“How can you say that?  The CAC is edgy.  Do you think LA County Museum of Art would ever have had the vision to pull off a show like ‘Provocations’?  Not on its most unconventional day.  I can’t believe LACMA was even in the running for it.  So, the job is just different, but not a step up.  Anyway, LACMA doesn’t have a Director that’s a piece of art in herself like the CAC.”

“Candace?” Bette warned.

Laughing.  “I’m joking around with you, Bette.  Lighten up.”

As the song ended, Kit noticed that Bette was no longer alone at the table.  When she saw who it was, she made a beeline to her sister.  “I am as hot as can be out there.  Bette, would you mind going up to the bar and getting us a couple of cranberry juice and waters?”

Bette stared at her sister. “Isn’t that Ivan’s role?”

Kit’s eyes narrowed in anger.  “Whatever.  It’s your bed…” She pulled Ivan across the room and over to the bar.

Candace watched Ivan and Kit for a moment or two, then turned to Bette, smiled seductively and said, “Your sister’s right.  It’s your bed.”   Her warm breath sent chills down Bette’s spine and she was frustrated that she was having this visceral reaction.  The carpenter placed her surprisingly small hand on Bette’s thigh and leaned in to Bette’s ear.  “It’s been over six weeks, Bette.  Shouldn’t you be getting on with your life?  My offer is still open.  I’d like to see you.”

Bette stared down at her half empty glass on the dark and sticky table.  She recalled Tina’s words overheard earlier in the day and an overwhelming sense of loss and an ache as deep as her soul surrounded her.

“I feel like I wasted seven years on a woman I never really knew.  The truth is, Bette was never able to give me what I most needed.  She was loving, but I don’t know if she ever really loved me or even if she was capable of it….  I think three years ago, things started going downhill, but we both tried to say that it was normal.  Bette was bored.  I was bored.”