The Show:

The show was going exceptionally well. There were so many critics, art collectors, and enthusiast in attendance and all of the artist were reveling in the excitement and appreciation that was being lavished upon them and their work. Bette was extremely happy for all of the artists. Several paintings and pieces that were for sale were being bid on and by the looks of things every piece would sell.

Bette was standing looking around the gallery when Shane and Megan caught her eye. They seemed to be enjoying the show and each others company. I guess I was wrong about Shane and Megan”Ive never seen Shane this happy. Bette thought to herself as the couple approached her.

Bette this is amazing, everything is so beautiful and all the artists are really enjoying this too. Shane said. Yeah they are”theyve worked so hard Im glad its come together and thanks for your help too. You did an amazing job helping James hang the show. Bette responded. Wheres Tina I dont think shes met Megan yet? Shane asked looking around for Tina. She said shed meet me here. I had to get here a little early for the last minute touches. And shes also picking up a pregnancy test. We are going to find out after the show tonight if were going to be mommies. Bette whispered. Oh Bette thats so exciting I dont know how you are being so calm right now. Shane laughed. Bettes smiled illuminated her face and the room”I have to admit I feel like a kid at Christmas. The last time I was one of the last to know”this time were doing everything right. I cant wait for Tina to get here.

Just when Bette decided shed go to a quiet area to call to see if Tina was okay. Simone approached the three women. Megan proceeded to tell Simone she was out bid for one of her paintings and that all of her work was amazing. Simone blushed”still not use to the compliments but very grateful all the same. Bette I dont know how Ill ever be able to repay you. Not for just tonight but for everything”you really are the reason I started to paint again and I know I havent been the easiest person to work with but you hung in there with me. How can I ever say thank you enough? Simone felt tears of genuine appreciation brimming in her blue green eyes. Bette tried to let Simone know all she had to do to repay her was to continue to enjoy her work. Simone smiled at Shane and Megan and decided if the couple didnt mind she would hang out with them for a while. The other artists were talking to critics and reporters and she wasnt up for that, she just wanted to enjoy the other exhibits for a while.

Bette finally excused herself to go call Tina. Just as she rounded the corner she saw Tina, her beautiful Tina. Bette quickly walked over to her and greeted her with an amazing kiss. Babe I was starting to get worried. Is everything okay? Bette asked with eyes filled with concern. Tina smiled, Bette everything is fine. I just wanted to set up a few things for tonight”you know when we find out if were pregnant. Bette smiled at Tina. Tina looked around and noticed how many people were there and reminded Bette she should probably go work the crowd The sooner this is over the sooner we can get home. Tina reminded Bette. Bette kissed Tina and reluctantly left her as she made her rounds with the artists and potential buyers.

Tina began to wonder around the CAC and remember the last show”Provocations and that night as she approached the one of the smaller galleries she looked up towards where she remembered Bette touching Candace how her fingers lingered too long and how such a small thing would have gone unnoticed to anyone else but to her”in that awful moment the truth of her lovers infidelity was revealed. She had remembered how Bette would touch her and gaze at her just like that. The thing that hurt the most was she couldnt remember the last time she was on the receiving end of such a tender moment shared by lovers. As Tina kept looking at the site that changed her life she whispered The scene of the crime. She felt her eyes fill with tears she didnt know she had. Its in the past; let it be she warned herself. But by then the melancholy had set in. Tina needed to get away for a minute. She saw Bette seemed to be looking for her but right now she needed a minute. She needed to focus on all of the good that she and Bette had managed to rebuild. I just need a moment alone to regroup. Tina reasoned as she approached Bettes office for some time alone hoping the quiet would give her the peace she desperately needed. She walked in and closed the door behind her. As Tina turned she saw Simone in front of Bettes desk. Simone turned startled seeing Tina there. Hi Tina. Simone smiled. I just wanted to thank Bette she said gesturing towards the card she was writing in. You know Tina thats a ***** of a woman you got there. Tina was grateful and annoyed at the reminder at once. Simone are you hiding out in here? You know youre a big hit out there. I over heard someone saying all your paintings were sold tonight. YeahYeah I guess I am. Im happy about that. Simones visage saddened.
Tina: but whatwhats wrong?
Tina was surprised she actually felt bad for the young woman.
Simone: I should be happy and God Bette has been great shes worked so hard. She is the reason I started painting again but now”right now none of this means anything. I dont have anyone to share this with. God Im so pathetic.
Tina: Oh Simone no you arent pathetic that makes total sense. Its so hard to do well in every aspect of your life. Work and love its hard to juggle but Simone youre a beautiful talented woman and one day in the not so distant future the right woman will come along to share everything with, youll see.
Simone: I certainly hope youre right.
Simone noticed the photographs of Tina hanging on the wall of Bettes office. She began to admire them. She has so much love for you. Simone said.
Tina: What?
Simone: I just noticed the photographs of you. Its obvious Bette took these. God to be loved like that. But its apparent why she loves you. Youre beautiful. Ive always focused on Bette but Tina she loves you so much because youre easy to love. I can tell.
Tina: Thats sweet to say, thanks. So are you going to hide out in here all night?
Simone: No after I write this and find a place for this Ill go back out and mingle.
Simone brings Tinas attention to Eyes of Love the painting she had done of Bette weeks ago.
Tina: Did Bette pose for that?
Simone: Oh no this was my first painting I did when I came out of my slump. Bette was my muse. I painted it from memory. She was talking about you and how she is in love with her beautiful wife. Bettes eyes just lit up. Tina now that Im talking to you I see why shes so smitten.
Tina was standing close by admiring the painting.
Tina: So she thinks Im beautiful uh?
Simone: Of course look at the photos she took of you. *****, look at yourself. Dont you know youre beautiful? I know Bette tells you, you are why do you doubt it?
Tina: I dont know. And at this point when Bette tells me its almost like your mom saying it. I guess lately I havent felt so beautiful.
Oh Tina dont say that. God look at you. Simone reaches up and lightly strokes Tinas cheek. Tina looks at the woman that she once referred was the most beautiful woman in the world and was drawn in. The small space between the two was quickly filled as their lips met for a soft lust-filled kiss.

At that precise moment the door to Bettes office slide open. Standing there was a shocked and devastated.
TBC