KiKi was fascinated by what she was witnessing.

“Okay then. First thing I’m going to need to do is see that artwork,” Bette’s eyes smiled.

“So, that’s a yes?” KiKi was hopeful.

“That…is a yes,” Bette said slowly. “It’s going to be tight. But it is doable as long as every single thing goes right.”

“Wonderful,” KiKi exclaimed. Bette noticed relief wash over KiKi’s face. KiKi was expecting her to say no. Bette’s weight of responsibility became even heavier. She could not and would not disappoint KiKi Smith.

“Oh, one more thing, Bette.”

“Just one more thing,” Bette laughed.

KiKi chortled. “Yes, please. I’d like to do one of those Artist Dinners you’re so famous for. Could we do it the night before the opening?”

James shifted in his seat. This was not going to be good, he thought.

***

Tina woke up from a nap with a massive headache. She looked around until she was sure of her whereabouts, remembering Liz sent her to her trailer. She sat up and rested her forehead on her raised knees. Her body needed the rest and she was thankful for the quiet. She bit her lower lip as she frequently did when she worried. Bette always knew there was something wrong when she did that. Tina missed Bette knowing her. Knowing her moods, knowing that she likes potato chips with her ice cream because of the salty sweet combination, knowing she’d rather snuggle on the couch than go out, knowing the spot behind her left ear makes her knees buckle, knowing eye contact during sex made her orgasms more intense and knowing the exact moment when to pull her close during the night.

Tina took several deep breaths trying to calm her soul understanding the distance between them had become vast. She started to sob. It was going to take a miracle for Bette to open up again. Tina’s heart cascaded down into the pit of her stomach and sat there dejected.

She stood slowly, clueless as to what to do next. She still had some time before her meeting at 2 o’clock and really needed to go for a run to escape her thoughts but she was almost certain Liz had a guard stationed outside to make sure she didn’t leave until she came and got her. She was grateful for Liz but Tina felt trapped and her mind started skipping around landing on the night she first met Bette.