A Walk on the wild side Chapter 3

The Sleek Saab purred as Bette pulled smoothly onto the drive. Bette collected her earlier purchases from the back seat of the car and made her way into the house, throwing her keys and handbag onto the table.

She spent the next hour going through her purchases and packing them into the canvas rucksack she had purchased.

Eventually the sound of her stomach rumbling bought her back to her kitchen. Luckily for her, the waldorf salad she had prepared to go with the Fettuccini she and Mel had eaten the night before had been left untouched, as had most of the Fettuccini she recalled!

Bette took the salad from the fridge, a smile crossing her face as she replayed the previous evening in her head. Bette thought about the time she had been spending with Mel lately. Was this what she wanted? Admittedly she was bored with the scene, she no longer felt any enjoyment from the casual one night stands she used to indulge in.

Mel was different, Bette liked spending time with her, and they had an understanding. She knew that Mel would never pressure her into being something she wasnt. Bette knew that Mel was hoping for something a little more permanent than the casual relationship they currently had, but she just wasnt sure.

Bette sighed as she sat on the sofa. Maybe its just me, she thought. I mean Mels great. I just wish I could feel something more than I do.

Bette was well aware that she had been here before. Bette thought about her past relationships, knowing that they all shared one thing in common. No matter how hard she tried, or how much we wanted to, she just couldnt let go enough to really love any of them. Even Alice, who had the distinction of being the only ex she cared for enough to want to keep  in her life after the inevitable end of the romance.

Why was she always so disappointed? Bette wondered, why did she always feel like something was missing? Maybe her father was right, maybe she was so focused on her career that nothing else ever seemed to matter enough for her to fight for it.

Bette shook her head and headed off to collect her laptop from the study. Well if she was flying tomorrow, she may as well get some research from the internet to take with her. Bette wasnt really one for trashy novels so she would need something to read on the plane.

Bette spent the next few hours picking at her salad as she pored over the map and researched what she needed from the internet. Bette filled the printer with paper and set it to run.

After carefully indexing and filing her paperwork, Bette leaned back stretching out her by now, aching shoulder muscles. Bette looked at her watch, 1am.

Ok, after last night, I really do need to get some rest now, she thought. Once again Bettes thoughts moved to Mel. SHIT, Mel, I need to call her and let her know I am going away for a while. Bette briefly thought of ringing Mel first thing in the morning. No thats no good she thought. She really didnt want to hear the disappointment in Mels voice.

Bette made her decision, and picked up her mobile phone to make a call. I can just leave her a message for now. I can always call her when I get there. Bettes phone connected, and she heard Mels voice come over the line.

Hi this is Melanie, I cant come to the phone right now, so please leave me a message

 Hey Mel Bette began. I am going away on CAC business for a while, I will call you in the next couple of days. Take care

With that done Bette trudged wearily off to bed, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The following morning Bette awoke refreshed, and ready for the day ahead. She spent the day pottering round the house until finally the time had arrived to head out to the airport.

Dressed casually in figure hugging black jeans, White cotton sleeveless blouse, that just allowed a glimpse of her cleavage, and burgundy suede jacket, bette tied her hair back at the nape of her neck, and placed her versace Sunglasses on top of her head, before heading out to LAX 2 hours before her flight is due to take off.

Bette safely deposited her rucksack at the check-in desk, and settled down to await her flight to be called. Before she knew it she was making herself comfortable in her first class seat, ready for her long flight.

Lets see thought Bette, 8 hours until the end of the first leg of the journey. God its been so long since I was last in London. Pity I only have 4 hours before my connecting flight.

Bette opened the folder with the paperwork in that she had printed the previous evening, and started her research. Before she knew it the green British countryside was coming into view, as the plane made its final approach to Heathrow Airport. Although feeling a little weary, Bette was glad of the opportunity to walk round and stretch her legs.

Soon her connecting flight was called, and once again Bette found herself ensconced on a padded leather 1st class seat that Franklin had booked for her. Bette once again looked down at the printed information on her lap.

She could have printed off reams of information on her destination, but she settled for an informative e-guide to Kenya, and in particular the Masai Mara.

The artist on the other hand was a completely different matter. Oh she knew of the artist, her work was breathtaking. She hadnt oversold her to the CAC, and Franklin was right, it would be a massive coo to bring her work to California.

The only problem was that she seemed to shun the limelight, and certainly had not exhibited any of her work in over 5 years. It was easy enough to find examples of her work on the net, but she didnt need thatShe was already more than familiar with that.

No, what she was looking for was information on the artist. She needed to find her pitch, her angle. She needed to know what direction she had to follow in order to secure the exhibition she really wanted.

She looked up and out of the window as the bustling skyline of Nairobi came into view.

 Who are you Tina Kennard? She thought.

TBC