“No one else seems to think that way,” Bette said, shaking her head and toying with her fork. “My friends all thought I was crazy to leave New York without a plan. My parents are very, very disappointed indeed. The only one that really understands me is my sister. She’s a singer,” Bette explained, “And she travels and tours. I don’t hear from her too often, though. So it’s up to me to encourage myself.”

“Have you finished any paintings yet? I’d love to see what you’re working on.” The words were out before Tina realized how pushy she was being. This time she did apologize. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be inviting myself to look at your work. I promise you I wasn’t always this insinuating. Mercy is rubbing off on me, I guess.”

Bette didn’t seem offended. “I’m not quite ready to show anyone my work yet,” she said carefully. “But when I am, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Alright, then,” Tina smiled.

“So,” Bette said. “You have my name and my story. What made you move here?”

“My story isn’t as interesting as yours. Suffice it to say, I needed a fresh start.”

Bette waited a beat and then asked, “Is that it? I practically told you my life story. No details? You just needed a fresh start so you picked up your life and moved here?”

“I didn’t have much of a life before,” Tina said, shifting in her chair. She hated being put on the spot, but she supposed turnabout was fair play. She had asked Bette some very direct questions.

“You don’t like talking about it, do you?”

“About what?”

“About whatever it was that brought you here, looking for mercy.”

“No. I don’t. Sorry.” Tina glanced at her watch. “I should get going…”

Bette reached out a hand and placed it gently on Tina’s arm. “Hey… I’m sorry. Don’t run off on me.”

“No I don’t blame you for asking. I mean, I asked you about your life. I knew the question was coming. Somehow, though, I’m never ready to answer it.”