“I know it seems crazy to leave the gallery, but the hard work is done. Until my next showsomeone just needs to be there for the day to day operation. I can manage it for a few days on my cell. The risk I’m taking here is a big one. I may be gone a few daysor I may be back tonight. It all depends on her.”

“Her who? Is this about Tina? What the ***** happened last night Bette? I came here this morning hoping you could tell me why you too rushed out of the bar in such a hurry. I’m assuming(Shane looks around) that she didn’t come home with you.”

“Yesit’s Tina. Nounfortunately she didn’t come home with me. Shane I think I’m in love with her. It’s really complicated, but I think she feels the same way about me. Anyhow, the reason we left last night is because she got a call from someone that her father was in the hospital. She’s really close to him Shane. She was very upset and even had a full-blown anxiety attack in my car. She hyperventilated and had to breathe into a paper bag. That was when I decided she was in no condition to drive herself. It’s a three hour drive and it was already 1:00 in the morning, I was all set to drive her but when we got to her apartmenthe was there.”

“Her Dad!?!”

“What? No not her Dad, Eric.”

“Ohhh”

“Oh no is more like it. So then she completely throws me a curve and decides that she better let him drive her for some reason and then she says something about test results. If it’s what I think it is ShaneI need to get to her as soon as possible. I want her to know she isn’t alone and that she doesn’t need to get married just for the babies sake.”

“THE WHAT? WHAT BABY?”

“I don’t know if there’s a baby. But I think she might be pregnant. I want her to know that she has alternatives Shane. PlusdammitI want to be there for her right now. Something serious is wrong with her Dad and sheshe needs me.”

“I hope you’re right Bette and you’re not going on some wild goose chase.”

“If I am I am Shane. I need to do this. There is something about her. She is mykismet. I know it.”

“Kismet?”

“It means fate Shane. She is my fate.”

“Then you need to go Bette. I’ll take care of the house. If you need anything done call me. I’m off for a few days while my boss is out of town. Anything Bettejust call me. OhBette just one thing”

“What is it?”

“How are you going to find her?”

“That was actually the easy part. See this folder? I called my friend Geri who does investigations for a law firm. For a few dollars and a few seconds on the internet she was able to get me the last 20 years of addresses for oneTina Kennard. I know she went home and home was 3 hours away. So the only logical address is the one in Hanford. I’m going to try it.”

“Maybe you should call her first Bette. You could drive 3 hours for nothing.”

“I can’t call her first. She’ll try and talk me out of it because it’s so far. I want to surprise her.”

Shane reaches for Bette and gives her a hug.

“Be careful Bette.”

“ShaneI think I can make a 3 hour drive to a small town and be safe.”

“I meantbe careful with your heart Bette.”

“I’ll try Shane, thank you for being here.”

“Of course Bette. And I’ll be here when you come homein whatever condition you return in.”

Bette ignored Shane’s last comment and headed for the car. She did one last check of her things to make sure she didn’t forget anything before heading out. She stood in the driveway waving to Bette as she disappeared around the corner.

“I sure hope you know what you’re doing Bette.”  

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>