Bette paused then asked,  “You’re happy then?”  Shaking her head with purpose almost in disbelief she’d asked the question amended, “I’m sorry you don’t…it’s unfair of me to ask.” 

The question was retracted so I countered with one of my own.  “How are you Bette?”  Unlike the meaningless inquiry attached to the typical greeting as is customary, I really wanted to know.

“Fine.”  She answered quickly.  A small smile played on her mouth although it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Busy.  With the show and all.  I’m sure you are too with your project.” 

A composed silence settled between us as we finished our breakfast. 

“Listen,” she cleared her throat softly then released a nervous breath, “we still have some loose ends to tie up.”  Bette rushed to clarify, “Your things at the house.  I’m sure you want them.” 

The fine points followed.  “Everything that’s left, some clothes, documents and miscellaneous personal items.  There are a few boxes in the hallway closet.  I don’t quite remember what’s in them.  And I’m not sure what you still need for your apartment but of course you can take your pick of furniture or anything from the garden.” 

She added, “I’m going to make a copy of the photos I’d like to keep and box the originals for you to sort through as you like.  We’ll decide what to do with everything else later.”  I assume she was referring to the rest of our joint possessions.

“Of course everything could stay there until we decide what to do with the house.  Maybe we could rent something in that storage facility if you prefer.  You know the one next to the gym?”  she proposed.  “For now I’ll go ahead and set things aside for you in the spare room so when you’re ready to take it all…”

Thoughtfully, I nodded.  That would mean I’d be moved out completely.

More options followed.  “We can arrange time for you to have the place to yourself to deal with things.  Otherwise you know my schedule and won’t be interrupted during any weekday.” 

She asked if I still had the occasional Thursday off.  In light of the fact that I worked some Saturdays or Sundays, the Center offered that day free for me in exchange either in full or in part.