“No, you’re not the same, Bette, you’re all grown up. A gallery owner. Who would have thought this day would ever come?”

Bette patted her neck as she pulled away. “It never fails to amaze me, how hot it gets in the east.” Melvin noticed Bette’s distance, but didn’t remark. “Haze. That’s something you don’t get out west.”

“Smog, Daddy, we get our fair share of smog though,” she said, walking toward the door. “Where are you going? You just got here.” Bette stopped and looking at her mother’s paintings displayed throughout the room, said, “I’m tired, I think I’ll lay down for a while before your guests start to arrive.” Turning back, she said, “Everything really looks beautiful, Daddy.” Melvin smiled as Bette walked away.

She couldn’t breathe until the door shut behind her. She made her way over to the window and opening it a crack, lit a cigarette. She curled her legs up to her chest and looked down the driveway at the approaching car.

She saw Thomas run out, buttoning his coat. Disregarding his hand, a tall blonde emerged from the car and stepped aside for Thomas to help the elder woman behind her. The blonde’s eyes studied the front of the house, eventually landing on Bette’s image in the top window. They stared at each other for a moment until the elder woman’s hand landed on her shoulder. “Looks like we’re the first to arrive, Tina. It’s so typical of Melvin to make us come early.”

Bette walked to the top of the stairs and watched as Melvin greeted the ladies at the door. “Mary Kennard, I am so happy that you’re here,” he said. Turning to Tina, who was nervously looking around, he said, “And this has to be your daughter. You’re the spitting image of your mother, my dear.” Tina blushed and taking Melvin’s hand, said, “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Melvin, my mother has told me so much about you over the years. I can’t believe it’s taken us this long to meet.”

“My dear, I feel the same.”

Melvin embraced Mary and as they continued exchanging compliments on how they both aged so gracefully, Tina’s eyes made their way to the top of the stairs. Bette stood upright and smiled slightly at the woman staring up at her. Tina gave a small wave that was interrupted by Melvin saying, “Ladies, please, join me out on the terrace. Everyone else should start arriving soon. I hope you like political debate, Tina, because I’m sure us old folk will be doing plenty of that this evening.”

Tina awkwardly smiled and said, “I love it. Can’t wait,” as Melvin took Mary’s arm and walked off toward the terrace doors. Tina slowly walked behind them, looking up at Bette until she was out of sight.