Chapter 6

When last we left you, you were overlooking the city of Paris, interacting with a mysterious stranger, Tina prompted.

Bette smiled. If Tina was okay with it, far be it from her to withhold from enquiring minds.

Her name was Michelline, she continued. Talk about a diamond in the rough. Bette laughed at her memory.

The very day we met, she had been up for almost two days painting in her studio. She was delirious with exhaustion, but rather than sleep she ventured out to see if she could, as she put it, ignite the fire of inspiration again. And let me tell you, she looked like she had been up for two days. Her face was drawn and gaunt, she had dark circles under her eyes and there were flecks of paint and gesso on her clothes, in her hair, and on every bit of exposed flesh.

And indeed Bette, how could you resist a vision like that? Alice retorted then quickly followed up with, I know, Ill shut up. Carry on.

Thats just it though. How she presented herself that day was the antithesis of anything I would ever find attractive. She was abrasive, arrogant, slovenly, and frankly, she needed a bath. Oh yes, she was a real catch. Bette shook her head, incredulous. Youve heard the saying theres a fine line between genius and madness? She balanced precariously on that line from the moment I met her, but with zeal and passion on her side she managed to manifest the genius more often than not. And I guess it was her passion that drew me in.

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I was just going to find a place to have a quiet meal, and since youre the local, perhaps you could offer some suggestions? Bette asked after their handshake had ended.

Oh God, eating, yes, I definitely should eat, Michelline murmured with her fingertips over her mouth, her gaze set beyond where Bette was standing.

She paused as if in epiphany and then continued.

Well stop at a market and well eat at my studio. Come. It wouldnt be the last time she used that verb as a demand on Bette, filled with expectation and promise at the same time. Michelline linked her arm through Bettes and guided her towards street level.