Bettes day progressed nicely. She didnt give too much thought to the young Angelina Jolie look alike. She realized she had way too much work to do to prepare for her meetings with Megan and with Simone Lennox she thought shed just work through lunch and knock off early to spend a quiet evening at home with Tina. A slow smile crept to her lips as she thought of Tina. She couldnt resist. She had to call.

Tina: Hello?
Bette: Hey T. Hows my favorite girl?
Tina: (smiling) Better now.
Bette: Are you having a bad day?
Tina: Its been a little rough.
Bette: Is there anything I can do?
Tina: Aw, Bette thats sweet. I think youre doing it. Hows your day?
Bette: Well I have a lot of work and I think I need to work through lunch. At first I thought wed all be able to meet for lunch but thats a no can do. Oh, earlier this morning there were these really cute babies here T. They were adorable really. I thought about you. I cant wait until we have our family. I mean, no pressure or anything but Im so excited to start a family with you.
Tina: You really are excited about this arent you? You really want this for us too? The first time I mentioned that I wanted to try again you seemed excited but now you seemed genuinely thrilled. That makes me happy baby.
Bette: Well babe I just wanted to be sure you were sure and I wanted to be back to work and now that Im back to work and now that youre certain. I dont know, when you said diapers to me the other day that was the best thing anyone has ever said to me. I guess; I diapers too.
Tina: Im glad we understand each other because if anyone else overheard this they would be at a total loss.
Bette: T the only thing that matters is that we understand each other. Well Ill let you get back to work and Ill see you tonight. I love you and I hope your day gets better.
Tina: I love you too and Bette it already has.

Bette and James worked through lunch and absolutely poured through all of Simone Lennoxs proofs there were so many. Her work was so good and so diverse choosing the pieces to include in the show would probably prove to be their most difficult task. Bette didnt know anything about the young artist and she wondered why someone with so much attention and so much work and talent to warrant the attention would pass on an individual show. She wouldnt have to wait too long to find out. She had prepared a list of questions and concerns to discuss with the young lady and she was really looking forward to her meeting with her. But first things first Megan. Megan is a great artist whos been off the scene for a while and now shes back. I hope her heart is in her work and I hope I can keep this meeting professional. I do have to let her know that she cannot and I will not let her hurt Shane. Work first”Work first-Why cant it be work only? Of all the women Shane could hook up with why Megan? Bette thought to herself.

Bette got home in time to spend a quiet evening at home with Tina they enjoyed just being close to each other sharing the details of their days and cuddling. Tina knew that tomorrow was a big day for Bette and she knew Bette would never admit she was a little nervous about both of her meetings for different reasons. Tina knew that Bette didnt trust Megans interest in Shane and that concerned her too. Tina knew that Shane was a bit more sensitive than she appeared to be. She knew that from what Bette told her about Simone Lennox Bette really didnt know what to expect and that always bothered Bette. Bette only liked surprises when she was on the giving end not on the receiving end. She knew Bette was a little tense about the entire thing and this was her first week back to work. Tina wanted to do something special for Bette so she put her plan in action tonight.

Tina: Babe I know tomorrows the big day. What time do you think youll be out of your meetings?
Bette: No later than 6 or 6:30 why?
Tina: Well I was thinking I would come by and take you out to dinner. Since were both working weve been the takeout queens so I thought wed mix it up a bit and actually go out and have a nice meal.
Bette: That sounds like a great idea. So youll come by the CAC at 6:30.


The next day Bette was ready she and James were in the conference room waiting for Megan to arrive she was on time and she had her portfolio with her.

Megan: I know this is a lunch meeting but do you mind if we just order something light in? Id really like to go over my portfolio with you and if youre interested invite you to the studio so you can take a look in person.
Bette: Great idea. James would you mind bringing in a few menus for Megan to look at?
James: Not at all, Ill be right back.
Megan: Ok you know I havent worked in a while but several months ago I decided something was missing and I started to do things Id never done before. These sculptures are unlike any of my previous pieces (opens her portfolio)
Bette: (looking) These are very different from anything Ive ever seen. Interesting”the scale. Is that glass? Wow I really like that piece. I would really like to see all of these at your studio.
James: Here are the menus.
Bette: James look at these. Is that glass? Thats pretty cool. Look at that one Bette.
James: Ok ladies Ill order your lunches and bring them in when they get here when I get back let me know when we should book a time to come to the studio to look at the pieces.
Bette: Thanks
Bette: Megan this work is really good. I need to speak to you about a more personal matter.
Megan: Shane
Bette: Yes Shane. She means a lot to me and I dont. I cant let you hurt her.
Megan: She loves you Bette, its so obvious and once upon a time long, long ago I did too. But my dealing with Shane isnt me trying to get back at you or trying to get you back for that matter. Nor is it our way of commiserating or forming some kind of Bette Porter support group shes not a consolation prize. I know I just met her but I think shes pretty damn great and the strange thing is I dont think she knows just how great she is. I just hope Im around long enough to be there when she realizes how special she is and wouldnt it be great if I could help her to know how special she is in some small way.

Bette was at a loss for words. She could only hope Megan was being truthful because shes always wanted someone for Shane who would realize how special she was. Could it be Megan? Bette knows she has a tendency to judge people and to be way too harsh sometimes, okay most of time, but after her affair she promised she wouldnt be so judgmental, so concrete, she realized that not everyone is all good or all bad and everyone deserves at least a second chance and Megan never did anything to her and no she wouldnt choose Megan for Shane but maybe Megan wouldnt be bad for Shane, ***** maybe she would even be good for her. Bette finally found her voice.

Bette: Okay Megan not that you need my approval or blessing but the only thing I ask is that you go slowly. Youre right Shane is special and she loves me as a friend okay”dont read anything more into it.
Megan: Whatever Bette. I plan to take things slowly with Shane Im not in a hurry. You guys are so alike. I mean she can have anyone she wants and in your day you could too. Something is telling me shes looking for something more though and just doesnt know how to find it or how to let it find her so Im thinking this will probably be new territory for both of us.
Bette just smiled not revealing anything about her dear friend. If Megan wanted the inside scoop shed have to get if from Shane. Just then James brought in their lunches and their appointment book to set up the dates to visit the studio to view the sculptures.

One down one to go Bette thought. She was genuinely impressed with Megans work but she wanted to see it in studio before she could commit to anything. She was more impressed with Megans take on Shane she hadnt totally let down her guard but she was a little relieved that Megan had a least said all the right words but then she wasnt sure if that was good or bad. She would definitely have to run all of this by Tina to get her take on it. A light tap on the door interrupted her thoughts. She looked up– there she was the young beauty from yesterday. The Angelina Jolie look alike. Bette stood from her desk she didnt want to stare but sometimes isnt it rude not to stare. Sometimes something or someone is so beautiful if you dont stare its like you dont acknowledge that beauty exists at all.
Bette: May I help you? Im waiting for an artist if you need help with one of the exhibits I can get my assistant to help you, James
Young Beauty (extending her hand) Ms. Porter hi Im Simone Lennox
Bette: (smiling) Ms. Lennox yesterday you had me at a disadvantage why didnt you introduce yourself.
Simone: Please call me Simone. I knew our meeting wasnt until today but I couldnt resist. I heard youd come back to work early and Id wanted to visit the CAC and when I saw you I just had to talk to you.
Bette: Well Simone, Ill call you Simone only if you call me Bette come in and have a seat. I dont know where to start. I have a ton of questions to ask you why dont you tell me about yourself.
Simone: Well Im from San Francisco. Im 26 I started painting when I was 19 or 20 I paint when Im happy when Im sad when Im hungry when Im full. I used to paint everyday until two months ago. Ive been pretty uninspired for the last two months. A lot of museums have wanted to show my work and I dont know the business aspect of it seems so jaded. I saw you defending the Provocations exhibit and I dont know ever since then I wanted to meet you. You seem to get it what art is about.

Bette: Well that answers a lot of my questions actually. I wondered why youd pass on an individual show to work on a group new artists show at a much smaller museum. It really didnt make sense to me at the time.

Simone: Well Bette youre passionate about art and you believe in what youre doing. I love that quality.

Bette: I have a few concerns Simone your body of work is so extensive I dont know how were going to choose. I think we may be able to select anywhere from eight to maybe twelve pieces. We want the show to be a well- balanced show. If all goes well and if youre interested we may be able to offer you an individual show in the Spring.

Simone: (smiling) That was my hope. God Bette Ive wanted to work with you for some time. I think you are incredibly attractive. I hope you dont think Im being too forward or anything.

Bette: (blushing) Simone Im happily married and will soon be a mother if all goes well. I cant work with you if you have hopes of being anything more than collaborators. Im totally committed to the love of my life and nothing or no one will make me stray from that. As talented as you are Ill pass on including your collection in this show if you cant respect my marriage.

Simone: Wow okay. Im sorry look I really do want to work with you. I wont get out of line again. I promise. You cant blame a girl for trying. Have you seen yourself lately? You are hot! By the way, just so you know, the whole Im committed to the love of my life it makes you one hundred times hotter Bette.

Bette: Simone Im flattered but really Im a goner Tina is my life and there is no one else for me and I wouldnt want it any other way. If you can focus on work and if youre serious about being in this show well have to spend some time together WORKING.

Simone: I get it work. Its all about work. I guess now that you have me on the straight and narrow I wouldnt have it any other way.

James scheduled an appointment for Simone and Bette AND James to meet to select the paintings to include in the upcoming show. Tina promptly showed up at 6:30 to take her wife out to dinner. As Bette was collecting her things Simone knocked and entered.

Simone: Bette thanks to you I think Ive become inspired to paint again. All this talk about committment–it’s inspiring.
Bette: Well Im glad I could help. Im glad youre here. Heres my better half.
Tina stood and extended her hand towards the beautiful woman
Bette: Simone this Tina Kennard my beautiful wife
Tina: Nice to meet you (Tina couldnt take her eyes off the woman.)
Simone: (shaking her hand) Likewise you are one very lucky woman. You two make a beautiful couple.

With that Simone left. Tina turned to look to Bette.
Tina: You are going to be working with her
Bette: Yeah. Tina please dont tell me you have a problem with that?
Tina: No, why should I shes only the most beautiful woman in the world.

TBC