Bette put the picture back in the draw covering it with folders.  She didn’t want Angie finding out she was still pinning for her other mother.  Bette’s head ached, a deep nagging reminder of how disappointed she was with her life, well at least her relationship with her ex-wife.  She closed her eyes and rubbed her throbbing temples.  Like a prospector panning for gold, she swirled the past, searching for hints of understanding where her life went so wrong.  Her thoughts returned to Tina.

After awhile, Bette turned to her desk, grabbed her glasses and switched on the laptop.  She knew she wasn’t going back to sleep anytime soon, so why not review the speech Pierce Williams, her Campaign Manager sent over.  He said the speech in front of City Hall would be important.  He wanted it and her perfect for that event.  She shook head, perfect, something she surely was not.

********

Bette walked into the high end restaurant and made her way over to Felicity. Felicity was sitting at their usual table, one taunt leg crossed over the other, a glass of red wine at her lips

”Sorry I’m late,” Bette gave an apologetic smile, as she looked over the well dressed African American woman sitting across from her.

”It’s okay, I haven’t been here long,” she smiled as she leaned in and said, ”I got us a room.”

Bette glanced out at the main door watching a couple walk in, nothing special about them other than they were clearly a couple. ”Okay, but lets sit for a few minutes,” Bette said as she continued to follow the couple with her eyes. The couple were holding hands and having what looked like an intimate conversation as they made their way to their table. Bette turned and looked at Felicity and sighed. What am I doing, Bette thought. It was just another nail in her coffin of loneliness. She was nearly enclosed in it with no way out. Bette liked Felicity more than the others, but she new this was only temporary. It filled a need and she made it clear it was nothing more. Bette had broke the affair off after the scandal at the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). Felicity worked for her and Bette new better, but…

”Buy me a drink then,” she smiled.

Bette gave her a rise smile, ”Okay,” she said flagging down the waitress ordering another red wine and a top shelf Scotch neat.

”How is the Campaign going? I saw you on the News,” Felicity said trying to make small talk.

”Busy, it is really picking up now. Lots of speeches, I have one tomorrow at City Hall.”

The waitress returned with their drinks and smiled, giving a wink at Bette.

”I swear, is it everywhere?” Felicity said with annoyance.

A half hour later, they walked out into the parking lot, the night was cool but not uncomfortable. The darkness smelled strong, like rain, dirt and metal mixed. The rain had stopped before she arrived and the mugginess hung in the air, making it seem thick. The street lamps looked smothered, weak globes of light trying to penetrate the moisture. She liked it. It made the night all the more interesting. As if one was walking through time as it stood still. Pierce is probably sweating bullets, Bette thought. He set up her speech for outside City Hall, a sad smile rose to her face. He said the ambiance would help sell her as a leader for the city.  The rain for sure would mess up his perfect set up.

”Follow me, it’s at the Hilton.” Felicity smiled.

”The Hilton like last time?” Bette confirmed with a tight lipped smile.

Felicity turned back and nodded at Bette with a seductive smile as she made her way to her car. Bette walked up to her Tesla and slid into the driver seat. She put her head on the steering wheel and closed her eyes. A few minutes later she started the car and headed over to the Hilton.