“Pleased to meet you.” Bette, ever one for social etiquette, bit back her sadness. She stepped forward and forced a smile, offering her hand to Henry. Her expression looked more like an upside-down grimace.

“Nice to meet you,” He replied. He took her hand briefly — The proceeding moment of silence dragged on. Clearly, neither of them had any interest in meeting the other.

“Hmm,” Bette let slip, her face still contorted into a partial smile. It was a practiced smile — She had to use it often to appease obnoxious possible-buyers when she owned an art gallery. She scrunched her nose at the idea of this man in her house. An appalling thought struck her. Had he used her toilet? She had a $4000 Victorian-style bathroom that contained black-tiled walls lined with porcelain, a fancy chandelier, and a custom-made toilet seat imported from China. What if he sprinkled when he peed, and got his man-juice on the edge of her seat? She noted to herself that she should get a plumber to examine the bathroom.

Not that plumber.

“Um, thanks for letting us hang with Angelica today. It would’ve been a bummer to go to the aquarium without her,” Henry grinned, interrupting her train-of-thought.      

How ill-mannered. He could have been polite enough to let her think in peace. Now Bette had a reason to dislike this man, other than the fact he slept with the love of her life.

“Yeah, well I’ve heard it’s a great aquarium,” She managed to say. Only the best of aquariums was suitable for her daughter.

“You haven’t been?” Henry asked, surprised.    

“No.” Bette licked her lips. Some people had to work, and didn’t have time for such activities. She was about to explain this, when Tina interrupted.

“Henry took the day off work so he could go after Dana’s funeral.”

“Thought it’d be a good anecdote,” He nodded. Bette stared at him, wondering what qualities in this man Tina found attractive. He seemed like a typical southern guy, lacking any unique or enticing traits. She studied his body and expression for something substantial, but he was completely dull.

“Do you wanna join us?” Tina asked politely, knowing the answer very well.