Dani was getting ready for her first job interview and shew as not sure how she felt about moving to DC. Job sounded amazing and it would be incredible thing on her resume one day, but she was not sure she wanted to leave LA. Yes, she was heartbroken and very angry at Sophie, but LA was home and she would not let Sophie and her infidelity to chase her out of the city. No, she will not leave just because her ex couldn't keep it in her pants. She put on bright gray suit. Her hair in a very neat pony and she put on her new black very pricy shoes. She arrived to the office few minutes early and secretary told her that Mrs. Pat will see her soon. Mrs. Pat was woman in her forties who was involved in many political events and she knew how the political system worked and how to get someone elected to the office. Many of the people she worked with got to the office and two were elected president of the USA. So, working for her would be a privilege and dream come true. Deni was impressed with her career but the only thing she had issue was that Mrs. Pat was a Republican and very conservative. If she wanted to work for her, she had to hide who she is and keep her private life extremely private and out of eyes of her colleagues. She didn't want back to the closet. She knew she would not be taking this job even before the interview as over. Mrs. Pat told her they would call her, Dani thanked her and went out of the office. When she got out of the building, she felt like she could finally breathe. She went to the small bakery close to her apartment and got all the things she loved and avoided in normal circumstances. She changed out of her fancy clothes and got into something comfortable. Her dad called her to ask how the interview went ad she told him it was good but she was not sure if she could work for someone like that.

''Don't waste your chance Dani.''

''I will not dad… But… I am not sure if I could work for someone who works against people like me. It would be hypocritical to work for a woman who is doing everything to restrict LGBT rights.''

''But she is good at doing her job.''

''That scares me.''

''When do you go tomorrow?''

''Three... But they said the will confirm in the morning.''

''Ok. Call me after you are done.''

''I will…''

Dani spent the rest of the day doing her research about California Arts Center and she found few words about Bette working there and what happened. Then somehow her researching of CAC turned into researching Bette. She went to bed with her IPad full of ideas what could be changed about CAC and masterplan to get Bette back as a head of the Center.

Next morning Micah called her to tell that movers she sent to the house are done and on their way to her new place. She still didn't tell him where she moved to and he felt a bit sad she didn't trust him with that. She explained it that she doesn't want to see Sophie and she knows he will bend at some point and tell Sophie where to find her. Micah had to agree. Sophie knew how to get him to talk. Something about her stare scared him and he would spill anything she asked for. And he also understood how Dani felt. What Sophie and Finley did was shitty and he was not happy about it either. Aside from cheating, he had issues with the division it would bring to their friendship. For some time, Dani and other two would not be able to be in the same space and that meant separate lunches, shopping trips and things that they did before had to be done twice.

''Will you ever tell us where you moved?''

''Now is not the time. I am not sure I could have civil conversation with them. It would turn into a screaming match and a lot of blame placing. I don't need anything that toxic now.''

''I get it.''

''So, are you seeing someone?''

''No… I need some time to heal.''

''Sex helps.''

''Not what I'm looking for now.''

''And what are you looking for?''

''Creating safe space and life I want.''

''And she is not part of it anymore? What if she asks for forgiveness? Would you take her back if she said she was sorry or something like that?''

What surprised both of them was how fast she answered.

''No, I wouldn't. I still have feelings…But I think we are better off apart.''

''That sounds like you are over her.''

''I think I am… What she did was a cold shower and wakeup call… ''

''I am sorry things ended that way.''

''Me too…''

Movers came and Dani showed them where to leave boxes. By the time they delivered things, it was time for her to start getting ready for her CAC interview. She was more motivated to get this job than she was motivated to get the one from yesterday. She was in a black suit, her hair was in a bun and she had her mother's necklace with a small angel around her neck. She was meeting with few board members and she was very determined to get this job. At first they tried to put her down for her age and the fact that she worked with Bette. There was some narrative of her getting the job because of her dad and she hated that. The way the head of the Center spoke of her, made Dani angry.

''Well, since she left this place, your Center is off the map. You lost a lot by sending her away.''

''She didn't do what she was told.''

''Yes, I remember… You wanted same old impressionists and she wanted Provocations.''

Board member looked at Dani.

''You think we were wrong to let her go?''

''I do. She is amazing when it comes to picking art and young artists, or even getting some old ones out of retirement. You could have had someone like her and people being interested in art. I agree that you need good PR, but you also need something to get the attention of the people. You need to motivate people to see what you have in your space. And with all due respect, you haven't done that in years. Your exhibitions are boring, same and not interesting at all.''

''And what do you suggest?''

''Spice things up! Art is a living thing….It evolves, it changes and you have to evolve and change with it. I do love Impressionists and I love classical art, but I also love to spice things up with modern art and artists working in different mediums…''

''You have suggestion Ms. Nunez? That will be your first order of business. Bring the audience.''

''Ok. I can do it… But you need to give me something in order for me to get the people to come.''

''And what is that?''

''Bring Bette back.''

''You can't be serious?!''

''As a stroke… You want people to come? You want artists to remember you exist? You suffered huge losses during past years and you can't risk experiencing it again. It's not just about money. It's about art. You need to change things around here and you need to branch out. Bring her back… She knows her job and she will have this place turned over in six months.''

They looked at each other and asked Dani to wait outside. It took about twenty minutes to invite her back and say they accept her conditions.

''Tell Miss Porter to come toninght. We have cocktail here and we will announce that she is new head of CAC… If you are sure she would take this job.''

''I am sure.''

''Why?''

''Because no matter how much she dislikes you, she loves this place and loves art.''

Secretary showed up with envelope with contracts and gave it to Dani.

''Good luck Miss. Nunez. I hope we made a right decision having you and Ms. Porter here.''

''I am sure you did.''

Dani went home to change and then to go to Bette's place. She was excited and nervous about this. She also hoped she did the right thing.

Bette's house was full. Since it was Tina's last night in the city, Bette made dinner and Alice and Shane joined them. Alice kept talking about Nat and Gigi, Shane avoided talking about Quiara and Bette refused to talk about Tina's wedding. They found neutral ground in teasing Angie about her relationship. After Angie left the table, they continued teasing Tina and Bette that she is growing up and becoming a woman. Bette was very sensitive when it came to thinking about Angie dating and all that it meant. In her eyes, she was still her baby girl and it was very hard for her to let go of that feeling. Their banter was interrupted by someone being at the door. Bette hoped Tina didn't invite Carrie. She didn't want that woman in her house again. She knew they would have to have some sort of relationship, but she didn't want that woman in her house until it's really necessary. She opened the door and instead of unwanted guest, she saw Dani. She was in a tight black dress, her cleavage was a bit exposed, and she had nice jewelry and high heels. Her hair was in an elegant bun and she looked like she was on her way to some reception. Only thing that ''ruined'' her look was yellow envelope in her hand.

''Deni?''

''Do you have a minute?''

''Sure… Come in.''

She came in and saw Alice, Tina and Shane sitting at the dining room.

''I am sorry to come uninvited again, but I need to talk to you.''

''What about?''

''Job…''

''You know that after this election, both of us are sort of out of job. I can't offer you a job.''

''I didn't come because of it. And I agree that we need a job.''

Bette put her hand on her forhead.

''I don't need reminder of that. I have to start sending CVs and trying to find job. If nothing, I can bartend at Dana's.''

Dani laughed at that.

''What? I did some bartending during my college years.''

''I am sure you did… But that was long time ago…''

Bette smirked at that comment. Dani was right, but she did have to work.

''Watch it!''

''I am sure you were amazing bartender, but you don't need that job.''

''I need a job… And Shane will give it to me. Shane, will you give me the job at Dana's?!''

''Sure, why not! I need a cleaning lady.''

''Fuck you!''

''Love you too Bette.''

Dani smiled at the exchange…

''There is no need for that.''

''What do you mean?''

Dani looked very nervous and Bette had no idea what was going on.

'' I got us a job.''

''What?''

Dani lowed her gaze to the floor and looked back at Bette.

''How do you feel about running CAC?''

Bette just stood there and watched Dani in awe. Tina and others couldn't believe she was saying that name again. They let Bette go like she did nothing for that place and she never in her life believed Bette would ever be associated with that place.

''What? You can't be serious Dani?!''

''I sat with some people from the board and they want me. I told them we are a package deal and some of them were very intrigued to hear your name again… ''

She opened up the envelope and got two sets of papers out .

''So, these are our contracts with all that we can or cannot do… They still didn't forget the mess of Provocations.''

Bette rolled her eyes and smirked.

''At least that was last memorable thing in CAC.''

''I know. I told them that.''

She gave Bette the envelope and she took the contract out. She read every line like ten times and few times she just looked at Dani in awe.

''How did you manage this?''

''I have my ways. I think it's time for you to come back to the thing you love and feel so passionate about. I've seen you talk about art and there is certain glow about you when you do. It's your true profession and love. Fuck politics… You are too good of a person for that. Maybe through art is your way of changing the world…''

Deni got a pen out of her purse.

''So, are we doing it Porter?''

Bette just looked at her not knowing what to say. This was a huge thing. Coming back there was huge deal for her and she had no idea if she was ready to face people from her past. But maybe that was what she needed. She needed to start over and she needed somewhere to start from. Maybe CAC would be her place for that new start. Accepting that Tina was gone and moving on was one way of fighting with her failures and ghosts of the past. Maybe this job was also one of the ways of closing the circle of mistakes and failures. Maybe in its on beautiful way life was giving her a new chance to make her wrongs right. Tina watched Bette reach for the pen.

''Bette, think about it! Are you sure it's the right thing to do… You remember what happened last time.''

''I do… But maybe it's time for new start. I think I am ready to go back there and fight my demons… I am done running Tina… It's time to face all the people who wronged me and say what I had to say years ago. Now, I have nothing to lose.. I know who I am and they can't harm me anymore. I am not that fragile anymore. Nothing is the same anymore.''

''Just be careful…''

''What can they say or do to me that they didn't already? What? They can mention our divorce? Felicity? Me running for office? What else is there? I owned up to all that happened. We are not the first, nor the last whose marriage failed. I am not the only person in the world to have an affair. And I am not the only person in the world who lost an election. They can fuck off Tina! I am not the same. I was marked by the things that happened in my life… Kit's death, dad's death… our divorce… I am much stronger than before and I don't care what they think anymore. Now I am ruing the show there and they can fuck off if they don't like it. There are few smug faces I can't wait to see when they hear I would be their new boss.''

She signed the contract and gave her pen to Dani. Dani did the same and put them back into the envelope.

''And now go and doll up… We have our first function to go to.''

''What?''

''Go and get ready Ms. Porter… Tonight is your night of big return to the art scene. They are going to announce you coming back and me working for them. So, go and get ready. We are starting a new chapter…''

''It's something I've learned from you. Getting the bull by the horns. And in that spirit, I am having late lunch with Sophie tomorrow… New beginning and facing our demons.''

Bette was in the middle of the stairs when she turned to face Dani.

''Yes, but I have far too many demons compared to you.''

''And that's ok… Now go and get ready.''

Alice took Dani to the dining room and poured her some wine. Tina took that opportunity to climb up to Bette's room and try to talk to her. She was not sure that this is a good idea.

Alice took a seat at the side of the table and had good view on Shane and Dani.

''I heard you didn't get married.''

''No, I didn't. But you already know why since you work with two of them.''

''I am sorry…''

''Don't be… It's better this way. At least she did it before we were married. She spared me bad divorce and listening to my father nag me about division of the property and money.''

Alice wanted to give her some comfort.

''I am sorry you ended up hurt. I hope that this experience didn't discourage you.''

''No, not at all.''

''Good… I can't wait to hear all about your hookups.''

''I don't want that.''

''What? You are young! You should get over someone by getting under someone.''

Alice gave her a wink and Dani smiled.

''I had a lot of that before Sophie. Now I think I want something more…Something meaningful.''

Shane took a sip of her beer and just watched Dani. Shane loved Alice, but sometimes she couldn't believe how she doesn't notice things.

Bette got out of the shower and stood in front of the mirror just in her underwear. She had no idea what to wear. Tina got in quietly and took a seat on the bed.

''You look nervous.''

''I am nervous. I am coming back to the scene of the crime all these years later…''

''Are you sure you want to do it?''

''Yes…and no… I think it's time Tina.''

She got a dress out of the closet and put it on. She took a seat at the vanity and started doing her makeup.

''Time for what Bette?''

''Time to stop running from the past… CAC is part of me. It's one of the most important moments of my career and I loved that place. I hated people…Well, people in charge… But that place meant to me a lot... And I wat to do something to make it better and to make it important place for young artists and art lovers. It's time to go back to the art. I miss it Tina. I really do… After we got divorced and all… I took the other job because I wanted Angelica to have it all. Maybe I was compensating with the money loss of a parent and stable family… I don't know… Now, things are getting settled into some new normal… You are going to live in the same city, not too far from her. You are getting married and starting a new family… Angie will be leaving for college in two years… It's not that hectic anymore… She doesn't need a mother to hang over her head. She needs her space now and it's good for me to go back to something that will bring smile to my face again.. Something that will let me reconnect with myself. Maybe CAC is not the best place for me, but again it's a start. Seventeen years later… I am going back to the place that wrecked me. I am not the same… I am different and now I know things I didn't know then and I am smarter and more experienced.''

''I hope you are right.''

''We will see Tina.''

Bette put on her earrings and necklace.

''Can you tell Dani that I will be there in a minute?''

Tina knew that was Bette's way to close the discussion. Before, she would have been bothered by it, but now she had no idea how she felt about it. She knew Bette too good to know that she is terrified of this new job and she understood her need to have a minute by herself.

''Sure…''

Bette got down few minutes later dressed in a red dress, red shoes and her hair was up. She looked hot and ready to face all the dickheads that took her job away all these years ago.

''Let's go Nunez. Let the see what two dykes, as they used to call me, can do.''