I could tell that she was hiding something from the way she avoided being alone with me. But I hadnt expected her secret to be so damaging. Damaging to my ego anyway. We sat on the outdoor patio of The Planet sipping cups of hot tea and nibbling on pastries. Me staring at her and her looking everywhere but in my direction. And that was not like Bette. The Bette I fell in love with wouldnt shy away from anyone or anything so that alone made me suspicious. I eyes her over the rim of my full tea mug, studying her body language. She sat with a stiff back, her arms dutifully at her sides and her chin raised slightly above my eye level. She was avoiding making eye contact with me big time.

Babe, I called.
Yeah.
Ive been thinking…
Yeah.
Instead of including Evan and having a family theme wedding, I think we should run to Vegas an elope. What do you think?
What? she asked suddenly looking at me.

Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open in shock.

I knew that would get you to look me in the eye.

She quickly turned her head.

Dont, I warned.

The sharpness in my voice told her that I was pissed with her recent behavior. Gently her eyes met mine.

Tee, she began.
No, I dont want to hear anything you have to say right now. Youve been acting this way for the last three days. The closer our wedding day gets, the more distant youve become. If you didnt want to marry me then why did you get down on that knee and propose? I asked pointing to her left leg.
Tee, its not that I dont want to marry you. I just have a lot on my mind right now. And believe me it has nothing to do with you.
Nothing to do with me?I asked not really believing her words.
Its just that Franklin is bugging me to get things in order before we leave for our honeymoon. I mean, I have to coordinate the artists arrival for the upcoming show with him and make sure the gallery is set up perfectly to showcase everyones work. Its not like weve had our honeymoon planned before the new event had been scheduled, hes been more than generous with the time he has given me. And I have to work my ***** off to show my appreciation right now. Im still a newbie at the museum. I have to earn my way.
I understand that, Bette. But that is not the reason youve been acting peculiar.

Sighing, she lowered her head. Before she had a chance to formulate a reply, a harsh burst of energy charged through the door. A loud and commanding British accent poured over us.

I cant believe she moved all the way to West Hollywood to runaway from me, the accent carried over to our table.
*****!
Babe? I asked leaning into her space.
Elizabeth Porter, are you going to hide from me or say hello?
Babe? I asked wanting to know her connection to this person.

She took a deep breathe and lifted her head up to greet the stranger.

Helena, what are you doing here?
I heard that the CACs new director quickly was becoming a huge success. So instinctively I had to meet this person. But with my busy schedule, I hadnt found the time to venture to the west coast. And when I found out you were in fact the new director, I knew that I had to congratulate you on a job well done. And well, flowers didnt seem like the appropriate way. Certainly not coming from me.
No, not coming from you, Bette agreed.

I watched them banter back and forth.

And who is this lovely creature you have sitting next to you?
Tina Kennard, I spoke up.
My fiancee, Bette added.
Nice to meet you, Tina, the woman said looking at Bette.
Your fiancee. Well, well, well, Elizabeth Porter is settling down.
Yes, I am. WERE very happy, Bette said emphatically.

She sandwiched my hand between hers.

That is wonderful news. Youre well past due for some happiness.
Yes, I am. And she makes me wonderfully happy.
Huh, the woman scoffed.
I guess I should ask you if Im the only reason youre in L.A.
No need. Ive come to visit lawyers and such.
Lawyers and such?
Well, Mummy has handed me the reins to the legacy so I must meet everyone involved in the Peabody Foundation.
So that will keep you occupied the duration of your stay. Im so sorry we arent able to get together.
Now, I didnt say that Elizabeth. I always have time for you, Helena said holding Bettes gaze a little to long for my liking.
Why dont you come by for dinner tomorrow night?
If Elizabeth is cooking, then I invite you two to dinner with me?
Babe?I asked.

Bette had been staring daggers into Helena Peabody. She was not a friend.

Huh?
Dinner with Helena, tomorrow night? I repeated.
Um… she turned to me asking me with her eyes if I was okay with that.
Babe?
Uh, sure, dinner tomorrow.
Excellent, Ill leave a message for where and when at the CAC.
Okay.
Well, then I should be going. Helena said turning her back on us.
Thank god, Bette whispered.
Oh yeah, hows the little one? Does she miss me? Helena asked looking back.
Good and she doesnt even remember you.
Bring her along, anyway.
Well think about it, I answered.

Helena looked me up and down and smiled.

It was nice meeting you, Tina. See you ladies tomorrow night.

And she was gone.

*****