Work is beginning to go better. Ive stopped thinking about Tina long enough to look into thisreligious art that priest talked about. Some of it actually isnt too bad. But he said it would balance out the harsh work in Provocations. Id think he would agree that that movie is pretty harsh. Ill have to see what he thinks about us playing a continual loop of the Passion of Christ during the exhibit. At that I chuckle a little.

UhBette? James is pensively standing in the doorway.

Yes James, I answer, still smiling.

Im glad to see you in a better mood, he starts. Whats that supposed to mean? Calm yourself Betteyou know youve been harsh this week. Give him a break.

Thank you James, I reply, I AM in a better mood today for some reason. Now, did you need something?

That priest from Saturday is here to see you again, still a little timid about my reaction.

Show him in, I answer in as pleasant a voice I can muster.

Sitting on the sofa in my office, I gather the mess of papers on the table. I cant let him see how enthusiastic I am about this new project. Hhmmm, enthusiastic? I guess I AM. I do so love a challenge!

Ms. PorBette, he says entering the room. Still dressed in black, the white square his only accessory. He extends his hand as he approaches.

Father Andy, I stand to greet him. I hope youre doing well.

I hope so too, he begins. Have you had a chance to consider my proposal?

Yes I have, I tell him, but before I get into that, Ive been meaning to ask you a question.

Go ahead, he seems very responsive, yet not at all curious as to what Im about to ask.

Well, I know why I was here on a Saturday afternoon, but why were YOU here on a Saturday afternoonand how did you know I was? That was a bit more long winded than I intended. I hope hes not offended by the question. Who cares if hes offended, Porter? He came to you remember? If he cant work with you then so be ityou wont have to do this stupid exhibit.

I was here with my brother, he breaks into my thoughts. We usually have lunch on Saturdaysand he wanted to come here. I think he waited until Saturday because he wanted to see MY reaction to the exhibit. Anyway, I had this idea when I saw the young man at the desk down the hallso, I stopped to ask him if I could get an appointment with the museum director. Thats when he said hed be right back. When he came back, he said you could see me right away. He leans back against the sofa cushions, crossing he legs. How bout that proposal?

Ive considered itand looked into it, I tell him. Ill have to run it by my board of directors, but I think I can put together a presentation for them. Would you like to attend the meeting? Now, why did I ask him that? He doesnt need to be there. I certainly dont need him there.

I would love to attend the meeting, he answers before I have a chance to rescind the invitation, on one condition. Hes giving me conditions. Im doing this as a favor to HIM and hes giving me conditions! What does this man have up his sleeve?

You must allow me to help you with your presentation, again, he breaks into my thoughts. How does he always know what Im thinking? He always seems to have the right answer to ease my mind. I wont take no for an answer.

I guess I better let him before he starts ranting about Provocations. Okay, if you insist. When do you have time?

Right now actuallythat is if you arent too busy.

As a matter of fact, I was just working on some research for that very subject. Oh great, now he knows Im a little excited about this.

I tell James to hold all my calls for the afternoon and we get to work.



Bette? James calls me from the doorway, still very timid.

Yes James, trying to interject some reassurance into my voice I look at him and smile.

Its five thirty, he hesitates, can I leave now?

Five thirty! Holy *****! Oops, good thing I didnt say that out loud. I am so sorry Father, for keeping you so long.

Its alright, Thursdays are slow for me, he chuckles. In fact, Id like to continue over dinner if you dont mind. Is he asking me out? No, Bette, hes not. You are way too fucked up in the head right now. He just wants to have a working dinner.

I guess I can do that, knowing I have only an empty house to go to.

Great, I know a great little Chinese place down about a mile from here.

Chinese it is, I agree. Turning to James, you have a good night and Ill see you in the morning.

Okay, James answers, a question mark plastered on his face. Good night, BetteFather.

Good night James, Andy responds.

James turns to leave as I begin to gather my material for this working dinner.

Youre bringing everything with you?

Of course, Im confused. We are going to talk about this some more right?

Yes, of course, he says, but I thought we could just get to know each other and exchange ideas. If things go well with your board well be working very closely for a while. I think we need to get to know what the other is and isnt comfortable with.

Maybe he DOES think of this as a date. But priests dont datedo they? I hope he doesnt think Ill turn to men if Im seduced by him.

Bette? Are you with me? He gets my attention. I just think we both need to lay out some ground rules. Let me give you an example. Give me an example? Of what? How he plans to seduce me? Im very open mindedlike I told you the other daybut it would make me uncomfortable to watch youfor lack of a better termmake out with your partner. Waitwhat? What does he mean by that? You idiot Bette! He just wants to make sure you dont act too ***** in front of him. Id also like to know what might make you uncomfortableyou knowso I dont do any of it. He just wants to make sure we know what not to do to offend the other. Wow, he really is an understanding person.

First of all, Father Andy, I begin, not much offends me. I mean, infidelity used to. I say used to, because I committed adultery. Now Ive hit a nerve with him. Why do you do that Bette Porter? Why must you TRY to offend ever conservative mind out there? And why in the world did you tell him that detailthat none-of-his-business detail? I know what youre thinking, but let me finish.

Go ahead, he says calmly.

I was under an incredible amount of stress after Tinamy partnerand I lost the baby. The Provocations exhibit and all the media attention were a lot to handle on top of it. I was weak and in my momentrather momentsof weakness, I turned to someone other than my partner. I know it was wrongI knew at the time it was wrongbut I just found myself unable to resist the temptation. Returning to your question on Saturdayabout how my partner and I are coping. Well, you can see how Im doing. Her, I dont know. I havent seen her since the show opened Friday night. I was here Saturday afternoon, because I couldnt stand being in that empty house any more. I just shared more in two minutes with this man than I have shared all week with my closest friends.

Are you asking for forgiveness Bette? What? He thinks Im confessing to him!

No, Im not CatholicI dont need you to hear my confession Father, I snap at him.

I didnt mean it that way Bette. Have a seatdinner can wait. He guides me back to the sofa. Sitting next to me, my hands in his, he begins to speak. Sometimes, we tuck things awaylike this infidelityand not talk about them, because were afraid that if we talk about them then someone upstairs will hear itas if that higher power doesnt already know about the incident. We also dont want to say it out loud, because we cant stand to hear about our own shortcomings. It makes everything that much more real. Nobody wants to admit that theyve hurt so deeply someone they love.

Tears streaming down my face, I begin to chuckle.

Bette, he asks, confused. Are you alright? Why are you laughing?

Its justits just I never thought I would share my insecuritiesmy deepest, darkest thoughtswith a priest.

They say, the Lord works in mysterious ways, he smiles. Then, more seriously he continues, if you believe nothing else, believe me when I say that we all truly do learn from our mistakes. You made a big mistakeand Im guessing youve brought some pretty big lessons away from it.

A knock at the door. I look up to see Candace. Miffed that she would show her face around here I snap, what are you doing here?

I was driving by and saw your car. I thought we might be able to talk. She notices Andys collar, a priest? Youre confessing to a priest?

Uhh, Andy hesitates, not sure what to say.

Candacethis is Father Andrew Bishop, I begin the introductions. Father Andythis is Candacethe other woman.

Oh, he responds, wouldyoulike me to leave?

No Father, I say standing up, Id like HER to leave. I approach Candace and cross my arms. I wont let you control me anymore Candace. I threw away the best part of myself when I gave in to you. You can see Cindy in accounting for payment for your work here at the Center. Other than that, if I never see you again itll be too soon. Good bye Candace, I whisper the final words as I turn back toward my desk. I hear her sigh and walk away.

Tell me something, Andy says approaching my desk, did you do that for my benefitor hers? He turns and picks up a few papers then turn to leave. I think we should skip dinner tonightyou have a lot to think about. Ill call you tomorrow to check in. With that, he walks out.

To Be Continued…