“Show you what?” Tina stood up and extending her hand to Bette, said, “The pool house. I really want to see inside. If that’s okay.”

Bette opened the door and sliding her hand up the wall, flipped on the lights. “Well, this is it.” Tina walked passed Bette and gasped at all the cobwebs hanging from walls. “When was the last time anyone was in here?” Bette folded her arms, “I’m guessing, from the looks of it, about, five years ago.”

“You mean in all this time you’ve never been in here?” Bette sighed, “This is the first time I’ve been back period, since her funeral. And I can’t imagine my father would ever use it.”

“You mean to tell me that you haven’t been back here at all,” Tina said, as she continued to look around. “Well, all it needs is a good cleaning, I mean, it is still a beautiful room.” Bette leaned against the bar. She couldn’t believe that her father had just left the pool house to rot, but then, she didn’t know what she expected of him anymore. “Yes, it is still a beautiful room.”

“You look so sad. I’m sorry, did I make you sad?” “No, you didn’t,” said, Bette. And I’m the one who should be sorry. I didn’t think I’d react this way. It’s been five years…I really thought I’d be ready for this.”

Tina walked over and gently touching Bette’s face, said, “Amazing.” “What’s amazing,” Bette asked. “It’s amazing how someone so sad could be so beautiful at the same time.” Bette reached for Tina’s hand as Mary entered the room. “There you are, Tina, darling, I’ve been waiting for you. I think I’m ready to go now. Bette, dear, I can’t seem to find your father. Can you tell him I’ll call him in the morning from the airport?”

Back at the house, Mary was busy gathering her things as Tina entered the living room. “What are you doing? Why are we leaving so soon?” Mary handed Tina her wrap and said, “I’m sorry, dear, but we really should be going. I promised your aunt we’d meet for brunch tomorrow before heading to the airport. You know this.”

“I know, I know, I guess I was hoping you’d have a better time and I could..” “You could what? Chase Bette Porter around like a school girl? Oh, Tina, haven’t you gotten her out of your system yet?” Tina, embarrassed, turned away. “I’m sorry, Tina, if that offends your sensibilities but I’m nobody’s fool, you know. I remember the two of you after your father’s funeral, up in the bedroom. I pretended not to see, but…come on, let’s just go. It’s really for the best if we leave, now.”

Bette was closing the door as Mary made her way toward her. “Well, as always, Bette, it was a pleasure seeing you again. Good luck with the gallery, dear, and remember, If I’m ever in California I expect a VIP tour.”

“Of course, said, Bette, looking at Tina. Mary turned and said, “I’ll be in the car.” Tina just smiled at Bette and sighing, said, “Well, it was nice meeting you, I really had a nice time.”

“So you’re flying back to North Carolina tomorrow?” Tina nodded, “Yes, I’m seeing my mother home.” “And then…”

“And then I’m going home, Bette.” Tina began to make her way toward the door, stopping only briefly to whisper, “You really don’t remember me, do you?” Bette just stared at her with nothing to say. “Okay. You take care of yourself, Bette.”

Tina closed the door behind her and joined her mother, who was already waiting in the car.