Bette sat back in her office chair, momentarily satisfied with her progress. She closed her eyes and wished silently that her flowers and message would reach Tina, both literally and figuratively. She felt some apprehension about sending them for fear that Tina would reject her overture, but she had to do it.
She turned her thoughts to the rest of the days business. Franklin needed to be told that she was leaving next week, and as she was formulating her thoughts, there was a knock on the door.
Come in, Bette called.
James tucked his head in the door. Hi, youre in early today. Um this just came by courier. He walked in and handed an envelope to Bette. She looked at the label – it was from Mason Hatch.
Thank you. Bette opened the envelope and found a check for five thousand dollars made out to the CAC and signed by Mason. A smile spread across her face and she said aloud, Thank you, thank you Mason. He had just given her the best possible way to begin her conversation with Franklin.
Still smiling she looked up at James and said, Get me Mason Hatch on the phone, please.
The conversation with Mason turned out to be the highlight of Bettes day. He was warm, friendly and very complimentary. They discussed the possibility of Mason joining the Board of Directors and he all but promised another check in the Fall. He also invited Bette to a dinner party at his house the next night. He assured her it would be a small, informal gathering and she accepted. In fact, the invitation came at the perfect time for Bette. Her reservation at the hotel didnt start until Sunday night and she was worried about how she would fill the time until her flight left LA on Sunday afternoon.
Bette hung up the phone and dialed Franklins number with renewed confidence.


The next day.

Ahhhhh Tina said as her ***** sank into the warm greenish brown goo in which the rest of her body was already submerged. She leaned back in the tub and rested her head against the edge.
Does yours feel good?
Diane was in the adjoining tub, happily soaking in a goo of her own.
Yeah, it feels like Im sitting in hot fudge. Doesnt smell like it though.
They had just finished their adobe mud facials and Tinas legs were still stinging from the waxing theyd received. After their rejuva-baths they were heading for the massage table.
Mom, this was a brilliant idea.
Thank you honey. Every once in a while I get one.
Tina smiled and closed her eyes. She was feeling lighter and brighter today, though she wasnt sure why. The experience the night before with the artist still puzzled her and she wondered if she was experiencing some the amazing energy that Mary had mentioned.
Since the miscarriage Tina felt that she had to re-claim her body and make peace with it. When the pain was so fresh, she saw her body as disconnected from the rest of her, especially from her heart and mind that had so cherished the image of the baby-to-be that was growing below. In her grief she had blamed her body for losing her baby. Dr. Wilsons reassurances that the miscarriage had not been caused by anything that Tina had done had taken a long time to seep in past the irrational thoughts. The attention Tinas body was receiving today was soothing and healing in unexpected ways.
Tina closed her eyes and envisioned a warm, glowing core inside of her. Slowly the glow spread outward toward her arms and legs and then all the way down to her toes and out to her fingers. She felt a deep relaxation and contentment that she had not known in so long.
The sound of deep, heavy breathing from the next tub told her that her mother was experiencing a similar depth of relaxation. Tina smiled and sank deeper into her tub.
———————————————————————————————————————-

Tina pushed open the door and she and Diane stepped out into the warmth of a spring day. Both were glowing and content from their visit to the spa, complete with lunch.
Oh that was just heavenly, Diane said. I feel like a new person.
Tina agreed. It was perfect.
And lunch was delicious,
Tina nodded, Everything was so fresh and light.
Yes, Diane said emphatically Satisfying, but not too filling.
Uh-huh.
They walked in silence for a few moments.
Without breaking stride or turning her head Diane asked, Wanna get an ice cream sundae?
Absolutely, Tina replied without hesitation.
Saturday had been an endurance test for Bette, as time seemed to drag. She spent the morning in her office to tie up loose ends before she left, but also to avoid being home. When she finally did go home in the afternoon, the house felt impossibly cluttered. Bette changed her clothes and grabbed a garbage bag and began to go through the house and toss things in the bag. She went through every room but the bedroom; she left the bedroom as it was. When she was finished she had filled three trash bags and the recycling bin.
Later Hamilton came over for a training session. Bette had so much nervous energy she burned through the routine and then took a swim. Finally, it was time for her to shower and get dressed for dinner at Masons house.
As Bettes car climbed the hills above the city she felt freer. She welcomed the chance to be in a room of people who didnt know her well and were unlikely to ask about Tina. However, the gathering at Masons house turned out to have some familiar faces. Eric and Antonio were there, proof to Bette that she had made a good introduction the other night at the bar. Barry and Marilyn Roth, a couple that had been early patrons of Bettes gallery, were there. Barry was one of the partners in Masons law firm and they were regulars on the art and culture circuit. The unfamiliar faces were Masons college roommate and his wife, both physicians. Her initial nerves soon passed however, and Bette felt she was in friendly company. It was also company that had a certain amount of disposable income, which led her mind to the fundraising possibilities, especially when the talk turned to Provocations and what an extraordinary exhibit it was.
It didnt surprise me one bit when I heard that you were behind it, Barry said.
I heard you personally convinced Peggy Peabody to bring it to the CAC, Marilyn added.
Bette demurred, but a glow appeared in her eyes. Time and again as the evening went on, the topic would turn to art and someone would solicit Bettes opinion. Mason would spur the discussion with his own insights and then let Bette develop them and express her opinions. She was holding court and it felt wonderful.
After dinner, while the others were deep in discussion about whether or not France was still producing artful films, Mason offered to show Bette the view from the terrace. They stepped outside into the cool night air and Bette was captivated by the view of the city lights spread before them.
Oh, this is beautiful, Bette said.
Thank you. I think its best at night – the daytime can be smoggy and smog does not a good view make.
Bette smiled.
Are you enjoying yourself? Mason asked.
Oh, yes, very much. Its wonderful to be here, thank you for inviting me.
Its delightful to have you, youre the belle of the ball. Or should I say the Bette of the ball.
Bette winced.
Terrible, I know.
After a few moments of silence, Bette asked, What brought you to LA, Mason?
Ah, the public relations line is: an incredible job opportunity; the truth is: a broken heart.
Bette appreciated his candor, even if it made her stomach tighten uncomfortably.
Im sorry.
Thank you, but the worst is over now and LA is winning me over with its charms.
Bette didnt wish to pry and she really didnt wish to discuss her own affairs of the heart, but Mason continued without prompting.
My ex and I met in law school. We were a couple for almost nine years. Long story short, he had an affair. When I found outwell, there were mutual betrayals. Ill be the first to admit, it was not my finest hour. He grew quiet and took a deep breath. The words affair and betrayal had pounded into Bettes brain as Mason spoke them. She reached out for the railing and took a deep breath of her own. He continued, Alas, Manhattan suddenly became a small town where everyone was talking. I felt closed in and needed a fresh start somewhere. Thats when Bernard, my old roommate, started trying to convince me to move to LA. A few months later, there was an opening at the firm out here and I decided the time was right, and here I am.
Bette was quiet.
I hope you dont mind me talking like this, Bette.
Oh
If I may be so forwardI feel that you and I are, as the Italians say sympatico.
Bette looked at him and he smiled warmly. The other night when Antonio asked you about your partner I saw the momentary look of fear cross your face and I felt it too. I heard the slight stumble in your voice when you needed to explain her absence, and you were deliberately vague. Oh, dont worry you were smooth as silk, Im sure they didnt realize, but I felt it and heard it because Id been there myself not long ago.
Bette thought she was melting as his words tumbled toward her. Her hand on the cold railing was the only thing keeping her upright.
Mason put his hand on hers. Ive overwhelmed you, Im sorry.
Bette decided that pretense was fruitless and she admitted that he was correct in his assumptions about her personal life.
Im going away tomorrow to collect myself and to try to mend my relationship, she said admitted quietly.
Good, I wish you the best, he said sincerely. I took a chance speaking to you like this, Bette, but I thought you might need a friend at this time, and I would be most honored if you would consider me one.
Thank you, Mason. Im honored you asked to be my friend and I hope I can return the favor.
You already have, Bette.

On the drive home the conversation with Mason caused Bette to panic about Tina and whether or not they could salvage their life together. Could we end up like Mason and his former partner? Could we live apart forever? The question chilled her to the bone. It was never her intent to leave Tina, even when she questioned her feelings for her, even when she pursued Candace. It had never occurred to her that Tina might be gone from her life entirely. She felt enormous pressure to pull it all together again, to make her apologies to Tina and to rebuild their relationship. A roomful of people had just made her feel like she was intelligent and charming and capable and she needed to carry that with her on the plane tomorrow. She needed to remember her strengths as she approached her great weakness: Tina.