Bette made her way back to the gallery.once inside, she went to her desk and sat downputting her head in her hands.James walked in.
Hey boss..whats the matter? he asked..
Nothing said Bette as she looked up with a big smile on her face.
Umthis may be none of my businessbut you mustve gotten some of Tina while you were gone.
I wishbut no James..I went by to see Franklin
And how did that go?
Well, he gave me an 80 thousand check. said Bette as she shuffled the papers around on the desk and picked up one paper in particular.
WhaWhat? asked James..
You heard me right.
Damn.I shouldve stayed there said James.Bette cut him the eye.the kill you eyes.
Im only joking boss.so what are you going to do with the money?
I gave it away
Hu..HuYou did what? he asked.
I said I gave it away.I gave it to the center.
I am in shock..
And I didnt need it.
Thats a lot of money Bette.what could you not do with that much money?
I told you that I gave it to the centerthose kids have nothing..they are from bad families in bad neighborhoodsand the center is helping to keep them on the right track with a crime and drug free life.I wanted to be a part of that.
But 80 thousand?
Jamesgo away.I feel good about what I did.Dont you have some work to do?
Uhyea..bossI can find something to do
Good.. said Bette as she waved her hand at him Goodbye
James left out of her office and closed the door behind him. Good afternoon Bette heard him say before there was a knock on the door.
Yes? called out Bette
Candace walked in. Umsorry to bother you againbut I set up that meeting with Michaela.
And.. said Bette
And it is tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.at her apartment.
At her apartment? Couldnt we meet somewhere private?
Well, that is where all of her paintings are. said Candace.
Alrightwhats the address?
I can meet you here and take you to her.
NoI dont think that is wise. said Bette..
Alrightits right down the street.go to the 3rd light and take a rightthe apartments are around the corner on the rightaptD-5.
ALrightIll be there at 9 a.m.
Great said Candace as she left..
*****.. thought Bette. An appointment at someones apartmenthow crazy is that?
Bette did some paperwork for the rest of the daycatching up on all things that needed to bethen she slipped out around 7.heading home.
Once she arrived, she opened the door. Tbaby.. Im home
Hey..sweetieIm so glad that you are here.go take a shower and relax.Dinner is almost done.we can eat and spend some time together.
Sounds great..I wont be long.. said Bette as she put her briefcase and purse down on the tableand went to shower.
Tina finished dinner 30 minutes later when Bette was getting out of the shower.she put the food on plates and took them in the living room on the coffee table.Just as Bette came around the corner drying her hair with a towel.
Smells great..
Thanks.. said Tina.. I thought we could eat and watch the O.C..if thats okay with you.
Yea. said Bette as she sat down next to Tina on the sofa Ummm.Lasagne
Bette dug in and so did Tina..while watching the O.C
Those people are so crazy said Bette
I know..its like daytime soap-operas.you can miss 6 months of it.watch one episode and be caught up. laughed Tina
Yea said Bette.as she laughed too
An hour later, they were both stuffedlaying back on the sofa with their eyes closed.
Lay here babyand I will take care of the dishes said Tina as she got up off of the sofa..
No..I can help you. said Bette as she stood up and grabbed a dish.
No said Tina as she grabbed the dish from Bette Lay downyou look exhausted.You worked all day.
But so did you
Yeabut you made our day at the center..Thats one thing I love about you..you are so givingespecially to children.I know that our child will be just as happy as can be and spoiled rotten by his mother
Tcan we talk for a second? asked Bette.
Sure..whats up babe.
TIwell, since you mentioned about the baby thing..I want to know when you may be ready to try for a family again.
I..BetteI am not too ready right nowI need some more time. said Tina as she took Bettes face into her hands Just give me a little more time.
OkayI just..I want us to have a family.you and I..
Soonbabysoon said Tina as she grabbed the plates and headed to the kitchen with them
Bette just leaned back on the sofa looking at the ceiling.
After a few minutes, she dozed off to sleep
Before she knew it, she was waking up the next morning to the alarm clock.beepbeepbeepbeep.
Bette sat up, and grabbed the clock, looking at it 8:00.. Ive got to get going.I have that appointment early this morning. She got up and dressedgetting ready for work
Before she left, she leaned over and kissed Tina on the forehead. Love you baby..
She drove up at the apartment at 9:00 on the dot..and knocked on the door.boy, she wasnt surprised when Candace opened the door..
An hour later, she came out and got into her car..Candace right behind her in her own car.as she was pulling out of the apartment complex.Tina drove by..almost breaking her neck to look at Bette..who didnt see her.

Tbc……….