Chapter 12 – A Paintings Voice

The day was turning into a gorgeous evening with the heat of the day cooling off. Shane jumps out of her truck and walks up to Bettes booth area.

Bette spots her and yells: Shane youre early, take a load off and enjoy the evening.
Shane: Dont mind if I do. Howd it go today? Met any interesting women I should be checking into? Bette shakes her head chuckling.
Bette: Shane youre just going to have to hang around and check the sights out yourself.
Shane: Ok, Ok, but tonight I might find some sights of my own.
Bette: Oh, I see why youre early, Youre dumping me. Well its about time, got a hot date?
Shane: No not actually. Looking around at Bettes new pieces, Shane spots the work that Jason had commented on earlier and is just starring at it.
Bette: Well, if you need to get going Im sure I could get Jason to give me a lift with my stuff. Bette looks at Shane who hasnt answered her.
Shane is still entranced Huh?? What Im sorry What?
Bette: You like? Getting up and standing next to Shane.
Shane couldnt believe how much Bette could say with her art.
Shane: Bette, sometimes you almost make me cry. The piece was definitely about Tina and Shane just couldnt keep quiet anymore. This had been on Shanes mind for a while and now seeing this picture just brought it all out. Why wont you see Tina? If not Tina, then at least see Alice or Dana. I cant lie to them forever.
This wasnt the reaction Bette had expected and she had to look away before she could answer Shane.
Bette: I just cant right now. I really havent allowed myself to put that thought together yet. Shane, Im sorry to put you in this position. If its too much I understand and Ill let you go.
Shane: Nnnooo thats not what I was thinking. Its its just sad and it feels wrong and hard and in some ways I miss all of us together.
Bette pulls Shane into a light embrace. Shane please let me deal with things on my time table. I sorry but thats the best I can do.
Shane: OK, but you know I think Ill take you up on Jason getting you home tonight. OK?
Bette: No worries.
Shane: We OK?
Bette: Yeah.