Nikki and I contuned to see each other. I didn’t want a relationship at that moment, and she wasn’t ready for a relationship or children for that matter, so it worked out for the both of us. We dated, but became nothing more, we just enjoyed each other’s company. I’d hang out at the bar after work and she’d come to the gallery and watch me work. She was very interested in the new show, Provocations, so interested that I hired her to help me get the word out. She would work on the radio spots, television ads, news segments I would set up and even leafleting at the college.

"Bette this is going to be the best show ever, I am very upset I can’t be on your arm at the showing," she said coming out of the bathroom, wearing a towel.

"Babe, you’re starring in the next big action flick, you’re gonna be a huge star! I can’t keep you from your work."

"I don’t know about that, my boss and agent say the same, but I’m not gonna get my hopes up," she said sitting on the edge of the bed, applying lotion to her legs.

"Nik, you’ve got this. So I don’t mind you missing the show."

"But it’s opening night, you can’t go alone."

"It’s fine hun, I fly solo, keeps me mysterious."

"You know what this could be good for my career," she said and I nodded, "I’m gonna call my manager and see if she can get me out of the shoot a day early."

Nikki grabbed her phone and dialed, as she contacted her agent I got a bit frisky. I undid her towel and she tried to swat me away, but I wouldn’t stop. I started playing with her breasts and she was trying to keep her focus on her call. She told her agent what she wanted and quickly ended the call.

"You are so bad!"

She pushed me off her and staddled my lap. She kissed me and took my shirt and bra off. I flipped her on the bed and she giggled. We made love all night. She made me feel so amazing, so alive, but yet I still felt an emptiness that she couldn’t quite fulfill.