“As if I should?” Tina said bitterly.

“I want to win your trust again.  You deserve that.  I might not deserve you, but I want to fight for you.”

Suzanne watched with keen interest. 

“All I’m asking is that you stay and we talk.”

Tina’s will began to falter, her shoulders slumped and the confidence she had in her beliefs wavered.  Bette bent to look into the eyes of her partner who stared at the ground, “Tina, we have seven years together.  We can have the rest of our lives if you forgive me.  I’m so sorry.”

Tina looked up at Bette and her body language changed again.  “You keep telling me you’re sorry.”  She pushed her index finger against Bette’s chest.  “You’ve said that hundreds of times, Bette, but not once…” She paused and took a deep breath.  “Not once have you said to me, ‘it won’t happen again.  I promise it won’t happen again.’”

Bette’s lip quivered and twisted.  “I…” She shook her head.  “Hasn’t that been obvious, Tee?  I would never do this to you again.  I’d never hurt us like this.  Never.”

Bette pulled Tina into her arms.  Tina’s head rested on Bette’s shoulder as both women cried.  Suzanne watched as they had their private moment together. 

Several minutes went by before Bette lightly directed Tina back to the sofa.  Tina grabbed a Kleenex and blew her nose while Bette simply dabbed at her eyes.  “Bette, I’m willing to try this, but you’re gonna have to be open with me all the time, not just here.  I don’t want to learn the truth or find out what you’re thinking only when we have therapy.  You have to be forthcoming all of the time, Bette.  I mean it.”

“I will.”

* * * * *

Bette was busy at work.  The Board wasn’t surprised to learn that she was leaving, but they weren’t pleased about it.  She suspected that most members really wanted to sit on this Board because it would look good on their CVs.  They weren’t particularly interested in involving themselves so thoroughly in the decision-making processes for the CAC.  This was probably why Franklin was so powerful on the Board.  She had to give him that– he was concerned about the Museum’s reputation, standing, and success.  Once she gave them the news of her departure, Board members scrambled to pack as much into the few short months as possible.  They wanted to make many decisions and to go through it quickly.  They hoped to have three years worth of exhibitions wrapped up before Bette left.  In phone call after phone call, Bette tried to explain that while it was possible, it might not be the best move—something could be hot in 2004, but passé in late 2007.  When Franklin mentioned booking ‘Impressions in Winter,’ for 2005, Bette didn’t negate the idea. At least that was one exhibit set for the not too distant future.