The tour Bette had given Della of the gallery had lasted at least twice as long as she had expected. Bette, wanting to draw out the time she got to spend with Della, had given thorough descriptions of each artist and her person impressions of their art. This led to some intense, even heated debates between her and Della. Bette loved the challenge she faced in arguing her point of view with Della. Not only was Della able to hold her own in the debates, she was even able to out reason Bette on occasion. By the time they finally arrived back in the room with the photograph which had so captivated Della Bette was addicted. No one, not even Alice had ever been able to hold her own in conversation and arguments with Bette as well as this woman could. As she and Della stood looking at a photograph of the Hollywood hills that had been superimposed on a print of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”, Bette was trying to find a way to ensure a second meeting with Della when her secretary interrupted her. He told her that the artist who had been trying to avoid fulfilling the terms of their contract had just called to say that he had called his attorney and that if Bette continued to attempt to force him into showing his work at her gallery he would have no hesitations about getting the attorney involved.
Now Bette was not only irritated about the artists attempt to weasel out his contract, but also that he was so effectively putting an end to the time she could spend with Della. It was much to her surprise that when she turned to Della to tell her how sorry she was that their discussions would have to be cut short, she found her looking eager and excited.
Im really sorry, Della, but I need to deal with this now before the situation gets any worse.
Actually, I might be able to give you a hand with that, that is if you dont mind, of course.
Bette looked at her skeptically and couldnt help but raise one eyebrow (albeit unconsciously), she was slightly indignant that this woman thought that she would be able to deal with the contract better that she would be able to. But the level of intellect and skill at debating Della had demonstrated during their conversations prevented her from making a quick and pretentious answer which would have given away her intense pride.
Della picked up on Bettes train of thought from her raised eyebrow and had to smile to herself as she observed Bettes offended pride.
I didnt specialize in contract design and enforcement when I was at school, but it would be nice to finally find a practical, everyday use for a law degree. She said with a slight smile, trying to explain her reason for offering her help without furthering offending Bettes pride by letting her know that she had seen her reaction to the initial offer.
This statement, while easing Bettes indignation, further surprised her, and this surprised showed on her face as her mouth dropped slightly.
Im sure it will be fine, but you could look at the contract if you want and have time.
Alright then, lets have a look.
Bette led Della back to her office, glad to have gained more time with her, but nervous about getting help from someone she had only just met. She had never been very good at gracefully accepting help, and she would rather cut up one of her power suits than come out and ask for help.
While Della pored over the contract Bette stood across the desk from her and tried to decide whether or not the tantalizing glimpse of cleavage Della was now giving her was intentional. She was disturbed from this pleasant debate with herself when Della began to mumble several lines of the contract to herself, and then fell silent, gently biting her lower lip in concentration. After flipping a few pages and repeating a few more segments of the contract to herself Della stood up suddenly.
You said that the artist is trying to cancel on you because he got an offer from another gallery, right? Because, if that is the situation, you could make a strong case based on a strict interpretation of the seventh paragraph. The diction in that paragraph is probably what the artists lawyer thinks he can build the case around. It is slightly ambiguous but the fourth line, if interpreted strictly expressly prohibits the actions he is now taking. All this came out in a rush of words, as though she could hardly move her mouth fast enough to accommodate her ideas.
If I could take a copy of this I could put together a case outline for you, I could probably get it to you in a few days, assuming I dont get too many more cases in the next few days.
Such a simple solution to a problem which she had thought would plague her for weeks allowed Bette to forget her resistance to accepting help. That would be wonderful, I mean, are you sure you dont mind?
No, not at all. Its the least I could do to after you gave me such a thorough tour and so much of your time.
Bette called her secretary in and sent him to make a few copies of the contract while he was gone Bette asked Della to show her what in the contract she was planning to base her case on. Della walked around the desk to stand next to Bette and show her the passage she had been referring to earlier. As they leaned over the paper together their shoulders pressed together. Just this slight physical contact made Bette feel a throbbing at her core and an immediate wetness in the same region. She lost her concentration, focusing on how smooth the skin of Dellas shoulder felt against her own (and how glad she was that she had chosen a sleeveless blouse to wear today). Little did she know Della was having trouble repeating her arguments because of similar thoughts and feelings.