“James has Ms Kennard been in for her earring? I see that she called early this morning.”

“No, but she is coming by some time today. She said she had errands to run and would be by. She did ask what time you would be in.”

“She did?” she smiled an inner smile ‘she must want to see me’

“Yes, she did”

“Well thank you James. When she arrives please call me.” Says as she headed for her office.

Four PM

Tina arrives at the gallery not wanting to appear too eager. “I wonder if she has made it in yet.”
Tina getting out of her car thinks, ‘Maybe I should have called again to she if she was here. No, that would look too obvious. Well girl, you’re here just go ahead and do this thing‘.

James recognizing Tina as she about to enter the gallery. He picks up the phone to call Bette. “Bette, Ms Kennard just entered the building.”

“Thank you James, please tell her I’ll be right out.” Bette smiles but tries not to sound excited.

“Sure thing Bette.”

“Hello Ms Kennard,” says James

“Hello again James, how are you?

“I’m doing well thank you and you?”

“Great actually, thanks for asking.”

“Ms Porter will be right out”.
‘Oh she is here, Great’ Tina says to herself

Bette approaches.
“Good afternoon, good to see you again and so soon.” she says as she reaches to shake Tina’s hand. As she looks into Tina’s eyes she places her left hand over the back of Tina’s hand and holds on just a little long than necessary and smiles causing Tina‘s heart to flutter.

“Good to see you as well”

Shaking out of their daze Bette smiling says “Seems that I have something of yours, follow me please.” wanting to draw out Tina’s visit Bette didn’t bring the earring out with her.

Tina follows Bette into her large studio slash office. Tina stands just at the edge of Bette’s desk. Bette walks around to her desk opens her top drawer and pulls out an envelope, Then walks towards Tina as she reaches her pulls out the earring looking at it. Standing in front of Tina very close. Entering Tina’s personal space. Bette looks up at Tina. Palm up chest high she holds the earring up to allow Tina to retrieve it. “I could have sworn I saw you put this back on.”