this afternoon for a meeting with her. She knew that it had to be about the studio head position. Either Peggy was coming to offer it to her or tell her who Helena’s replacement would be. Tina knew that she wanted the position more than anything, but she was not going to do anything that stood in the way of her reconciliation with Bette. Being in charge of a movie studio was her dream alright, but none of it mattered without Bette by her side.


She picked up the phone. “Linda, did my reservations for dinner Friday night get confirmed?” Linda assured Tina that everything had been taken care of. Tina sat back in her chair. She wanted her date with Bette to be perfect. She knew that Bette was the romantic and she had always been so practical, so she wanted to surprise Bette and sweep her off her feet with this date. Tina wanted there to be no doubt in Bette’s mind of her feelings for her. She thought about all of the romantic times that Bette had planned in the past. ‘She’s such a romantic. This has to be a night to remember.’ Tina stood up and paced across the room. ‘Dinner, wine, candles…what else?’ She stopped and crossed her arms. ‘What would let Bette know how much I love her? It’s not like a very first date; I have to find a way to reaffirm my love for her and tell her that it’s forever.’ Tina resumed pacing. “Think, Tina. You can do this.”


Tina’s phone beeped. She crossed the room and picked it up. “Yes, Linda?”


“Mrs. Peabody’s car has just pulled up to the studio.”


“Thank you, Linda. I’ll go out and greet her.”


Tina heads to the main reception area of the studio. She rounds the corner as Peggy enters the front doors. “Peggy, so nice to see you.”


“You as well, dear. How are you and that precious daughter of yours?” Peggy didn’t want to mention Bette immediately.


“We are fine. And Bette wanted me to tell you that she owes you a cocktail at your earliest convenience.”


Peggy smiled. “How is my darling Bette?”


“She is doing well. She has accepted a position as Dean of the Art Department at LA Art College.”


“Well that is quite the catch for them, isn’t it darling? I’m sure she will do marvelously in academia.” Peggy looked at Tina. “Shall we go to the conference room, dear? We have several things to discuss.”


“Of course, Peggy. This way.”

—————

Tina sat down gingerly into her chair at the conference table. She didn’t want to appear anxious, and had been trying to calm herself ever since Peggy entered the building. Having a panic attack would not look good right now.


Peggy looked over at Tina. “Well, dear. Things have definitely changed here since our return from Canada, haven’t they?”


“I assume that you mean the departure of Helena?” Tina was telling herself to breathe.


“Yes, exactly. That leaves the studio CEO position open, and that must be addressed immediately.” Peggy waived off the assistant’s offer of coffee. “I have been thinking about the direction that I wish to take this studio. With some attention and hard work, Peabody Shaolin could become a major force in Hollywood. I want the head of this studio to be dedicated to that goal.”


“I understand, Peggy.” Tina’s stomach began to sink. Peggy would replace Helena with someone who could dedicate their life to this goal. Obviously she was not the choice.


“I want to have someone in place with an impeccable eye for what appeals to the consumer and would be most profitable for the studio. Someone who knows the film business inside and out.”


Tina tried not to fidget. She really wanted Peggy to get this over with so she would know who she would be dealing with as studio head. “Yes, understandably.”


“Tina dear, I know that you are busy with your daughter and apparently your relationship with Bette…”


Tina cut her off. “I understand that you feel that I will be too distracted with my family to focus on Peabody Shaolin. I will work hard to continue my current position and work with the new head to transition things smoothly.”


“No, dear, let me finish.” Peggy raised her eyebrows at Tina. “Although you have your obligations to your family, I can think of no one better to run this studio than you. Your work is excellent and you have a wonderful eye for great filmmaking.” Peggy stood up. She walked over to the window and turned to face Tina. “What I don’t want, dear, is to have this studio contribute to the downfall of your family. If it will be too much for you, then I will find someone else.”


Tina looked at Peggy. It was as if she didn’t hear her correctly. “You are offering the position to me?”


“If you think you can handle it, dear. I have put business ahead of family too many times and paid a dear price for it. I am now changing my priorities. Business is still important, but I have found love again after so many years, and I refuse to throw it away in the name of success or profit.” Peggy turned to look at Tina. “And I don’t want you making the same mistakes that I did, dear. I take it that you and Bette are reconciling. You also have a young child. Those should be the most important things to you. I want this business to succeed. I think that it will with you in charge. But not if the cost is too great.”


Tina stood up and walked towards Peggy. “Bette and I discussed the possibility of me taking this position. We agreed that we could handle it if I was offered the job.”


“Then that is that, isn’t it? Congratulations. I expect great things from you, Tina.” Peggy smiled. “Human resources will provide the details, and I will be in touch.” Peggy picked up her purse and coat. Looking at Tina, she said, “I am glad that you and Bette are reconciling. Take good care of her. Tell her I’ll call about that cocktail soon. We must discuss my status as an ex-hasbian.”


Tina looked at Peggy. She had no idea what she was talking about. “Peggy?”


“Yes dear?”


“Thank you for everything that you did to help find Bette. I couldn’t have done it without you.”


“Who am I to stand in the way of true love, darling? If there is anything that you or Bette need, please let me know.”


“Thank you.” Tina looked at Peggy for a moment. “Peggy?”


“Yes?”


“Would you consider yourself a romantic?”


“Absolutely, dear. Why do you ask?”


“How do you sweep a romantic off her feet?”


Peggy smiled. “Surprise, darling. Surprise her. Show a side of yourself she wouldn’t expect. Do something extraordinary.” Peggy walked over to Tina. “She’ll love it.”


Tina smiled at Peggy. “Thank you for everything, Peggy.”


“My pleasure, dear. My pleasure.”