DrivingChapter 5
Several hours later Tina and her mother were seated across from each other at a caf downtown.
So how was your morning? Diane asked.
Ohgood. I went for a long run – I love running here. And I saw Mary and her horses. She wanted me to go riding.
Great. When are you going?
Tina looked at her mother incredulously. I dont know how to ride a horse, Mom.
Oh how hard can it be? Im sure Mary will show you what you need to know.
Hmmm. Maybe we could just go to a movie or for a walk.
Good idea. In fact, Mary is quite the hiker. She knows all the best trails around here.
Diane thought for a moment. We could do that this weekend, but I thought maybe wed go up to Taos.
Taos?
Yeah, well it was just a thought I had because Wayne will be all jet-lagged anyway on Saturday so we could leave him the house and you and I could go have some fun together.
Wow, that sounds really nice. Tina knew that she had made the right decision to leave LA for a while and come here. She was just basking in the warm glow of her mothers attention.
Diane stirred sugar into her iced tea. Did you talk to anyone else?
Tina looked up from her menu. Smooth Mom. The answer is yes, I called Bette. Diane looked across the table expectantly. Wedidnt have a lot to say to each other. She sounded tired and I dont knownot herself.
Not surprising, Im sure shes suffering there alone.
Tina looked surprised. What do you mean?
I just mean that shes hurting too. Shes surrounded by reminders of you and your life together. Personally, Im hoping shes feeling some guilt, too.
Tina lowered her eyes. I feel sort of glad that shes hurting. I know that sounds bad, but
No, honey. Youre angry. Its OK.
The emotion that was always just below the surface for Tina began to emerge. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes became moist. II want some answers from her. I lost my temper about it this morning andwe hung up.
Diane reached across the table and took Tinas hand. Its all going to take time, honey. You may never get the answers you want and the things she does tell you might be painful. Just take it a day at a time.
Sometimes I want to just walk away and never see her again.
Oh sure. Thats a choice you could make. Although, I can tell you from experience that even walking away doesnt end it completely. Especially when you have all those years together.
Tina felt lost again and unsure. Diane squeezed her hand. Once step at a time, honey.

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The rest of the day went quickly for Bette although her mind continued to wander back to her morning visitors and to the frustrating conversation with Tina. She wanted to phone her again but she needed some time to figure out the right thing to say. Meanwhile, she needed to turn her attention to her meeting this evening. She and Franklin were meeting Mason Hatch at the W hotel to discuss his interest in Provocations and the CAC. James had provided her with some background information about him. He was a partner in a prestigious East Coast law firm and had moved to its L.A. office eight months ago. Bette was hoping he was a patron in search of an arts institution.
When she arrived at the hotel, the men were already there and they stood to greet her.
Bette smiled warmly as she shook Masons hand. He was a black man in his early 30s with a firm handshake and an air of distinction. Bette noticed his trim haircut, his beautifully tailored suit and elegant wristwatch. Her gaydar went off right away.
The conversation went very well, particularly between Bette and Mason. He had lived in Manhattan for many years and knew the galleries and museums well. Franklin put in a word or two now and then, but it was apparent that he couldnt add much to this conversation. Drinks turned into dinner and when they were finished, Mason insisted on paying the bill.
Its the beginning of a fruitful relationship with the CAC, he said. Franklin was beaming and fawning in his thanks. Bette was composed, grateful and professional.
At the valet stand, Franklins car came up first and Bette and Mason were left waiting together.
You know Bette, Ive been living here for 8 months, and between work and travel I havent had the opportunity to explore the worthwhile nightlife, Mason said. Perhaps you could tell me the best places to find shall we saykindred spirits?
Bette smiled. Either he knew about me in advance or his gaydar went off too she thought. Id be happy to, she said. Were you in a hurry to get home, or shall we start now?
Now is the perfect time, he said. Ill follow you.
Bette chose to introduce Mason to Lush Life, a large restaurant, bar and dance complex that offered a little of everything and a nice mix of men and women on a Thursday night. They entered the bar section first where the atmosphere was low-key, the lighting flattering and the crowd friendly. Bette particularly liked the cozy curved booths that lined one wall of the bar. She had brought Tina there early in their relationship and they had gradually moved closer together in the booth as the conversation got more intimate. Bette remembered the beautiful glow of Tinas face just inches from hers and the light that shone from her eyes that night. Tonight she turned away from them and scanned the room for other seating. The tables were full so they headed towards the bar and ordered drinks, which Mason insisted on buying. Bette was still drinking club soda with lime, as she had all evening.
Bette offered her opinions to Mason on the pros and cons of various clubs and restaurants she knew. The conversation had just entered a lull where it was likely that one or the other of them would ask a personal question when Bette saw a ***** couple she knew come in and head towards them. Eric was an artist and gallery owner whom Bette had known for years and his partner Antonio was an architect. How perfect to meet Mason, Bette thought as she waved to her friends. The two men came over and embraced Bette warmly.
Mason, Id like you to meet two dear friends of mine, Eric and Antonio. Theyre the deans of ***** society here in LA.
Ha! If were the deans, then Id hate to see the rest of the faculty, Eric joked.
The three men exchanged handshakes and Antonio turned to Bette. Wheres Tina this evening?
Ohshes out of town this week.
And youre here? Eric said with mock suspicion. Shame on you. You should be home alone sitting by the phone. Bette laughed good naturedly, but she felt herself sinking into the floor. Mason jumped in with a question for Antonio, thank God. Bette waited a few minutes and then excused herself to use the bathroom.
The restrooms were down the hall toward the video bar and dancing rooms. The pulsating beat accompanied Bette as she made her way to the womens room. Inside she thought how nice it was to meet Mason, especially when she had been dreading this work-related meeting. He had lifted her spirits with his compliments about her work and his friendly, intelligent conversation. Antonios innocent question had sent her skidding back to her heartache. She dreaded going home now. The house would be dark and the bed would be empty and there would be dreams and angst to deal with again.
At the sink she looked in the mirror and was shocked to see the tired and drawn looking face she saw. She bent down and splashed cold water on her face and then refreshed her make-up. Back to the show, she thought. She swung open the door to the hallway and was unprepared to see Candace standing directly across from her.