Bette Porter had it all. Well at least everyone that knew her certainly thought she had it all. Bette herself however, felt like she was missing something in her life. She just had no idea what it was until She walked through the door.

Saying Bette was beautiful was such an understatement it was almost laughable. She had a smile that lit up a room. Her dark smoldering eyes were intoxicating and when she turned her gaze towards someone more often than not they simply melted. Bette was tall and slender with a finely toned muscular body that aptly reflected all the hard work she had put into it. When Bette walked into a room everyone noticed her, men and women. Her laugh was engaging, her sense of humor, quick and razor sharp. Bettes playfulness was disarming and her charm lethal. Bette was the object of desire for the majority of the countless faces she interacted with on a daily bases. Bette, although an outrageous flirt, very seldom responded to any of these advances nowadays. When she did however, the recipients shared several characteristics. They were always attractive, smart, successful, well put together woman. The one other thing these dalliances had in common was that Bette was always long gone before morning ever arrived. Bette had no sexual interest in the opposite gender and really never had except for a little experimentation during high school and college.

She had had a couple of longer relationship in her life and as a matter of fact her best friend Alice was the byproduct of one of these relationships. Bette never stopped thanking her lucky stars that Alice saw there was a lot more to her than just her sexual prowess. Alice had really worked at keeping Bette in her life even after the romantic side of the relationship had fizzled out. Alice kept Bette grounded and involved in a life away from her art gallery. Although Bettes career had always been her focus it was nice to have something else to look forward to when her work day was done. That was Alice and her cohorts, Shane and Dana. These women were Bettes family now. Even though she had a sister and a father, Alice, Dana and Shane were Bettes life line. She and sister had been at odds for several years over all kinds of reason and even though that was beginning to change there was a lot of issues that need to be resolved. Her father was always telling everyone how proud he was of Bette and often bragged about her various achievements to anyone willing to listen. The one thing Melvin refused to accept or even acknowledge was Bettes sexual orientation. This denial drove a wedge between the two of them and always left Bette trying desperately to seek her fathers approval in all other aspects of her life. She knew it was dysfunctional on some level but she had always been Daddys little girl and felt that didnt need to change so they both just ignored the topic.

Bette was giving a show at her gallery for a couple of new artist that she knew were going to be noticed. Bette had an uncanny ability to spot undiscovered talent so these openings always garnered a lot of attention from the community. This show was no exception. Bette was working the crowd with her usual poise and grace and had systematically charmed everyone in the room. Alice had showed up as usual for moral support and to make Bette laugh as she supplied her with outrageous critiques of every human in the room. Alice was a one woman stand up act and could make the most mundane situations news worthy events with her antics. Bette was always grateful for the distraction and most importantly the companionship.
As Bette stood talking and laughing with Alice the two women were approached by a client that had spent a great deal of money with Bette over the years. Bette turned and extended her hand and warmly greeted Eric.

Hi Eric, I am so glad you could make it. You remember Alice dont you? Bette asked

Eric smiled at Alice and began to speak. Bette you know I wouldnt miss one of your shows. I still have about $10 bucks left in my savings account and though I would give you a chance to get that away from me as well Eric winked

Bette winked back and pointed out that all of Erics purchases were not just simply art but an investment in his future. Eric laughed and quickly turned to the woman that was standing slightly behind him. He grabbed her hand and pulled her over next to him and comically said. Tina honey, I would like you to meet Bette Porter. She is the reason I will never be able to buy you a proper engagement ring. I suppose there must be a subtle way to wear a painting on your finger and not attract too much attention to yourself when you are out in public.

Alice, Eric and Tina all giggled at Erics statement. Bette did not laugh. She simply stood there staring at the most beautiful creature she had very laid eyes on. Tina extended her hand and said It is nice to finally meet you Bette. Eric is always talking about you and the Gallery and I can now see why. You must be very proud of all of this.

Bette still said nothing. She wasnt sure she was even still breathing. Tina began to feel uncomfortable with Bettes unrelenting and piercing stare. Just before the silence got anymore awkward Alice jumped in and said Oh dont mind her Tina, she must have finally slipped into that coma she had been fighting off all week. Eric and Tina chuckled again and Bette snapped back into consciousness when Alice none to discreetly pinched Bettes right arm.

Blinking quickly several times Bette apologized for her behavior and proceeded to take Tinas hand in her own and feebly reply You have no idea how glad I am to meet you. Once again Tina became unnerved by Bettes stare and dragged Eric off with the pretense of looking at the artwork on display.

Once out of earshot Alice grabbed Bette by the shoulders and spun her around so they could make eye contact. What the ***** was that? Alice asked looking a little confused herself. Bettes face broke out in the biggest smile Alice had ever seen as Bette simply responded Hey Al, do you believe in love at fist sight?