Fan Fiction
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You Don’t Have to Think of it That Way
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Standing across the street from the Gallery, Helena and Bette watched as a large sign was lifted and placed above the doors with a crane. Her trademark BP artistically elevated above the door then centered over the glass etching with the words “Bette Porter Gallery”.
It was distinctive signage, almost like she signed the building itself with a flourish that invited entry. Traffic was rerouted around the work site and almost every cab took the opportunity to loudly honk, letting everyone in the vicinity know what they thought about the disruption to rush hour traffic.
“Making New Yorkers happy one late commuter at a time…” Helena observed, tossing her coffee cup in a nearby trashcan before adjusting her coat in the wind, her nose red from the cold. “We need to get our own coffee shop in house, Love. New York coffee is as varied as it’s population. Most of it shitty…”
“We are, don’t worry… fuck, it’s crooked… that way…” Bette motioned with her hand, the workmen across the street adjusting the sign as her assistant James read Bette’s cues, letting the crane operator know what was needed.
Smiling, Bette was not deterred by the cold temperatures, the inadequate coffee or the snarling traffic, her eyes fixated on the sight of her newest Gallery coming to life. Fucking fantastic. It was a crowning achievement, and she checked her watch, then her phone to see if Jodie mentioned why she was running late.
There was no message. There were no missed calls.
Helena gave her a quick hug, already on the phone, one hand up to hail a cab and Bette tucked her hands in her pockets to watch the final installation.
Acutely aware that she was alone in what was a huge professional achievement.
At a small cafe just down the street from where Bette stood braving the cold, Alice and Tina sat by the window at their favorite table, watching the sign go up across the street.
“What the fuck is that? TK? Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
“I see it. This has nothing to do with us. Another Gallery, no big deal. It looks pretentious, probably overpriced. Impersonal. I am not worried. At all.”
“I don’t know, Tina. This is pretty huge. I’ve heard about the Porter Galleries; I don’t think you know what this means for business.”
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This story’s beginning is really strong. I like the interweaving of some of the original scenes and dialogue from The L Word series. Your use is well done and makes sense even though it is not the scene of the original. Makes me smile.
The people surrounding both Bette and Tina seem to know a lot more about what is going on in their lives than they do. How does Michael Angelou know about the purchase of the Kikky Smith painting? And how does he know enough about Bette’s business or Tina’s gallery to project that Porter Galleries will ruin Tina’s gallery? Bette certainly is not establishing this new gallery with the purpose of putting Tina’s or any other gallery out of business. And if what Michael Angelou says is true about the price points of Bette’s sales, there is still a huge market for Tina to thrive with. Sounds like Jodi has been running her mouth about Bette’s new gallery and projecting some opinions of her own. There is certainly going to be problems for Bette and Jodi, and they may come to a head right after this party. It may end sooner for Jodi than she wants it to. After all, she is wanting a bigger place to do her artwork.
And how does Henry, the beer drinking, game player who seems to play hooky from work know anything about Bette Porter? He tells Tina at home that her business is going to be fine, but at the party he acts like Tina is close to having to shut it down. And in the conversation, Tina does not tell Henry who purchased the Kikky Smith, so how does he know that? And at the time Tina met Bette, she announced her name was Elizabeth and did not say her last name. Tina seems to be growing tired of Henry and his total lack of connection to her or their relationship. These two are not for long as I see it. I actually suspect that Henry really does not have a job much less a promotion in the works. That is the reason he is not picking up his laundry or the sandwiches Tina asked for. He probably never ordered the dinner as he has no means to pay for it. And the new play station and games, is probably on Tina’s credit card. This is just a guess.
This is an intriguing chapter. There must be something going on between Henry and Jodi and Michael Angelou. So, I cannot wait until we see what Bette and Tina talk about at the food table. I just hope that Tina does not take what Henry just said to heart. And I hope that Bette is thinking about what Michael Angolo was saying. This is meaningful.
And all of this plus a private communication between the Intrepid Traveler and the Soul Painter.
Thanks for the chapter and the new story.
Great comment Martha, agree with it.
Such a great surprise to see a new chapter.
My mind is a bit tired, early shifts this week.
I really agree with Martha her comment.
Maybe next time i can voice my thoughts better.
Truly love this story.
Have a great weekend.
I love love love this chapter. It spot on mirrors that horrid l word episode in which Bette had to endure Jody and her creepy friends at the lake. Almost word for word at times. Michael Angelou is a pompous jerk. And Jody’s best friend. Of course it is Jody who has been gossiping to him about Bette. Calling her a snob. Of course that’s how he knows anything about her. Typical Jody. Their days as a couple are so definitely numbered. And Henry is an immature look at me – see and be seen kind of guy so of course he found out who Bette was. He was probably working the room doing his own prowling and asking who the hot babe is. His days with Tina are also numbered. Those characters are all insignificant and will be quickly dispatched. I cannot wait to read about Bette and Tina’s journey to one another. I’m sure Tina will feel a little intimidated and maybe some resentment but it won’t last. Bette has total respect for Tina’s gallery. She is not out to hurt her. Or put her out of business. Bette bought the Kiki Smith painting from Tina. And Tina obviously is making a name for herself as a gallery owner as she is now on Peggy’s radar. There is room in the art world for both – and more. So how will Bette win over Tina? How long will it take for them to fall in love? Intrepid Traveler of the Heart and Soul Painter are already in love. I can’t wait to read when and how their online identities finally meet in person. And we get our happy ending. This is a great story and you write it so well. The earring is a very nice touch. So happy for you my friend.
P.S. Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower? I couldn’t resist. You chose a great film to base your story on.
P.S.S. My favorite story line: “I always think that beauty is God’s handwriting and if that is true then Bette is a story all in herself…“ Oh how I love Peggy.
What a great chapter. I agree with Billy about Jodi and Henry – the end seems to be coming soon for those relationships.
My favorite part, from Intrepid Traveler Of The Heart to Soul Painter “That… and someone special to talk to. You have me. And I have you.”
And I love Bette buying the Kiki Smith painting. And the earring! BK, you never disappoint!
My god, you never disappoint with all your stories
I bet this won’t go over well at the table, that’s usually the case when someone gaslights you before said meeting.
I think the reunion between Intrepid Traveler of the Heart and Soul Painter is not for now (slow burn is what makes a story great). In fact, Bette and Tina might not like each other! We will see