Chapter 52 – The Art Critic

Alice was waiting at the designated rendezvous spot tapping her foot. Where was this Jessica Astair, it was almost 2:30 and still no Jessica. It gave Alice a chance to once again think about Bette. Alice loved the openness of the new Bette now. She always was able to have frank conversations with Bette before but now all the witty, sarcastic remarks that they would exchange were gone. When Alice is honest with herself, she knows its easier to be biting and sarcastic then it is to keep your tongue. Apparently the Bette of today not only knows this but also now lives it.

Alice of all people understood how its hard not to be sarcastic and keep those thought to yourself. It always takes more thought and strength of character to show kindness instead of biting sarcasm. While they still can have their witty exchanges these comments are not directed now at a target meant to harm. It seems when in that situation Bette now gives the person (or victim) room to escape. She leaves them a gracious out to allow them to save face. Alice in the past had seen Bette verbally paint her target into so many corners that they had no way out without yielding to the overwhelming embarrassment of it all. Many times the victim would remember this offense forever as a burning personal slight etched into their memory. While for Bette it was just another day. Not now, Bette of today would never get close to the snide conversation that in the past were her typical stock in trade while dealing with the mentally inferior souls.

These thoughts were coming to a conclusion as she recognizes the Ms. Jessica Astair. Jessica was approaching Alice but Alice could have picked her out immediately even if she didnt already know what she looked like. Jessica was dressed in a classic power suit of powder blue, short shirt with form fitting hip length jacket. She had the complete outfit with all the accessories and elements fit for any board room right down to matching shoes and little bag. But seeing how this was a Farmers Market you would think that Jessica might have dressed down a bit to better fit in. It obviously wasnt her intent to make this new artist feel comfortable in her presence but more to establish her superiority. My God, wait till she realizes this is Bette and how little her whole staged presence will have on her. Alice thought. Now she had to laugh as Jessica was having difficulty walking through the gravel pathways of the market in her spiked heal shoes. Those shoes may look great in an executive suite but she looked so out of place in this Farmers Market. Alices first instinct was to laugh. Taking pity on her, Alice closed the gap between her and Jessica, meeting her half way. Wow, Bettes new attitude must be rubbing off on me. Alice thought as she goes to Jessica Astair.

Hey there Jessica thanks for meeting me. Did you have any problems finding this place? Alice wanted to get this off to a pleasant start.

What a disgusting place. Why would any one want to be out in this heat and filth? Jessica greeted Alice.

Alrighty then, I believe the booth is two rows over why dont we go over there and get this going. Alice just raised one eyebrow at Jessica and started walking.

As they approach Bettes booth the wall of paintings become visible. As always the visual impact is impressive. Alice had never seen this before and gasp in awe. Wow look at that! Alice said.

Jessica responded Well I guess those pictures the other night werent a fluke. as she too was impressed by the visual impact.

As the two get close to the booth Tina spots them first. Jumping up she turns to Bette, Theyre here.
Bette remains seated, its not that she didnt care what Jessica Astair had to say, its just either way, good or bad, Bette didnt feel it would change her life that much. This wasnt a make or break opportunity.

Tina approached Alice and her guest. Hey Alice you made it.

Tina, let me introduce you to Jessica Astair, Jessica this is my good friend, Tina Kennard. Alice made the introductions and then moved towards the booth.
Thanks for coming. Tina said as she took Jessicas hand to shake. Jessica was not impressed with this blonde so she only gave her a cursory look and a partial hand shake as she was looking beyond Tina.
Well lets get you in front of the paintings. Tina said overcoming the awkward moment. Right Tina said to herself, started moving towards the paintings in Jessicas wake.

Jessica immediately looked onto the paintings. Her body language indicated she liked what she was seeing. Finally in the booth space, Tina went to introduce Bette.
Jessica let me introduce you to the artist.

Jessica had her eyes intently looking at the paintings, lifted her hand without really looking at Bette. Bette stood up and extended her hand to Jessica. Their hands met and were in mid shake before Tina made the introductions.
Jessica Astair let me introduce you to Bette Porter, the artist. Tina had the words out and was watching Jessicas face for recognition.

Pulling her eyes away from the paintings Jessica now had her eyes boring into Bettes. The look of astonishment which crossed her face was quickly replaced with a snide sneer.
My, my how the mighty have fallen. were Jessicas first words to Bette.
Bettes response was to only smile at Jessica and say: Jessica, its been a while how are you doing?
I didnt know this was your talent. I thought your only talent was to display the art and throwing parties. Jessica snapped back to Bette.

Hearing this exchange was enough for Tina. Pulling on Jessicas arm turning her away from Bette. Can we have a word for a moment? Tina insisted pulling Jessica a little away from Bette. I understand that you two may have a history, but let me tell you right now. I will not tolerate any disrespect to my wife. Either you behave yourself or you may leave right now. Tina manages to get out between her gritted teeth in hushed quite tones.

Jessica looks from Tinas stern face to Bettes smiling easy going expression. She quickly comes to a decision. She nods to Tina her acceptance and moves back to Bette.

Bette was surprised by Tina pulling Jessica aside. Wow, I like this new Tina. was Bettes thought as Jessica was now turning back to her.

What ensues is an encouraging conversation about art and opportunities to bring Bettes painting to the public. It seems that Jessica is close to a few of the better galleries in both LA and NYC. She feels that the best avenue would be to have a show in both locations supported by articles she would write expounding on the excellence of the work.

Bette takes it all in, expanding on a few of the opportunities that she would like to procure on her own. During the whole conversation Bette remained her open, honest self as we all know her today. If ever there is an opportunity to be sarcastic and witty its with this art critic. Because of the openness they were able to move forward with a constructive interaction. Bette allowed Jessica room to recover from her first comments with grace and move to a mutually respectful interaction. There conversations were quiet detailed, with Bette exploring the details of Jessicas knowledge. Jessica for all her self centered attitude actually thought she could work with this Bette. The outcome was that they had come to a working agreement to put the ideas down on paper for Bettes consideration. With her mission completed Jessica Astair left. She had given her card to Bette with a promise to get back to her by the end of the next week, but she left without a word to either Tina or Alice.

Having hung back during the discussions, Alice and Tina now just laughed at the back of Ms. Jessica Astair as she tried to make her way out of this place without breaking a heal. Alice was impressed with Bettes art all over again but she was even more impressed with Bettes handling of this haughty ***** of an art critic. When Jessica had concluded her mission and left, Alice turned to Bette to get her reaction.

Man was that something else or what? Alice said as she approached Bette.

Well theres no denying she knows her business if you can get beyond her demeanor. I think she has some valuable assets. Bette was verbalizing her thoughts on Jessica Astair. Well have to see what she puts down on paper before we can get all excited. Bette finished putting the breaks on any overwhelming speculation. Bette just shrugged as if she was comfortable with whatever came about.

Tina seemed happy with the outcome. After adjusting Jessicas attitude, Tina had watched her like a hawk but Jessica became all business. She offered insightful observations on Bettes painting and how they may best be presented. Which venues would be more desirable than others, obviously she didnt think much of the Farmers Market but she keeps it to a minimum around Tina.

All and all everyone seemed happy with the encounter and excited to see what was to come.
So you two want to get some early dinner or what to pay me back for all my efforts? Alice declared.