Bette was leaning on the terrace wall, looking at the dark sky, loving the sight. Lady Penelope at her side was leaned on a table, looking at her, smoking.

And how is she doing now Helen asked.

She is fine, the babies are fine Bette answered, smiling, turning to look at Helen, realizing that she just told the story of her life to a completely stranger.

Lady Penelope, turning to look at the city lights sighed.

I guess all that only proves what Peggy said, that you are the right person for us

Bette, moving away from the wall turned to look at Helen.

What do you mean? she asked.

Do you know who Lady Annabel Gerendith is? Helen asked.

Of course I know. She is, after Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza, the most important private collector in the world Bette answered.

Yeah, well she is my grandmother Helen said, inhaling.

Your what? Bette asked, amazed.

Grandmother? You know, mother of my mother? Helen teased, looking at Bette now, smiling.

Wow Sighed Bette, looking at Helen.

Yeah (nodded Helen), Peggy is her oldest and closest friend Helen added, looking inside through the glass windows.

Bette followed her eyes, looking inside, seeing Peggy happily talking with an old man.

So ( Lady Penelope said, turning to look back at Bette) will you join us?

What?…sounds great, but am afraid I have no idea what you are talking about Bettes words put a playful smile on Helens face who looking back inside added, giggling.

She loves doing thatwell Miss Potter, Gerendith Collection is looking for a place to settle down, at least a part of it, and my dear Godmother (nodding at Peggy) has thought of you for that huge, gigantic project

Bettes jaw was on the floor, her eyes wide open, trying to understand the offer. Moving towards the edge of the terrace, taking comfort from the view, letting the wind caresses her Bette took a few minutes before asking.

Peggy knows me more or less but you dont, why do you want me for this She didnt turn to look at Helen, just waited for an answer, enjoying the view.

Lady Penelope walked to stop at Bettes side and looking at the night lights answered, slowly, meaning the words.

I like you, you are not only very well prepared and well travelled. Your mistakes talk better of you than whatever you have archived and I like that about someone.

She took a few seconds before adding,

And I know Tina, and if she trusts you thats all I need


You know Tina? Asked Bette, very confused, placing her hand on Lady Penelopes arm, who, nodding, let a shy smile started growing on her face.

It was a long time ago, back in high-school Helen whispered, letting the cigarette calmed her trembling hand.

Just then Bettes mind clicked, bringing back Tinas words, memories about the year she spent abroad, studying in Switzerland.

You went to the same high-school in Switzerland?, Bette said, looking at Lady Penelope, who was looking at her now, smiling.

YouYOU are THAT Helen? Bettes words escaped her lips the same moment her mind processed the information.

I didnt know she remember me Helen said, smiling.

She talks about that year sometimes, she said she had an amazing timean all girls private catholic school Bette added, looking at the view again, smiling at Tinas words.

I told her once that, that should have been a clue for her she added, giggling.

What you mean? Asked Helen, looking at Bette.

Bette , turning to look at Helen realized Helens confusion. Smiling, she added,

Tina didnt know, or at least didnt think she knew that she was a ***** before she met me

The change on the look on Helens face confused Bette a little. But then, seeing her nodding, she relaxed, waiting for the words she noticed were about to come out.

Yeah, that makes sense Helen words were said as a memory, lost in the time.

What you mean It was Bettes time to wonder now, confuse.

Throwing the cigarette away, Helen turned to look at Bette.

Tina was my first love.

Bette astonish, was going to say something when she noticed Lady Penelope opening her mouth to continue talking.


***

Tina was waiting for Gretas reaction, seeing how the light rain was wetting her short hair, watering her cheeks, hiding the tears she didnt know were there, tears that Greta was trying to hide.

Taking Gretas hand in her, Tina asked for the third time,

You sure you ok?

Removing her hand from Tinas, Greta looked up, and sighing deeply she nodded just leaning, very slowly into Tina. Tina didnt move as she wasnt expecting what happened next.

Placing her lips on Tinas, Greta, slowly, very tenderly kissed her. At first it was timid, tentative, shy, but then as Tinas lips were opening, Greta placed her hands around Tinas neck, taking her, holding her. Kissing her harder.

Tina was not aware of what was happening, it wasnt her intention to kiss Greta back, but her body was reacting to something she didnt know it was there. They kissed for a few minutes before Tinas senses went back in place. Braking the kiss, moving away from Greta, Tina looked at her, confused.

Am sorry Tina, am really are Gretas words were painfully sincere, Tina noticed.

I know, am too. Am sorry Garbo, really. But I want Bette, I love her

Standing up, Greta was nodding, knowing.

Let me help you Tina was holding her again, helping her walk.

As they were reaching the front door, Tina realized something. Stopping their pace she said, looking at Greta, smiling.

You cant drive, its good that I drove you around. Let me go change and put some shoes on.

Nodding, shyly smiling, Greta agreed. Looking at her, smiling, Tina noticed her wet hair and clothes.

You need to change yourself, lets go get change, then I will drive you to Moss, ok

Ok whispered Greta, blushing, hating the memories that were camping in her mind, still feeling Tinas lips on her. Confused


***

Looking at Helen, Bette waited. She was suddenly feeling very cold, a knot on her stomach was growing. Was dying to get to the hotel and call Tina, wanting to hear her voice.

I loved herbut never told her a word. It was my first time. I didnt find the courage and then, once the year end I never talk with her again

Bette, nodding, added,

I know. She still doesnt understand why you never answered her letters

I didnt know what to say, or how to say it so I took the easy road

Bette , nodding, let a few minutes light the atmosphere before adding,

I didnt know you were *****

I know, not many people does. Im out, is just that I dont go out that much, I dont talk much about it and dont have a very active social life

Oh ok Bette said, feeling silly, hating not knowing what to say. But then something came to her mind.

Is because of Tina you offering me the job?

Smiling, back in her own compose self, Lady Penelope said, shaking her head.

As much as I loved Tina, and I loved her very much I want you to know. Business is business and Gerendith Collection is the love of my life, as well as my grandmothers. I dont play with that. I just think that you are perfect for it. Tina was just a very sweet, tender and happy although scary plus.

Helens honest answer left Bette much more relax and confident. Looking at the beautiful night for a few minutes in silence, letting the words, the news got into them they waited, and then, turning again to look at Bette, Lady Penelope asked,

So, what do you think then?

Id love to do it but will be Tina the one to decide Bette honestly said.

Good nodded Helen, smiling, turning around, hearing Peggys voice calling her name from inside.