Bette sat at her desk staring at the 5×7 photograph of Angelica. It was one of her at 2 months old propped up against a pillow wearing just a diaper and a smile. A wide, gum showing slobbery smile. Bette remembered that moment vividly.

*****

“Babe, that is not a smile.”
“Sure it is, T. Look at her. She’s smiling at me.”
“Its gas, babe,” Tina stated continuing to fold the laundry.

Bette sat on the couch making funny faces at their daughter. The baby in turn made faces back.

“Look there it is. You can’t tell me that’s not a smile,” Bette pointed out quickly.

By the time Tina looked up, Angie was back to chewing on her hands.

Tina smiled, “Tell Momma B that it’s just a little gas, sweetie.”

She went back to folding.

“Watch her. I’m gonna get my camera and prove you wrong.” Bette said with determination

Tina rolled her eyes as Bette ran off for the 35mm.

****

Peep.

“Bette, Jodi is here to see you,” James voice came thru the intercom breaking her daydream.

Taking a deep breath and straightening her suit jacket as she sat forward, Bette answered, “Send her in.”

The door opened and Jodi stepped in.

“You wanted to see me,” Jodi signed.
“Yes. Please. Sit.”

Jodi did so.

“How have you been?”
“Busy,”Jodi answered.

Bette nodded.

“What do you want, Bette?”
“No time for chit chat,huh?”
“I’m sorry but I’m working on two projects and have student meetings in thirty minutes,” Jodi explained.
“Fair enough,” sigh, “Tina told me that the two of you spoke the other day.”
“Briefly,” Jodi interrupted.
“Yeah, well, she told me that she expressed you being in our daughter’s life.”
“Yes.”
“Would you be interested in seeing Angie?”
“You mean having playdates?” Jodi smiled.
“Yeah, sort of,” Bette laughed.
“Are you comfortable with that?” Jodi signed, “Honestly?”
“I…am. Even though things didn’t work out between us, I do trust you. I know you will watch Angie and take care of her. And I have faith in Tina when she agrees that its only right to keep you in Angie’s life. You’ve been an amzing influence and I hope you continue to be.”

Jodi sat back and watched Bette’s body language. She noticed the stiff posture but openess on her face.

“I appreciate your confidence in me. I would love to see Angie.”

Jodi stood up.

“Okay, okay.”
“I gotta go. Uh… you can call Tom with the day and time of our first playdate,” Jodi said walking to the door.
“Okay,” Bette said once more.
“Tell Tina thank you for letting me see Angie. I miss her.”
“I will.”

Jodi looked back at Bette one more time before crossing the door. She smiled.