” Tina’s eyes welled up and hugged her mom tight. “Thank you mom, I was so scared to tell you and what the reaction would be. I knew you loved me and supported my life, so I just took a gamble..it was going to be all orchestrated differently if Dad was here..and of course he isn’t.” Tina had her hand up explaining and Bette felt a wave of relief. Bette figured if the dogs liked her that had to give her some points, well hoped. Tina waved Bette to come over.“Bette, so nice to meet you.” Jean looked at her and smiled.
“You too, Mrs. Kennard.”
“Please, Jean or Jeany.” The two ladies exchanged and then Jane pulled her in for a hug. Bette shocked that a family would react so positive of the way of dealing with someone changing their whole lifestyle. The three chatted about their current events and what Bette does at her gallery.
“Oh my you are Bette Porter!” Jean was so excited that she met the famous Bette who owns the gallery down in San Diego.
“Yes, I am. Well, you will have to come down with Mr. Kennard to check out the gallery and I will give you a tour.” Just as Bette was going to explain their exhibits that they had at that time, she head the dogs freak and run away. Tina was so excited and happy that the transition was going well and saw her dad coming up the hill.
“DAD!” Tina ran over and hugged her father. Bette thought it was a joy to see so much love between Tina and her family and was proud of her, so proud. She could see love and respect between her family and it was so nice to see.
“Tina, who is this lovely woman?” Tina’s father was smiling at both of them.
“Dad, this my girlfriend Bette Porter.” Earl just stared and gawked. He kind of looked like a fish that was hooked and sunk. Jane smacked him on his arm. “Earl, jesus, say something. Staring is rude!” Earl snapped out of it.
“Sorry Bette, nice to meet you.” Earl was shocked and well, had the same idea that Jane did. A little notice would been nice then a jack hammer of way just shoving it in their face. “Tina, come here for a sec. I want to show you something.” Tina followed her dad and had the worried look again. Bette was pretty sure it was the same why didn’t you tell me before look.
“Tina, you should of told us before. It is fine honey, just a warning. I wanted to react in a way that doesn’t seem like, disrespectful to you or Bette.” Earl looked at Tina as if she should of known better. It relaxed Tina a bit and she knew she was pretty much off the hook.
“Ok, yea I know.
