“Why are you here really Justin?  Why tell me all this?” Bette asks.

“Because I respect you and your work.  There have been major strides made in socioeconomic progress which in return has shaped our processes.  Bette I am here because I can’t support you.  It doesn’t mean I can’t in the future but I can’t right now.  The politics are not right.  That’s all I can say.”

At this point Bette sets her cup down.  She felt with Justin he deserved for her to be honest.  “Justin thank you for coming and being so direct.  I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but I think I can give this a real run for the money.  I have also placed some discreet inquires and from what I’ve been led to believe is that I do have a lot of support.  Can I ask why with all the respect you claim to have for me, that I don’t also have your support?” 

“I wish I could say but suffice it to say I can’t.  It is not the end of the world Bette.  You are respected and admired by many Bette and in the business we are in that can carry you a long way.  I’m just asking you to not divide the vote.  It will only weaken our support and in the end we will not gain the goal for any of those who hold our views.”  While Justin is saying all of this, he gets to his feet.  “Well I will see you in a little while at the meeting.  Just think about what I’ve said.  Today may not be your day but there is always tomorrow and I promise the next time this comes around you will enjoy all our support.”

With that Justin took his leave.  Bette almost chuckled when he was gone.  His message couldn’t have come at a worse time.  Her thoughts were all scattered.  She had been secretly hoping that seeing Tina again would give her the clarity that would push her though.  She knew that she was at a crossroads.  All her efforts for the last ten years have been directed towards taking this step.  She knew she had the support of a fair amount of delegates, at least enough to push her agenda into proceedings and make a positive difference but right now at this moment she didn’t know if she had the energy to make all this happen.  She felt weary.  This was a feeling that has been creeping up on her for a while now.  Wanted to see where things lie with Tina, if there was any hope before she make the final commitment to the path forward.  Now with Tina being a no show did that mean she should push forward?  If that was the case then why did she feel she was missing something, something really big?

Looking up at the by now familiar clock on the wall, Bette sees that she now needs to hurry in order to get to the meeting on time.  Rushing out of the hotel, Bette pushes through the rotating glass door.  Her foot has barely touched the sidewalk before she was there right in her face.  Tina