Bette goes past the secretary who signals her on and she knocks on the large mahogany doors, hearing a voice yell ‘enter’. She goes in and stands in front of the large mahogany desk. Grezelda is smoking a cigar and talking on the phone.)

GREZELDA- “Barney you ass, that’s not what I asked for. NO. I told you that the reception must commence at 5 pm sharp. Yes. Yes.” (She motions Bette to have a seat.) “NO…absolutely not. I won’t have it…do you hear me Barney? NO. Damned straight. I’m the friggin mother of the bride…you tell that moron that it’s MY decision. Yeah yeah…all right. Thanks for all your help by the way. Bye.” (She hangs up and then looks at Bette and smiles.) “Friggin ridiculous I tell ya…I’m the mother of the bride…bunch of yahoos.”

BETTE- “I guess congratulations are in order…”

GREZELDA- “Thank you Dean Porter. I can’t believe my baby is getting hitched. It’s great, but that little pipsqueek…he better not mess up.”

BETTE- “The groom?”

GREZELDA- “No, her father…my ex-husband. Our lawyer, poor Barney, is stuck in the middle of us…neither of us trust anyone else, especially not as far as concerns the wedding.”

BETTE- (She coughs a bit from the smoke…) “Shouldn’t you be dealing with different lawyers?”

GREZELDA- “Oh sure…for the other stuff…but Barney’s been a friend to us both for years. So, for the wedding stuff…poor thing…he’s brokering more deals than in a land sale.” (She looks at Bette then at her cigar…) “Sorry…I picked this habit up in the past few years. Cubans…excellent, but with smoking being so taboo and all…I don’t get to enjoy them as often as I’d like.” (Grezelda had the presence of Mrs. Peabody but not quite the elegance or stunning looks. She was very strong and to the point though, in a slightly different way than Peggy.) “SO…Dean Porter…I’ve pushed the meeting up. Sorry about that, but what do you have for me?”

BETTE- “Well…I thought we should perhaps discuss the Kramer exhibit.”

GREZELDA- “THAT son of a bitch!” (Bette recoils…) “He gives us a one million dollar endowment and thinks he can call the shots. He’s so arrogant. It’s unbelievable really. I couldn’t imagine being married to that man. Porter you married?”

BETTE- “Yes…I…well, my partner and I have been happily together for many years now.”

GREZELDA- “Partner? Oh yes…I forgot, you’re a saphist. Interesting. A blonde lady right? I think I saw you with her at one of the functions recently. I can’t believe it slipped my mind. I’m getting old Porter…its all starting to go slowly…you know?”

BETTE- (She sort of chuckles…) “Yes I…well you’re doing quite well, but I’m getting on in years myself and I…”

GREZELDA- “OH, but you’re still a gorgeous woman…stunning…absolutely stunning…and all that elegance. Don’t you let anyone tell you differently.” (Bette looks at her not quite knowing how to react.) “I thought I wasn’t going to like it here when I came aboard a few months ago, but it’s not bad…interesting work and people like yourself. SO…now…Kramer is not going to dictate the pieces…”

BETTE- “I agree.”

GREZELDA- “Good. Where do we stand on the acquisitions?” (Bette starts her report and the two women continue their meeting as the cigar smoke starts to dissipate, thanks to a special fan on Grezelda’s desk sucking it in.)

(At the Peabody building, Tina and Helena sit in the boardroom after a meeting is done.)

HELENA- “I’m tired and it’s not even lunch time yet.”

TINA- “How about some coffee?”

HELENA- “Let’s go downstairs…Bonnino’s place.”

TINA- “Sounds good.” (Mrs. Carstairs, the secretary enters.)

MRS. CARSTAIRS- “Ms. Kennard, it’s Angelica on line 1.”

TINA- “Thanks.” (She picks up the phone…) “Hey sweetie, how’d it go? Mhm. Oh…ok. Alice? Shane too? Well that’s great. I haven’t seen Shane in a while. How was she? Don’t worry Sweetie…you’ll work it out. Ok see you then. Bye.”

HELENA- “Everything all right?”

TINA- “I hope so. Bette and Angelica had a bit of a rough time with her boyfriend.”

HELENA- “OH…so Porter’s got boyfriends now eh?”

TINA- (She chuckles…) “Angie just broke up with him and it turns out that was the best thing, but Bette really gave her a hard time.”

HELENA- “Good…she should…can’t have anyone messing with my kids either.”

TINA- “Oh so you interfere in their relationships?”

HELENA- “You bloody well better believe it. I’m not letting some cad near my girl.”

TINA- “Take it easy Mamma Helena. She was being really difficult though.”

HELENA- “It’s Porter…she’s stubborn.”

TINA- “Yeah but she had this view of the feelings Angelica had, like ‘oh this can’t be serious, she’s only known him for a bit and it can’t be true love…and so forth.”

HELENA- “Hey, sounds reasonable to me.”

TINA- “Except I fell in love with her pretty damn quickly. And presumably so did she. Or DID she? It’s like she’s discounting that.”

HELENA- “What does Angelica’s thing have to do with yours?”

TINA- “It’s what she said…”

HELENA- “NO…you’re connecting dots never meant to be joined…stop complicating things Kennard. My dear you need a vacation. You’re reading into things. And you’ve been kind of screwy for the last little while. Do you know how many times you edited that document over there? My secretary has gotten all bug eyed making the changes…she’s ready to leap from her desk.”

TINA- “Screwy?”

HELENA- “Well, uptight…caught up in something or other.”

TINA- “I’m fine. Actually, we made mad passionate love last night. She was amazing.”

HELENA- “Eeewhhh…”

TINA- “It was wonderful.”

HELENA- “Oye there Kennard…I don’t want a play by play.” (Tina chuckles.) “So, Miss Happy Pants, what’s all the complaining about? It sounds like everything is satisfactory.”

TINA- “I don’t know. I’ve been having these feelings…”

HELENA- (Smacking her hand on her forehead…) “Oh heavens no…not THAT again…”

TINA- “NO silly, I just feel like I need her around more…need her…you know?”

HELENA- “Need who?”

TINA- “Bette…”

HELENA- “Help me understand Tina…you’re concerned about your relationship or concerned about something or other, but she’s chasing you around like a horny teenager and you’re constantly in ‘need’ of her…clarify please…”

TINA- “I just want to be with her more. And Angelica…”

HELENA- “What does Angelica have to do with it?”

TINA- “I see Bette and her clashing recently and though it’s subtle I think Bette is trying, unsuccessfully, to come to terms with the fact that Angie will be leaving for school soon. And I guess I am too.”

HELENA- “Oh so THAT’S it…Mini Porter is leaving and you’re both going bonkers. A little empty nest syndrome to complicate things eh? Well Tina, we all go through that and you’ll survive just like the rest of us. But she was out there last semester.”

TINA- “I don’t know… I think Angie is making overtones of a more permanent move out east and maybe not being here during summer break.”

HELENA- “Ohhhh…ouch. Well, it’s her life…you two had yours and now she must have her adventure in the journey of her own life. It’s perfectly normal. Say, Mrs. Kennard Porter, have you gone through…you know, the ‘crucible’ as Mother calls it? Menopause? Bette’s older so she’s probably already gone through but perhaps you’re approaching that horrific little phase.”

TINA- (Rolling her eyes…) “I don’t think it’s that. Anyway…enough of this brooding…Will you come over to dinner tonight?”

HELENA- “Tonight? You sure?”

TINA- “Yes of course. Alice and Shane are coming too. It’s informal. Just a bunch of us getting together.”

HELENA- “I’m going to check on Mummy tonight and then come by. How’s that?”

TINA- “OK. Is she feeling better?”

HELENA- “She’s still plugging away, but it’s harder.”

TINA- “Give her our best.”

HELENA- “I will. Now…cappuccinos are in order Ms. Kennard.”

TINA- “Yes Ms. Peabody…let’s go.” (They walk off to go get their coffee.)

(Bette returns to her office and sits in her chair. She exhales and smiles as she thinks of Grizelda. She swivels it towards the window and as she does she sees a picture of herself with Tina. She picks it up and touches the façade, thinking of all the substance behind it…that day, the day they took the picture…

BETTE- “Come on Alice take the picture.”

ALICE- “All right already Porter, hold your horses.” (Tina sits on the grass in front of Bette and to the side, lying back on her. Bette puts her lips up to her ear and whispers…) “I want to go home and take you to bed.”

TINA- “Shhh…Alice is trying to focus, our vibes might throw her off.” (Bette chuckles.) “Take me to bed? That’s so vulgar Porter.”

BETTE- “Not as vulgar as what I’ll be saying if she doesn’t take the damn picture soon…” (Tina laughs.)

ALICE- “All right stop laughing and making lover sounds you two, I’ve gotta find the center of the field of view…the right angle and such…just the right…”

BETTE- “Al, it’s an automatic camera…just make sure we’re in the center of the frame and press the button!”

ALICE- “Porter are you going to stop interrupting me?”

BETTE- (To Tina…) “I’m going to smack her…”

TINA- “Be nice! She’s sweet.” (Yelling to Alice…) “Hey Al, sometime before sundown ok?”

Bette, in her office now, over twenty years later, has a smile on her face almost as pronounced as it was that day the picture was taken. She puts the picture back on the shelf and picks up the one next to it of her family. She remembers this one, taken after they brought Angie home from the hospital…

BETTE- (Sitting on the bed next to Tina cradling the baby.) “She looks so peaceful.”

TINA- “You would too if you ate as much as she just did. My goodness she’s voracious.”

BETTE- “She’s beautiful…like her mother.” (She kisses Tina on the cheek from the side as she has her arm around her.)

TINA- “No argument there…” (Bette chuckles as Tina smiles. Bette strokes her hair and then her face. Tina turns a bit to make eye contact. Bette grasps her lips in a soft and tender kiss.) “Mmmmm.”

BETTE- “Mhm…” (Tina puts Angelica down on the bed gently and lies down with Bette cradling her from behind and looking over her shoulder at Angelica.) “I love you.”

TINA- “I love you too Mamma B. Bette…would you hold me? I need to take a nap.”

BETTE- (Bette complies and watches as now both her loves sleep. She whispers…) “I love you both so very much.”

Back in her office, almost twenty years later, Bette gazes at the picture fondly and then sets it back down. There’s a knock…it’s Gerri, the student research assistant. Gerri is a beautiful young woman. She had some personal problems and Bette had changed her life by hiring her as a research assistant during the previous academic year. Gerri admired Bette and was feeling strongly about her, particularly recently. She found herself watching Bette a lot, not just looking, but watching Bette… when she spoke to her, when she instructed her, even when she was just commenting on things. She felt so lucky to get to work with Bette, but it was becoming difficult for her in a way…her feelings were starting to bother her.)

GERRI- “Professor Porter?”

BETTE- “Yeah…Yes Gerri?”

GERRI- “Hi. Everything all right? Was I interrupting?”

BETTE- “No no, that’s fine. Just came back from chancellor Marsh’s office. Interesting woman.”

GERRI- “Interesting?”

BETTE- “Not bad at all actually. Strange, unique, but not bad. I think I like her.” (Gerri smiles and looks at Bette as Bette stares off ahead thinking. Gerri stares at her look, her poise, her hair…the way it’s put up, the bifocals. Bette then looks at a document on her desk and addresses Gerri …) “Yes ma’am…” (Gerri is a bit distracted and feeling tense, anxious. Bette looks up at her smiling…) “Gerri? You ok?”

GERRI- “Yes…uh…fine.”

BETTE- “So, what’s up?”

GERRI- “OH…yeah…uh…the gallery…I called. Everything is fine.”

BETTE- “Gerri…”

GERRI- “And the prints will be ready…”

BETTE- “Ok. Gerri…”

GERRI- “But Mr. Carruso said that it might take some doing to arrange for the…”

BETTE- “GERRI…”

GERRI- “Hmm? Yes?”

BETTE- “Sit.” (Gerri complies and looks at Bette.) “I’ll call Carruso tomorrow. Make sure you leave that list for me so I have a reference point.”

GERRI- “Of course.”

BETTE- “I wanted to…”

GERRI- “And the prints…the list will include the prints and the photos. Unless you just want…”

BETTE- “Gerri…”

GERRI- “…the photos…sorry…did I miss something? Because I can go back and fix that if you need anything else…”

BETTE- “GERRI…”

GERRI- “Yes professor?”

BETTE- “Stop…just listen…”

GERRI- “Oh…sorry…”

BETTE- “It’s ok. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” (Gerri looks worried.) “Everything is fine…your work is great. I’m just worried about you a bit. You seem to be troubled about something. You’re seeming kind of intense. Are you all right? Is there anything you want to talk about? Is it the family situation? Are they giving you trouble again?”

GERRI- “No no no…they’re fine. It’s fine. I guess I’m just nervous…want to make sure the exhibit goes off without a hitch.”

BETTE- “Well I’ve no doubt about that. Yourself and Stephen are taking care of things quite well. Don’t worry…that’s my job. You should be enjoying this. It’s a great opportunity to…”

GERRI- “Oh I AM…so much professor. Thank you so much…I really really can’t thank you enough for letting me work with you. It’s…for me it’s…I can’t even begin to tell you what it’s meant for me…”

BETTE- “Gerri…”

GERRI- “…a lot…it’s meant a lot. Sorry…did you want to say something?”

BETTE- (She laughs…) “Kiddo, I’m not even sure I can…are you going to give me a bit of opportunity to speak?” (She sees Gerri get uptight…) “Listen, I want you to come home with me tonight. We’re having some friends over for dinner but Tina wants to talk to you about your idea for the documentary on the children and art programme. May as well bring Stephen too. How’s he doing by the way?”

GERRI- “He’s actually great…really sweet and he can’t stop talking about how excited he is to work with you.”

BETTE- (She smiles…) “Oh, he’s in awe of me already is he?”

GERRI- “Well can’t blame him really…I…I mean…you know…” (Marti interrupts…)

MARTI- “Excuse me Dean Porter, but you have a visitor…” (With that Gerri jumps out of her seat and excuses herself…Marti watches her exit. Marti leaves the door open as she leaves.)

BETTE- “Who? I don’t think I have any appointments…”

MARTI- “It’s Mrs. Peabody.”

BETTE- “Helena is here?”

MARTI- “No, the Matriarch…”

BETTE- “Peggy Peabody is here????” (A loud voice is heard from beyond the door…)

PEGGY- “IN THE FLESH!” (And in zooms Peggy Peabody in her motorized wheelchair…) “Dean Porter my dear, sorry to drop in unannounced but I was in the neighbourhood.”

BETTE- (While surprised, Bette is very pleased to see her…) “PEGGY! Hello…” (She walks over to her.) “It’s great to see you.”

PEGGY- “How are you dear? You look very well. It’s so very good to be out and about…” (She turns and looks at Marti…) “We’re fine, you may go now.” (Mart, while mortified, smiles and nods to Bette as she exits.)

BETTE- “You look great Peggy.”

PEGGY- “You’re too kind. You’re also as beautiful as ever. Vintage Porter. So, have time for lunch today?”

BETTE- “Actually yes. I originally had turned others down, including Angie, but then things got switched around.”

PEGGY- “How IS she that favourite Porter of mine?”

BETTE- “Wonderful…absolutely wonderful…beautiful.”

PEGGY- “Mhm…chip off the old block eh?”

BETTE- “Thank you…”

PEGGY- “Yes, that Kennard charm and beauty…I’m so glad she’s turned out to be the fine young woman she is.” (She winks at Bette and Bette smiles.)

BETTE- “This is fortuitous…I was supposed to meet with vice chancellor Marsh but our meeting got moved up…”

PEGGY- “That old hag…where is she?”

BETTE- (Looking a little shocked…) “In her office I imagine…”

PEGGY- “My goodness…”

BETTE- “You know her?”

PEGGY- “Oh yes…she’s a crazy old woman, just like me, and almost as brilliant. She’ll get you endowments the grantors didn’t know they had.”

BETTE- “Oh, well…that’s good to hear.” (A knock is heard and the door opens…)

GRIZELDA- “PEGGY! PEGGY you old battle axe…”

PEGGY- “Watch it old lady or I’ll run you down…” (They both start laughing, Grizelda the smoker’s laugh and Peggy…well, Peggy laughing real hard… as Grizelda comes over and kisses Peggy on the cheek.) “Well, you old hag…you’re holding up I see.”

GRIZELDA- “And despite the gravitational pulls on your B line figure, I see you’re still zooming about…” (Bette looks nervous…Grizelda can say most anything to Peggy…they have great respect for one another and can afford to be irreverent. She overdramatizes as she speaks…) “I came by to see Dean Porter here and heard the distinct sounds of the notorious Mrs. Peabody…I almost hightailed it back to my office…but my good manners got the best of me.”

PEGGY- “Your etiquette is awful as usual…You rude little woman…You still owe me for that Karabalinsky coup.”

GRIZELDA- “You made me pay through my nose and you want more? I got you an audience with the old recluse, what more did you want?”

PEGGY- “My paintings back…you still have them on loan!”

GRIZELDA- “And still sharing them with various galleries I might add.”

PEGGY- “I got an audience because he wanted so very much to make my acquaintance…I still got some pull in the art world you know…”

GRIZELDA- “Right…is that why I had to promise him a visiting professor appointment?”

BETTE- “YOU were the one who got Karabalinsky to come out of hiding? Wow…he was quite a recluse, how did you manage it?”

PEGGY- “How did SHE manage it? SHE didn’t… million dollar endowments from the Peabody Foundation…it turned him into a socialite.”

GRIZELDA- “I don’t think THOSE were the endowments that got him to commit!”

PEGGY- (She blushes…) “You old coot.” (Grizelda looks at Peggy and she looks back at Grizelda…they start laughing again.)

GRIZELDA- (As she recovers from the laughter…) “How’s Peabody junior?”

PEGGY- “Ahh…she’s fine. Visits me every day. You know Grizzi, she’s my saving grace…there were times I didn’t think it possible. She hooked up with some crazy lesbians and that seemed to do the trick.”

GRIZELDA- “Oh? They turn her straight?”

PEGGY- “No you nut…but I think they realigned her perspective a bit…” (Peggy winks and smiles at Bette.)

GRIZELDA- (Still joking around…) “Ohhhhhh…I bet they realigned a little more than THAT!” (Peggy and Grizzi start chuckling again. Bette looks a bit disturbed by now but remains a willing voyeur.) “Say…Porter…you think we should invite Peggy here to lunch?”

BETTE- “Well yes of course.”

PEGGY- “No no no… I’m taking you both out.” (She starts talking with Grizelda as they move towards the door. Once there, Grizelda turns to Bette.)

GRIZELDA- “Meet us in my office when the time comes.”

BETTE- “Ok Ms. Marsh.”

GRIZELDA- “Bette…call me Grizzi.” (And with that, she exits. As she does, Marti walks in looking out the door at Grizzi and Peggy as she comes in towards Bette.)

BETTE- (She’s still looking out the doorway from her desk, which she’s leaning against and speaks to Marti…) “Grizzi? Fasten your seatbelts, it’s gonna be a wild and bumpy ride. I’m going to lunch with Betty Davis and Mae West!” (Marti starts laughing.) “Shhhh…you didn’t hear that.” (Marti shakes her had as they both chuckle.)