Chapter 1 of 2

Bette had to meet her friend Alice for breakfast. It is part of her everyday activities, very predictable. Wake up, go to the Planet for breakfast with Alice and Shane, then off to work and back home. On the weekend, if she werent too tired from a hard week at the Gallery she would probably hit the clubs with the same two people. Well with the exception of her sister who would sometimes perform at some of the more popular and trendy pubs.

Bette Porter is a beautiful, very intelligent woman. She is the Floor Manager of the California Art Centre. When she was eleven, she went with her class on a field trip to an art museum. While there she wandered off and was lost. The Director of the museum found her wandering aimlessly looking around and totally captivated by everything she saw. There was one piece in particular that she could not take her eyes off of. She did not notice the Director next to her, in fact she noticed nothing but the piece of art in front of her. She was brought back to reality by a gentle touch on her shoulder Little girl, are you here with anyone?

Bette- I came with my class but I got lost.

Director- I see you have a favourite?

Bette- This is the best I have seen here so far. I really love this one

Director- Its my favourite too actually. You know you are always welcome here anytime. Once its okay with your parents.

Bette- Really?! I could come?

Director- smiling at how cute and excited Bette was Sure. Anytime.

Bette- Cool! Ill ask my dad to bring me Im sure he wont mind if I come.

Director- taking Bettes hand Let me take you back to your class.

Bette never knew if her love for art came before or after she met the Director, she went on to acquire her Bachelors degree in Art History and Literature. She started at the California Art Centre as an intern while going to school, and worked her way to Floor Manager and in about two years or so she is hoping to become the Director. Although Bette had her life in order where her career was concerned, there was always something missing in her personal life. She hasnt had many relationships in her adult life and the few shes had never lasted more than three months. She was very picky, its either they werent committed enough, or they werent intelligent enough, or ambitious enough. There was always something wrong. Maybe there is something wrong with you Bette Porter Alice would always tell her. Alice was her best friend. They were once lovers but realised that the friendship was better. Her response to the was When the right one comes along she will be perfect.

One night Alice, Shane and Bette went to Milk. Bette had a hard week and although she was very tired she felt that going out with the girls would be a great way to relax. The place was crowded as usual. They sifted their way through and finally found a table at the back. Once seated they ordered their drinks. Alice took the dance floor and Shane was on the prowl. Bette sat the table for the greater part of the evening. She was more or less looking at everyone. She enjoyed watching people, their expressions, their body language, trying to read their minds. Her eyes roamed the club several times. A woman with her girlfriend were having a fight. She could tell by the hands flying and the girlfriend soon stormed out with the woman running after her. Her eyes roamed a little more and stopped at a table with three women and two guys. The two guys were a couple. She knew them. They were friends of Shanes. The women with them werent as familiar. She recognised one of them from the Planet or so she though. One of the women at the table caught her eye. She had trouble taking her eyes off her. She stared at her so long that the mental picture etched in her mind after that night haunted her each time she closed her eyes. If she is that beautiful under neon lights. she thought. Maybe I could ask Shane. She dismissed the thought of wanting to meet her. Maybe thats all she was, eye food. I probably wont ever see her again.

The following week Bette spent most of her time preparing for an opening at the Gallery. Her mind would on occasion wonder off to the beautiful from Milk then as quickly as the thoughts flooded her mind she would wipe them away. What are the odds?

Peter one of her co-workers- Whats that?

Bette- What?

Peter- You said something. What odds?

Bette- Oh never mind She didnt realise she was talking to herself again. Peter and Bette started at the CAC within months of each other. They were put to organise several shows together. They were more that co-workers. Over the years they also developed a friendship. Umm Pete. You believe in love at first sight? Well not love as such but like you see someone for the first time and you cant stop thinking about them?

Peter- Okay Porter who is she?

Bette- Well okay I have no idea who she is.

Peter- Laughing.

Bette- Its not funny Pete Bette was beginning to feel embarrassed and the after saying it out loud realised how silly she must have sounded and she too started to laugh.

Peter- Being a little more serious and in a comforting tone I believe in love period.

Bette- sighed Yeah.

The week was productive. Everything was set and ready for tonights show. Caterer, press, Yep were set Bette said to herself as she took one last look at the Gallery before leaving for home to change. Alice and Shane would usually accompany her to the Gallery Openings, but Alice couldnt make it tonight so it would be just Shane and her. Shane is great company and Bette loved her to death, but she wanders too often and Bette was always left alone. But she didnt mind tonight because she knew she would be too busy to give Shane all her attention.

Bette and Pete were busy for most of the night, at least for the first part of the evening. Welcoming guests, interviews with the press, and making sure that the evening went smoothly. When things cooled down a bit and Bette had time to breathe or so she thought, her eyes and the eyes of the beautiful woman from the other night made four. All her breath was lost in her beauty along with her speech. Bette? Bette? Bette? You okay? Peter eventually got her attention.

Bette- all she was able to say was There she is

Peter- looking around the room Who? There who is?

Bette- The woman I was telling you about? Peter still had no idea who Bette was showing him but he knew of whom she was talking. Bette discreetly pointed her out and Peter nodded in agreement.

Peter- I see what you are saying. She is beautiful.

Bette- Pete what? Pete stop..
Peter left Bettes side and walked over to the couple on the other side of the room. Peter knew Eric from college. The girl he was with was someone new. He took the opportunity to chat with Eric and to find out more about the beautiful blonde on his arm.

Peter- putting his hand out Hey Eric Eric Chase. How you been man?

Eric- My goodness well if it isnt Pete the sneak. You still call yourself that? I havent seen you in ages man. How you doin? What are you up to now?

Peter- Well I am assistant manager here, enjoying it too. What about you?

Eric- Stocks and bonds, you know me.. where the money is

Peter- finishing Erics sentence both laughing, there you shall be yeah man.

Eric- putting his hand in the middle of the beautiful womans back and bringing her closer, This is my girlfriend Tina. Tina Peter.

Tina held her hand out Pleased to meet you Peter.

Peter- The pleasure is mine Tina. Tina blushed at Peters gesture.

Both men laughing and just being…. well men. Eric dismissed the question Dont worry babe.

Eric- So Pete whom are you assisting here? Anyway I could get discounts?

Peter- shaking his head You wont change eh man. My boss is right over there He signalled for Bette to come over.

Bette pretended she didnt see him. She had no idea how her body would react if she were to get that close to the beautiful blonde. Peter seeing her hesitance decided to bring the couple over to her. Bette, this is Eric, an old buddy from college, and this is his lovely girlfriend Tina.

Eric had to make a comment about Bette. One which he didnt think Bette should hear just yet. After they introduced themselves and got the formalities out of the way, Eric took Peter aside while they left Tina and Bette to chat a bit. Bette was a little out of her skin. She never felt so out of control of her feelings and herself. She was at a lost for words and every answer to Tinas questions were monosyllabic words. Granted that lasted two minutes it was too long of a time for Bette to have made a good first impression on Tina. Or so she thought at least. They eventually had a great conversation mainly on art and some of the pieces, but Bette enjoyed every second of it. Tina too found herself interested in all Bette had to say and was at one time hoping that the guys could stay talking longer.

Tina Kennard works at a production company not too far from the gallery. She is a junior executive in charge of development and production. She loved film and all that went with it. As a child she snuck into the studios and spent most of her weekends there. The producer realising her enthusiasm and passion for film, employed her as his assistant and they would spend most of the afternoons talking about old movie classics. She still works for the same company. In college she has had both girlfriends and boyfriends. However none she has ever slept with. Eric is her first and up till now was her only. They were dating fro two years before they decided to live together. Its been six months and things are going well with them.

To be continued..