Chapter 22 – The Donation

Shane was waiting for Bette with her chair leaning up against the wall. You know the kind of move that mothers always are yelling at the kids to stop. As Shane rocks back and forth on the back two legs of the chair, she was deep in thought about what she wanted to talk to Bette about. So much had happened since Shane had seen Bette last. Shane didnt like the feeling of pulling strings behind the scene to make things happened. It just didnt feel honest somehow. I know this is the right thing to do. Shane mutters to herself.
What was that, Shane? Bette asks standing right in front of Shane.
Shane almost leans back in the chair to far, coming perilously close to falling backwards just like mothers always predict.

Bette, you shouldnt scare me that way what are you trying to do kill me? As Shane is struggling to sit upright.
Bette just smiles a Shane: Sorry bout that. Good to see you, you ready to go.
Shane: Yeah Im ready but where is the lovely Rachael, I was going to ask her for coffee again?
Bette: Sorry Shane its just me again. Hey, dont look so disappointed.
Shane: Nope, I would be crazy not to be delighted to going to dinner with such a beautiful woman. What ya hungry for?
Bette: Well let me think, how do you feel about Mexican? There a little place a block away which is pretty good.
Shane: Sound great, you all done here? Lets go.

With that Shane and Bette took off for the restaurant and their evening together. Bette enjoyed Shane all the more after her session. They walked the few blocks in a comfortable silence. Bette thinking of how she was almost going to make a decision she would have regretted while Shane was wondering how she was going to bring up Bettes paintings.

They settled into their booth, Shane ordering a frozen margarita and Bette just having water.
Bette: Shane, you know I dont think I tell you enough but I want to make sure you know how much you mean to me. I mean, I treasure our time together and I dont know if I have ever told you that before.
Shane looks at Bette for a moment before she replies, seeing the warmth and sincerity shining through Bettes words. Shane: Thanks, I dont know what to say, I feel like we are truly family now. I look forward to our dinners and our talks. Bette, I dont know how else to describe the closeness I feel for you now. Its new ground for me but it feels good.
Bette: Yeah it feels good.
There was a comfortable silence as they just enjoyed each others company.
Shane: There is something I need to talk to you about and Im having problems getting started. Can you hear me out on something?
Bette can see the uneasy shifting of Shanes eyes as she is talking. Thinking how can I make this easier for her Bette replies: Shane, I hope you know you can talk to me about anything. This closeness goes both ways, whats wrong?
Shane: Well its not really my problem. A mutual friend is in need and the gang is putting together an auction of sorts to raise money. I know you dont value your paintings but they really are spectacular. Shane hesitates and then plunges on: Could you, I mean would you donate a few paintings that we could auction off? There she said it, Shane almost felt relief but not yet until after Bette answered.

Bette looked at Shane hard. She grasped right away that the mutual friend was Tina. Was Tina in financial trouble? Bette would do anything for Tina but she didnt want Tina to know did she? Bette thought a little longer. By now Shane was shifting in her chair. Bette, maybe this is a bad ide”a
NO, NO Bette cuts her off. Ill do it. I can give you six paintings but I have one condition.
Shane: Really, OK what?
Bette: This has to be an anonymous donation, I mean after all, I only sign my pictures with my initials so thats all I want anyone to know. I dont want to have to show up or anyone but you even knowing the painters last name. OK?
Shane realizes immediately that this isnt quite what she wanted but it would have to do. Besides anyone who knew Bette, once they see her paintings would recognize her immediately. With that Shane agree to Bettes conditions.
Shane: Thanks Bette, I cant tell you how much this means to me. As she takes a huge gulp of her margarita.