At 6:30 the entire gallery was full of people, Bette and James were working their butts off, thank god Alice showed up to say hi.

Alice had been the one friend that stayed in touch with Tina regularly.  Bette could find out how Tina was through her.

Alice: Hey Porter gosh it’s so busy, how can I help? 

Bette: Alice great you be willing to greet guests at the door, that would be a big help  (with a big smile) thanks

 (Alice was often reminded how Bette had changed from her past life, she would have demanded help and now is very gracious and thankful.)

Alice: Hi welcome to the Bette Porter Gallery. (Alice chirped to her next guest)

Audrey: I’m Audrey Evettes I should be on the guest list

Alice:  Yes Audrey right through those doors (smiling) enjoy the show.

Audrey: Thanks

 Audrey was taken back by the amount of people, she wondered if Bette had this success with all her shows.  As she moved through the rooms admiring the art she came face to face with Bette.

Bette: Hi welcome to the show I don’t think we have met I’m Bette.

(Smiling Bette out stretched her hand to Audrey, thinking this woman is beautiful with blond hair worn up, slender but nice figure and a vague resemblance to Tina.)

Audrey: Bette good to meet you I’m Audrey from the University.(friendly smile)  This is a great turnout, are all your shows this successful?

Bette: Well actually no this is a new gallery and my second show the first show was not a success at all so this is very exciting for me.

Audrey: I was director of a galley for several years and I understand how exciting it is to have a great show like this.

(Thinking how gorgeous Bette is and if my gaydar is working she is definitely family.)

Audrey: Look Bette you don’t have time to talk now with all your guests here is my card call tomorrow and maybe we can meet later this week.

Bette: (big smile) Thanks for understanding I will call you, enjoy your visit

 (Sliding the card into her suit pocket thinking there is something about this woman that is fascinating)

9:30 end of the show

James: I’m beat, what a great show. (with a satisfied but tired smile)

Bette: (smiling)  It was exciting James and only our second show, we make a great team, thanks for all your hard work and support.

James: Thanks Bette if you don’t need me anymore see you tomorrow.

 (James never remembers Bette being so easy to work with and giving him so much thanks and she never misses adding money to his check for his extra efforts,  the old Bette was so intimidating and impatience to work with.)

Bette: Alice you have been a world of help thanks so much for pitching in, I couldn’t have done without you, I will make it up to you. (giving her a big hug)

Alice: I’m glad I could help, what a great show, you must be pleased. (yawning)  boy I’m tired, if you don’t need me any more I’ll see you tomorrow at the Planet.

Bette: See you in the morning thanks again Al.

 The gang still did their morning ritual of coffee and catch up each day, was fun to start the day with laughs and hugs.