Opening Night – The Bette Porter Gallery

Bette, Gloria and James are mingling with guests and overseeing the wait staff. Bette notices Shane and Alice standing in the corner as Shane listens to what seems to be Alice‘s most recent dating nightmare. Bette smiles, they are her family and she loves them like sisters.

Bette is talking to one of her guests when she notices that something is out of place. Her heart skips a beat and she momentarily stops listening.

Bette: “Oh, I’m so sorry Mr. Otsuka, I apologize. Would you excuse me for  
           a moment?

Bette turns as James is walking past. She grabs his arm spinning him 180 degrees.

James: “What’s wrong Bette?”

Bette:   “James is that Eric Cruise over there?”

James: “I believe sowhy?”

Bette:  “He has a cute little blonde on his arm wearing a ringI thought he was
            *****!”

James: “What in the world would make you think that? I think in fact that he’s
             religious.”

Bette:   “I don’t knowwhen I met him a few weeks ago I got that vibe
             Gaydar you know!

Alice walks up behind Bette to eaves drop on the conversation

James: “No offense boss, but I think you’re crazy. How much wine have you
            had anyway? He’s not *****, I think he’s engaged to marry that cute little
            blonde.”

Bette:  “Well it wouldn’t be the first time that has happened, but he couldn’t be
            *****, you’re right.He’s way too boring.”

James: “I thought ***** people hated stereotypes.”

Bette:  “Only by straight people James Oh God, she’s looking over here. I
            suppose now I have to go say hello to her.” ( Gee Porter that was a
            pathetic attempt at hiding the fact that you’re dying to meet
            her…who is this girl?)

Alice:   “Maybe she’s curious”

Bette:   “Jesus Alice, could you warn me before you pull your 007 *****?”

James:  “It’s ok Alice, Bette’s honing in her gaydar, she didn’t hear you coming.”

Bette:   “Shut up and get out of my way James.”

Bette ran her fingers through her hair and as confidently as she could be she walked over to Eric and Tina who were just breaking away from the group conversation that they were engaged in. Tina’s eyes never left Bette in her red low cut dress that seemed to accentuate all of Bette Portersassets. Tina barely made eye contact. She was in awe. She shivered and felt goosebumps from her neck to her toes, followed by an unfamiliar tingle down below.