Bette set her glass on the table and looked at her father.  She took a deep breath and said, “Daddy, there’s something I need to tell you.  It’s…”

Melvin’s face was etched with concern.  “What is it, Bette?”

“Uh…first, I wanted to say that I know you weren’t happy about the fact that Tina and I were planning on having a child together.”

“Yes, I recall our discussion about Miss Kennard’s condition.  But go on.”

Her father never made things easy.  He was blunt, decisive, and opinionated, but Bette soldiered on.  “Tina lost our baby, Daddy.”

“Please give Miss Kennard my condolences.”

“Daddy, we lost the baby.  Not just Tina, I lost the baby, too.”  Bette tried to get him to understand.

“Then, please accept my sympathies, as well.” 

“It’s been a hard time for us and a lot of things have been done and said.  The result is that Tina and I have separated.”

“Yes, I know.”

“You know?”

“Yes, I had to speak with Katie about David.  David had questions about his father’s medical history.  It was not in David’s best interest to have another interaction with his mother, so I called for the information.  In the process of that call, Katie told me that your friendship with Miss Kennard had ended.”

Bette tilted her head.  “When was this?”

“About a month or so ago.”

“And you didn’t call me?  You didn’t call to see how I was doing?”

“Why would I do that, dear?  You’re an adult; your private relationships aren’t my business.”

“Did Kit tell you what happened?”

“Only that Miss Kennard chose to move out of your house.”

“Our house, Daddy.  She moved out of our home,” Bette emphasized.   

“Again, I didn’t realize that Miss Kennard was also on the deed.  I have an associate who practices real estate law in Century City.  I believe I have his card.”  Melvin reached into the inside of his jacket pocket for his wallet.  “You’ll have to get together with him and plot out how to proceed.”  He opened the leather wallet and searched through a number of business cards for the one he needed.  “Here it is.”  He tried to hand the card to Bette, but she shook her head and refused it.  “Bette, it’s important that you get back at least what you put in.  I suggest that you put the house on the market, get it sold, and you and Miss Kennard share in the profits.”  Melvin returned the card to his wallet.