Driving – Chapter 4

Tinas feet hit the ground forcefully as she ran down the dirt road. She needed this run after the conversation with Bette. Lobo was happy to run along side of her and she was happy to have his company. The sky was an incredible shade of blue and the air was fresh. In LA the air never smelled like this. She always ran with music playing in her ears, but here there was no traffic noise and she just heard the crunch of her feet on the ground and her breathing.
As she passed Marys house she saw two horses out in the corral. Hmm wonder if she rides? Tina wondered. Duh, why else do you have a horse? She laughed to herself.
From her window Mary watched Tina and the dog run past her house. She smiled and thought, Maybe Ill find something to do outside.
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Kits here to see you, Jamess voice came over the intercom.
Bette was still thinking about her encounter with Candace. Damn, I hope she didnt see Candace leaving, Bette thought. Ok, send her in, she said to James.
Bette stood up to greet her sister. The office door opened and Bette took one look at Kits face with its one raised eyebrow and she knew that the two women had passed in the lobby.
Bette tried to ignore the look and smiled, Hey, what brings you around?
Kit wasnt smiling, Just saying hello. What brings her around?
Candace had repairs to do in the gallery, Bette said matter-of-factly.
Oh? And what did she have to do in your office? Kit said, her eyes gazing intently at Bette.
Bettes face tightened, If this is what you came for, Ill take a rain check on the lecture.
Kit pursed her lips and lowered her gaze. She threw her hand out in the air as she spoke. No lecture. I just dont understand whats going on with you. Her voice was impatient.
Im not sure I can tell you, Bette said, her tone softening with each word.
Kit looked closely at her sister. She could see uncertainty and hurt in her eyes. Youve hurt Tina and youve hurt yourself with this, Kit said.
Dont, Bette said.
Kit shrugged. It doesnt seem worth it if youre just playing.
Kit, I am really not up to this now, Bettes eyes flashing anger and the next second pleading.
Kits look lingered on her sister for a moment, then she nodded. Ive got some news.
Oh good, Bette said.
Ive got a meeting down at the Spectrum — about a gig.
Bette smiled. Kit, thats great.
Yeah, maybe three nights at the end of the month.
Thats so great – good luck, I mean it.
Thanks. Hey, why dont you have dinner with me tonight? Kit said.
Yeah oh wait, I have a drinks meeting. I cant cancel – its a potential big donor. Oh, Im sorry, Id really love to.
Its ok, well do it tomorrow.
Yeah, listen call me after your meeting.
Ok, I will. Kit gave Bette a hug, and Bette welcomed it. Ill talk to you later.
Bye, Kit. Bette closed the door behind her sister and held her hands in place a few moments. Quite a start to the day, she thought.
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Tina ran a long way after she reached the paved road. It was such a pleasure to run here – no cars, clean air – she just kept going. When she thought about Bette and their conversation this morning and all the anger and hurt that swelled inside of her, she ran harder. Lobo kept pace with her, his tongue hanging out. When she hit the dirt road where her mother lived, she began to walk, breathing heavily and swinging her free arm as she cooled down. As she passed Marys house she saw her in the paddock with the horses. Mary waved and Tina waved back, then decided to walk over and say hello. They met at the fence.
Hi, Tina said. Beautiful morning, isnt it?
Mary agreed. Youre ambitious.
Tina shrugged. Just needed some exercise. Its much nicer running here than in LA.
Both horses leaned their heads toward Tina and she smiled and petted each on the nose.
I wish I had something for your horses, Tina said.
Oh, they get lots of treats and theyre always looking for more, Mary said, smiling and stroking the neck of her brown horse. Do you ride?
No, I havent been on a horse since I dont knowmaybe I was fourteen. Tina laughed.
Maybe its time to try again?
Oh, I dont know. Tina said.
I think youd like it. Theres incredible trails around here and my buddy Patch here is as gentle as they come, Mary said with a gleam in her eye.
Thanks, Ill think about it, Tina said, noticing the intense blue of Marys eyes.
Lobo stuck his head through the rungs of the fence and drank from the horses water trough.
Hes pretty thirsty, Mary said, smiling.
Yeah, I think he got more of a workout than he bargained for, Tina said looking down at the dog. When she looked up, Mary was gazing at her, and then looked away quickly, her cheeks coloring.
Well, I think Ill go home and get some water myself and a shower, Tina said.
Oh, Ok, Mary said, recovering herself. It was nice to see you again.
Same here, Tina said, Im sure Ill see you again soon.
Mary nodded. Maybe well go riding?
Uh maybe. See you later, Tina smiled and turned to walk down the road to her mothers house.
Bye, Tina. Mary brushed Patchs coat as she watched Tina walk away.
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After her shower, Tina called Alice.
Hey, its Tina.
Hey yourself. I had you in a roadside wreck somewhere or, worse, some homophobic hick hospital.
Tina laughed. It was nice to hear her friends voice again.
No, Im safe and sound. Sorry I didnt let you know. Iumgot into seeing my Mom and just chilling.
Good, thats good. You should definitely relax and enjoy yourself a little. Youre not missing anything here, believe me.
Tina smiled. They both spoke at once, and then apologized. Go head, Alice said.
uhwellI talked to Bette this morning.
Alice was surprised. Wow, really?
Yeah, she left me a message and she was drunk.
What? This morning?
No, no- last night when she left the message. Hard to believe isnt it?
Yeah, it is. Although I did hear she was out and about, Alice said matter-of-factly.
Out and about? Tina asked.
Yeah – you know making the rounds of some bars. But she was alone.
Something brightened in Tina when she heard this. She felt a little guilty, but somehow comforted that Bette was feeling some pain, and maybe some loneliness.
Alice continued, So, does she know where you are?
Yeah, I told her.
Oh, good. Sorry, but it was just get too hot being the human firewall.
Tina laughed. Im sorry, Al. Sorry to make it so awkward for you.
No, forget it. So, are you gonna talk some more?
Tina sighed. Yeah, butI dont know Im still really angry andnot sure what I want to say or do. I think Im just going to relax for the next week and soak up the dessert air and figure out my next step.
OK, ok, yeah, thats what you should do. Call me once in a while though, please.
Tina was touched by the sweetness in Alices voice.
Thanks Al, thanks for everything.
No problem, Ill talk to you later.
Yeah definitely, bye.
Tina sat for a few moments, thinking about Alice and what a lifesaver shed been. She wondered how she could re-pay her friends kindness. She might find something in the shops that Alice would like, that would be a start. She decided to head downtown to do some shopping
before she met her mother for lunch.