Outside The Workshop
Tina left Candaces office with a sense of completion. She was confident that shed sufficiently gotten her point across and that her words would be heeded. The thought of contacting Yolanda had also crossed her mind, but she would only put that card if for some reason Candace tried to call her bluff, though she doubted it.

As she waited for the cab to arrive, Tina noticed a woman watching her from a small window. Tina suspected Candace had sent someone out to make sure she was really leaving, but the woman was not discrete in her actions, making her wonder why she was being watched. Tina waved at the woman as if to say, I see you, and the woman waved back and then motioned toward a side door. Tina began to walk over.

Youre Tina right? Tina Kennard? The woman asked.

Yes. Do I know you? Tina quizzed.

No, the woman paused. My name is Katey and weve never met, but Ive seen you in a magazine with Bette Porter, Katey continued.

Okay? Tina looked at the woman strangely. But what does that have to do with anything? Tina was getting a little annoyed.

Im sorry, Ill cut to the chase, Katey offered. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I saw that you and Candace were going at it, Katey volunteered in a whisper.

Tina gently grabbed Kateys arm and pulled her out of view. Howd you do that? And why were you spying? Tinas annoyance started to show.

No, no, no! Katey defended, its not like that, Tina stared at her. There are cameras all over the

Theres what? Tina interrupted, now feeling a little uneasy. Cameras for what? And how did you see me?

Theyre up for security reasons and I was walking by and saw you and Candace in what looked like an argument. I know she has a hot temper, so I wanted to make sure you were okay, Katey spoke as if shed experienced it personally.

*****! Tina said to herself. I hope she doesnt try to do anything stupid with that tape, Tinas thoughts continued as she stared off into the air. Yes, Im fine. Candace is fine. We just had a sensitive issue to discuss thats all, Tina tried to cover up.

Okay. Like I said, I know how her temper is. But as long as youre cool, then Ill be on my way, Katey turned to go back inside.
Wait! Tina called out. Did she do something to you?

Katey spun around, looking Tina square in the eye. No, I work with her and have seen her go off and you seem like a really nice person, so I wanted to check on you.

Oh, okay! Then thanks, Tina nodded. Well, you better get back to work before she goes off again, Tina joked.

When Katey got back inside she called James to let him know that Tina was fine and that she seemed in genuinely good spirits so things probably werent as bad as they seemed on the monitor. James was pleased and planned to call Bette later to let her know that she probably shouldnt worry.

Bettes car

Bette clutched her phone unable to thaw from the icy freeze she felt throughout her body. Involuntary tears filled her eyes as she tried to will the rest of her body to act. The sound of it ringing forced her back into reality.

BG? Where the ***** are ya? Kit demanded.

Bette tried to speak, but no words would come out. Speak Bette, speak, the voice in her head said.

Bette? Bette? Whats going on? Kits irritated voice belted through the phone.

Bette finally snapped out of her mini catatonia. Uh, uhm, hey Kit, Bette stuttered, as she tried to regain some composure. Sorry sis, Bette tried to be sweet so Kit wouldnt go off. I got a call from James as I was about to leave and I didnt think it would take as long as it did. Im really sorry to have not gotten back to you sooner, but I had to, uhm, you know

I know what? Kit was confused.

An unexpected giggle erupted from Bettes mouth. I had to, well, you know Bette implied to cover her real reason for being in the bathroom.

Aaah! I get it now! Kit exclaimed, with a laugh. And so ya know lil sis, ya coulda jus said ya had to *****. It aint like I dont know ya hafta handle ya bizness, Kit teased.

Bette felt some relief, but Tinas call was still gnawing in her stomach, make her hunger pangs even worse.

Uhm do you still want me to come over? Bette delicately inquired.

***** yeah! Gurl, Im starving and I have the taste for that vanilla chai tea, Kit was rubbing her stomach. Please tell me youre on the road right now, Kit pleaded.
Yeah, Im on the road, Bette lied not wanting to disappoint her sister. Ill be there in a bit.

Cool! See ya soon. Kit hung up, leaving Bette to her thoughts.

She started the car and reversed into the street, barely missing the trash can in her haste. She called and ordered some Chinese food from her favorite place, and stopped to get the chai Kit so desperately wanted.

As she held the phone, she thought about Tinas call. It was a simple message. Actually, it wasnt a message at all. All she said was, Bette, its Tina. and click. Fearing that Tina might call back while Bette was at Kits; she decided the best defense was a good offense. Bette pulled up in the paring lot of Hop Shings and dialed Tinas cell. It was the first time it occurred to Bette that Tina had blocked her number. Was she intentionally trying to make me respond, thinking if I saw her number I might ignore her? Bette thought. This is worse than I imagined, the voice continued. *****! I wish I could take back that ultimatum now, Bette grimaced.

Bette swallowed her fear and pride, dialed the number and waited, fourth ring, Tina finally picked up.

Hello Bette, Tina sounded formal.

Hey Tee, Bette said softly. Uhm, I got your message. Bette cringed, hoping Tina would go easy on her.

Well, it wasnt much of a message, Tina admitted. I lost my signal but decided not to call back, figuring you would just call me, Tina rambled.

So, everything okay? Bette proceeded with caution.

Actually, yes. At this moment things are great, Tina said, triumphantly.

Bette was really worried now. Tina wasnt herself. Bette thought of the night after the fight when Tina showed up in her ***** black dress and made love to her in a fashion that could only be described as surreal. And then she left without a word. This was the first time Bette had been so freaked out by her since then. She tried to remain calm.

Thats, thats good, Tee, Bette struggled. Uhm, so what did you call for?

Oh, just to tell you that Ive thought about our talk and your ultimatum, Tina continued in her formal tone.

Tee, it wasnt an ultimatum at all, Bette quickly defended herself. I apologize if it came out that way. All I meant was that I, I, um, I didnt want us to be in limbo. I want to work this out, Bette told a half-truth. It was a partial threat, but one she didnt think would backfire.