"Really? You think I look ok?"

"You look more than ok, baby. You are beautiful," Tina paused for a moment. "Since when does Bette Porter get this nervous?"

Bette smiled. "Since this may determine whether I make the woman of my dreams happy."

Tina’s face fell slightly. She brought her hands up to Bette’s face and held it straight so Bette couldn’t look away from her. "Bette, you know that you make me happy, right?"

"Yea, I know, but," Bette mumbled.

"No buts. You make me happy. Just being with you. If you decided to live in a box, I’d bring the blankets. I’d follow you anywhere," Tina reassured.

"Yea?"

"Yea… Now you get that persistent attitude that I love so much and you go show Mr. Big Gallery Owner that he can’t make it without you, ok?"

Bette let out a breath sharply. "Ok."

Bette arrived at the gallery and walked through the front door with confidence. She readjusted her purse onto her shoulder and with a deep breath she approached the receptionist.

"How may I help you, ma’am?" the plump red-head asked the tall brunette.

"I’m here to see Mr. Bohan," Bette replied confidently.

"Is Mr. Bohan expecting you?"

"Yes. My name is Bette Porter."

"O! Miss Porter! Please take a seat just there," she replied with enthusiasm pointing to the elegant black couch in the corner, "and Mr. Bohan will be right out to see you!"

A few quick moments later, Bette heard footsteps coming towards her.  "You must be Bette." She stood up and was greeted enthusiastically by a plump, jolly man, that frankly reminder her of Santa Clause with a go-tee.

"Hello Mr. Bohan. It’s so nice to meet you," Bette confirmed shaking the bubbly man’s hand.

"O Bette, please, Mr. Bohan is my father. Call me Ed."

Bette smiled at the informality. She started to think that they were going to get along just fine. Ed led Bette into his office at the side of the gallery and motioned for her to take a seat opposite his desk. He handed her a glass of water, which she gratefully thanked him for.

"So Bette, let’s cut to the chase. Everyone knows who you are around here and so formalities won’t even be an issue," Ed began. "I know you are the best in the business and I am willing to do whatever is needed for your help."

Bette nodded with a smile as she let Ed continue. "I have a lot of friends who are artists and so they graciously give me their work to display – some new artists as well…up and coming. I want this gallery to shine. We already bring in a lot of money through shows and various other methods, but I am most positive that if I had your help, this place would be the hottest spot in Los Angeles. “The round man smiled brightly as he read Bette’s expressions.

Bette listened intensively as he continued, "Helena has already informed me of your relocation from New York back to LA, your new engagement and your desire to have a child. Please don’t be mad at her for telling me this, she told me under the best of intentions, I assure you. She wanted me to be able to have the time to think about what I could offer you before wasting your time today." He paused and looked at Bette’s focused expression. "O, my dear, I can’t believe I have gone on and on like this. I am just so happy to have you here."

"Mr. Bohan…I mean… Ed… I am engaged…to a woman and we do plan on trying to have a second child. I do not know how much I would be able to be here personally at the gallery after that."

"O no worries, Bette. You’re a hot item and if I can’t offer you the perfect deal than someone else will and I would be out of a gallery and a lot of money, yes?" The man laughed.

"I…I guess so," Bette said with a slight chuckle.

"Well, then. I assume you want the job, no?"

"I would love to work for a gallery again, it’s been my dream for a long time," Bette admitted.

"Ok, so, I’ve had time to think about this…are you willing to listen to my offer?" Ed asked curiously.

"Absolutely." Bette confirmed.