“Bette, how are you?” DP felt such a sense of relief. Bette and her partner had come to her years ago when they were trying to conceive. In fact, she remembered clearly the night that she had had to tell Bette that their baby had been lost. Bette had been so strong through that ordeal and DP thought of her with a great deal of respect and even with, perhaps, some fondness. Where that emotion came from, she was not sure, but there was something about Bette, herself, that reminded her of home.

“I’m fine,” said Bette, “It’s so crowded that I thought if you didn’t mind joining us at our table, we would be delighted to have you.”

“ Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude. I just thought I’d stop in for a quick bite. I’m so busy these days.

“No, please join us. My sister owns this place and, believe me, she would not like it at all if I let a potential customer walk out that door!” Bette’s eyes were shining with amusement and DP could tell she really was sincere in wanting her company.

“OK, thanks, I can’t stay long. I have so much paperwork back at the office”. DP wasn’t sure if she sounded convincing, but she was embarrassed at being out alone and for some reason she didn’t want Bette to think that she had no where else to be or someone to be with.

Sitting at the table with Bette were a number of very young women who seemed to hang on every word she said. After listening briefly to their lively conversation, DP was able to discern that these were art students and Bette was either their teacher or their idol , or both. Feeling very out of place, she was relieved when they announced that they were on their way out and that it had been a pleasure to make her acquaintance. “ Wow, what energy. I don’t remember what it was like to be that young!”

“ You and me both, girl!” The voice came from behind and as DP turned, she came face to face with one of the most exquisite women that she had ever seen.

“Dr. Wilson, I’d like you to meet my sister, Kit Porter.