Chapter 12 The B Word The B shows up at the same restaurant.

Bette and Tinas house:

Hey Mariawe will meet you at the Planet! Bette yelled to Maria while she was
taken her shower.

Ok Maria yelled back.

Tina and Bette headed to the Planet for their usually Monday routine before work.

Alice was already at the Planet checking her email and checking her schedule while having her morning coffee.
Hey Alice Tina said as she walked over to Alice.
Whats up T Alice stated.
Hey thanks so much for being the master mind behind the baby shower.That was totally awesome.. Tina stated as she sat down.
So how are you and Bette? Everything still going smooth? Are you going to still be going to counseling? Alice asked You know they call this the honeymoon phase when you reunite.
I know Alicewe will start going back to counseling we are trying to find a woman counselor. Its just everything has been so busy. Tina shared.
Bette walked up with there order..Thanks honey Tina said sweetly
Hi Bette how are you? Alice stated
Im good.Tina and I cant thank you enough for the shower yesterday.
Bette stated as she sat down
Have you guys seen Maria yet? Bette asked as she looked at her watch.
Nope cant say I have. Alice shared
Give her sometime its only 7:30am and we dont have to be at work until 9:30 am.
Tina shared

Just then Shane, Jenny, and Maria pulled up in Maria SUV.
There were some girls standing outside..They all stared as Shane got out of the SUV.
Wow Shane they must thinking your signing autographs today? Maria joked.
Hey Shane a ***** girl.waved at Shane.
Shane isnt she that model???? Jenny asked.
Maria stopped dead and looked in her direction through her ***** sunglasses.
Whose your new friend? Another girl asked referring to Maria.
Shane smiled her flattering smile girl and said Why dont you ask her yourself.
They went to walk in the door. When one of them stopped them.
Hi My name is Jamie What might your name be? She asked Maria
You know I cant remember.I forgot my name tag Maria said as she held the door open for Jenny.
I cant believe you said that Maria? Jenny laughed, as Shane was shaking her head in
disbelieve.
You know Im not into that ***** before 8:00 am. Maria stated.
They placed there orders and went over to sit with the rest of the gang.
Hey guys Jenny stated as
Maria sat there food on the table.
Ill be back in a minute. Maria said.
Bette looked at her and then looked at her watch.
Bette for Christ sake leave her alone. Tina said.
Youre her sister not her warden. Alice added to the conversation
Yea but I just want to make sure see makes a good impression today at the center.
Bette shared.
Knock knockcan I come in? Maria asked Kit as she was in her office taking care of the orders for the week.
Sure MariaWhats up with you this morning? Kit asked
Oh I just wanted to see if your available for dinner tonight? Maria stated
Whats the special occasion? Kit asked
My father is in town and he is taking us all out to eat and he wanted to make sure your invited. Maria said So can I tell him you will be there?
Oh most definitely. Kit said with a smile. I look forward to meeting him
Also did you need me to work this week at all? Maria asked.
I think maybe if you could come in a couple of nights this week and just help get everything set up for the grand opening would be fantastic. Kit added.
Sure you can count on me. Maria stated Come by the house at 6:00 and you can ride with us.
See you then Kit. Maria left the office and went to sit down.
She took a seat next to BetteMaria was quiet just eating her breakfast and drinking her juice.
I might have to meet you guys at the restaurant tonight Bette stated to Maria.
My meeting might go over time.
Thats fine Bette I realize how crazy your schedule isI just appreciate the fact that you are coming.Maria added.
Tina got an ugly look on her face when she heard Bette say she might have to meet them at the restaurant. She thought to herselfI wonder if that damn Candance is going to be helping at the CAC and that is why she is going to be late.
Just then Dana came in dressed in a work out suit and carrying her IPOD.
Hey guys Dana greeted everyone. I was out doing my run and thought I would stop by and say Hi Dana and Alice just stared at each other.
Shane caught them doing this.She just smiled at them.
Well I have another mile to go. See you guys later Dana jogged away.
Tina got up and walked to the bathroom. Alice followed her.
In the restroomT- Whats wrong? Alice asked as Tina started to cry.
Its just my horomones probablyI just get jealous or angry when I know Bette is going to be working late. It just reminds me of .. Tina said
Stop right there now Tina.Dont go there.. Look you guys are getting along really goodPlease make that appointment with the counselor. Alice said
I promise I will Tina said as she wiped away her tears.
Alice gave her a hug for encouragement.
They went back over to the table to find the rest of them laughing.
What are you guys laughing at? Alice asked the group.
Oh we were laughing about the girls who were hitting on Maria this morning
Jenny said. Maria just blew them of with some smart ***** comment.

Hey I hate to interrupt your fun but I think Maria you and Tina need to get going to the Center. I dont want someone saying Tina gave you a job just because of me. Bette said in her over protective voice.
OkI understand Bette. Maria said as she stood up to threw away her trash.
Tina got up tooBut Bette took Tinas trash and threw it into the trash for her.
The three of them headed out to get in their cars. Bette gave Tina a big hug and said I love you and sealed it with a kiss. Tina said the same. Maria I will see you tonight. .Ill give you a call later. Bette said as she put her sunglasses on and drove off in her car.

Maria and Tina went the opposite directionsWhile they were pulling out of the parking lot some girls were waving at Maria. Maria seemed a little mad about it and didnt give them the time of day.

Wow Maria you just blew them off. Tina said What was that all about.
I guess when Im with my familyI dont like someone intruding in my space.
Maria shared. Im sorry Tina but things like that get on my nerves.
Tina just laughed and shook her head.

Maria and Tina pulled up into the Center. This is nice that we get to ride to work together Tina expressed to Maria.
Yea that is cool T Maria stated Its also cool that you have given me this chance.
I really appreciate itI know Bette is super worried that I might take advantage of it.Maria shared But Im not like that at all Tina.
Oh dont worry about your sister she just likes to control everything. Tina said.

Hi Ms Tina. A little girl yelled
Hi there kiddo! Tina said I want you to meet Maria she is going to be working here.
Hi Ms Maria The little girl said excited to see someone new.
Maria bent down to the little girls level and said What is your name?
Its Ashley The little girl said And this is my little brother Jerome.
Maria shook both of there hands and said It a pleasure to meet two super kids.
Tina took Maria into the office and gave her a bunch of papers to fill out.
Sorry but the first day is just a ton of papers to read and sign. Tina shared
I know I hate paper workbut the sooner I start the sooner I get done! Maria stated with a smile.

Back at the CAC.
Bette entered her office and was greeted by JamesHe had a stack of messages for her.
Along with two calls waiting for her and a person waiting to see her.
Sorry I have to greet you first thing this morning with everything. It just since Provocations you have turned into a world wide name in the art business. Everybody wants youfor an interview, lecture, to see there work you name it. James added
Do you want some coffee?
Sure James.Thanks.
Hello Bette Porter Bette said to the first call.
No we havent booked a fall line up yet. I still have to talk to my board to get the direction they want to go. Ill call you back when I hear something.
Hello Bette Porter Bette said to the second call.
An Interview? Bette asked Today at 2:00pm?
I can but I have to be out for another meeting by 3:00pm.
Ill transfer you to my assistant and he will give you the details.

James can you send in the person who is waiting. Bette asked.
Bette didnt hear the name so she was totally shocked when
Helena Peabody walked into the office.
Bette its been awhileIm hear because Im going to be sitting on the board in the place of my mother. Helena shared
Oh really? Bette saidThe entire time Bette was telling herself to count to 10
Then she had to tell herself to count to 1,000! The nerve of this lady coming into my office after what she did to Tina. Well Im sure that James can fill you in on any information you need. Bette stated as she got up from her desk and opened the door for Helena to leave.
Im sure we will become the best of friends Helena said sarcastically.

Bette just shook her head.I cant believe the nerve of that monster.
Bette hit her desk with her fist in frustration.*****!
Bette finished returning her phone callsand then got prepped by James about the interview.
The interview went over scheduleso it made Bette late for her last meeting with the board.
Sorry Im late. I just finished being interview for a documentary about Art in the LA area. Bette sharednervously.
I think when the board has a meeting at 3:00 it shouldnt be left waiting. Helena Peabody said looking at Franklin but referring to Bette.
Again I apologize.Its just another technique to get the CAC exposed more in the community. Bette said nervously
Yes the press can help us reach more people and it saves us money in advertisement
Franklin stated.
They talked about the gross sales, community involvement, and the budget.
Bette looked down at her watch and it was a little after six already. However she knew
She couldnt leave until the meeting was over.

Meanwhile Tina and Maria were just finishing getting ready to go to dinner with Dominic, Marias father. Wow Tina you look great. Maria said with the 1000 watt smile of hers.
Are you sure? Tina asked ( She was demonstrating a tad bit of insecurity)
Now Tina I would never say that if I didnt mean itYour gorgeous. Maria said
Are you flirting with your sister-in law? Kit said as she was coming into the room
No KitI dont want Bette to kick my *****. Maria laughed
That is a pretty sharp outfit you have onMs Thing! Maria said with a huge smile to Kit. Well should we wait for Bette? Maria asked
No Kit said.She called me at lunch time and said she would go ahead and meet us there.
Tina please dont think the worse? Kit said as she gave Tina a huge.
Maria just sat there and stared. Why would it bother Tina if Bette meets us there? Maria thought to herself.

Come on you guys can ride with me Kit suggested .
Maria and Tina got into the SUV with her.

They pulled up to Milanos however Tina didnt see Bettes car anywhere.
Tina was starting to get a little jealous.
They entered the restaurant and the hostess asked them there name.
We are here with party Milo. Maria told her.
Oh yes come this wayMr. Milo is already here. The hostess suggested.
As soon as they got to the table Mr. Milo stood up and hugged Maria.
DadThis is Tina Kinnard and Kit Porter Maria said.
Both Tina and Kit were stunned by how handsome he was. He was 62 nicely built
Salt and pepper hair..tan and gorgeous deep blue eyes.
He shook both of their hands and said It my pleasure to meet the both of you
Also it is a pleasure to be in the company of three gorgeous women this evening.
Kit said He is not just an hunk but he is a charmer.
This also helped to boost Tina confidence since she was worried about why Bette was late.
Just then Bette walked over the to table.Dominic couldnt believe his eyes.
This must be Bette he said as she stood to greet her. Bette said Yes, Im Bette
Im sorry to have you guys waiting.
Its not a bother Dominic said in his charming voice.

Just as he got done talking they all looked over the menu and selected there orders.
They were all taken back by the prices. Please ladies order what you want.
Miss may I have your best bottle of wine? Dominic asked the waitress.
I only want the best for these ladies.
Dad you are such a flirt. Maria said as she was getting embarrassed.
Please Dominic you can continue Tina laughed as Kit made the statement
So Bette I cant believe how much you look like your motherI mean I thought
Maria did but your resemble her even more. Dominic stated.
Well I will take that as a compliment. Bette added Actually I havent seen her in yearsI wouldnt even be able to tell you what she looked like.
Im sorry Bette.I didnt mean to bring it upits just you walk and smile just like her..and those eyesWell they are the same eyes that Maria has.
The rest of the night they dinned on fabulous Italian cuisine.
They talked about the baby, Kits music career, the CAC, and the center.
As they were finishing there dessert .The hostess brought Helena Peabody through with her children and mother. She seated them not to far from them.
I dont believe this Kit said
Who is it Maria asked
You have to be kidding meI just had my day ruined by here at the CAC ..now dinner.
There should be a law against her being in a public place. Bette said as she put her fork down.
Well if it isnt Bette and her loving family. Helena stated in sarcastic tone.
Helena Bette said as she bit her tongue.
Tinalong time hasnt it been Helena said to Tina.
Tina just rolled her eyes. Maria switched into her protective mode. So who is that nasty hag? Maria stated loud enough for Helena to hear her.
Maria Dominic said quickly.
Im not going to let that troll come in here and disrespect my family. Maria said as she glared at Helena.
Kit wanted to ask her how her jaw wasbut she held herself back.
The waitress brought over the bill and Dominic asked the girls if there is anything else they wanted.
No thank you they said in unison.
They said there good byes.but Kit and Dominic went into the bar to listen to the lounge singer. Kit whispered to her sisterIm just drinking grapefruit juice. Dont worry.
Maria, Tina, and Bette hugged Dominic good bye and headed home.

Tina gave Maria a hug around the shoulder.Thanks for the comment to Helena it was greatperfect timing. Tina laughed as did Bette and Maria.
Hey Maria do you mind playing chauffer tonight? Bette asked
No I was going to drive you guys home anyway. Maria stated
Bette and Tina got into the back seat.
Oh I see what your saying Maria laughed and winked at her sister.

Bette and Tina were all over each other the entire drive home.
Look Im sorry I was late.I was at work.and no I wasnt missing with anyone else.
Bette stated as she started passionately kissing Tina.
Maria turned up the music so she wouldnt have to hear them making out.

TBC