Bette lay there looking at Tina and running her fingers through her golden locks.
Bette: I was worried there for a minute.
Tina: Dont be”Im more than okay why dont you come here and let me repay you.

With that Tina made love to Bette and the beautiful lovers drifted off to sleep holding each other.
TBC

The next morning Tina was off to an early morning meeting with Oscar and Bette and James had planned to meet Simone at her studio. This was it”they had to determine which of her paintings would be included in the show. Thursday was quickly approaching”the night of the shows premier and they still hadnt determined what pieces would be shown.

James had started to walk around the studio and place stickers on the canvases he wanted to include while Simone closely followed behind wincing and frowning at some of his choices. Bette watched on as she could see Simones insecurities and doubts about some of her paintings overtake her.
Bette: Simone theres no way we could make a bad choice. All of your work is really exceptional. Trust us Ive already selected the ones Id like to include from the paintings youd already completed but youre making our job much more difficult because you keep painting more daily. It wont be easy to know which ones to include for this show but keep in mind youll have a solo exhibit in the Spring too.
Simone: Yeah its just now that the reality is here that people will actually see these for the first time. Im noticing everything thats wrong with them. Im not sure they are ready to be viewed by the public. Im beginning to feel really scared.
Bette: Simone you have to trust your ability and your talent and lastly”me Ive directed so many shows and I anticipate this will be a really big success for you and the other artists. Youve worked so hard lets share these beautiful works with the world. Its not fair to keep these all to yourself you know.

Just then James cell phone rang it seems one of his friends had car trouble and hed have to leave.

James: Bette I know we just got started with the selection process I hate to bail on you but Ive got to go help out a friend.
Bette: Ok James Ill look at the ones youve already selected and call you later okay.
James: Thanks Id love to see if we agree on including the same pieces.

James turned to leave and realized this was the first time he would be leaving Simone and Bette alone. He noticed that over the last few weeks Simone seemed to be well behaved but he suddenly got a nervous feeling about the entire thing. Just as he reached the door to leave James turned on his heels and quickly pulled Bette to the side.

James: Bette are you going to be okay here by yourself?

Bette quickly got James meaning and smiled.
Bette: James I think so. I dont think Im in any danger”we have too much work to do and besides she hasnt shown in inappropriate behavior lately. Ill be fine thanks for the concern, now go dont leave you friend waiting too long.

With that James headed out the door and Simone and Bette were left to their own un chaperoned devises. Bette began studying the paintings James had marked and continued her slow walk through the maze of artwork.
Simone: So Bette how is all of this going to work”I mean the show and all?
Bette: Well weve decided to include some works from each artist that will run the entire seven- week run as exhibits in the main gallery. Weve also decided to use some of the smaller galleries for other pieces to be auctioned off if you guys are interested in selling any of your pieces.
Simone: Oh so your looking at some to sell and some to exhibit?
Bette: Yes that was Franklins idea and I actually think thats what a group of unknowns need. I miss that part of the work I used to do when I had my own gallery. Im actually looking forward to this show more than I realized.
Simone: Its just difficult to imagine putting a price tag on any of these and then to allow someone else to take it”to know it wont come back home with me.

Bette smiled she began to see a softer more vulnerable side of Simone she wanted to say something to offer her some assurance and comfort.
Bette: Simone these paintings are really moving and powerful and very inspiring and as an artist with such an amazing gift it would be a shame not to share your work. I have the tedious job of pricing these paintings for auction. Think about the artists you love and how if you never had an opportunity to see their work wouldnt that me sad?

Simones face suddenly wore a mask of shock, disappointment, and pain just at the thought of never seeing a Monet her favorite artist.
Simone: Bette thats a frightening thought never say anything so scary again, ok?
Bette: (laughing) Okay.

Simone walked around with Bette for a while looking at her paintings with someone who was in the know. She was in awe of Bette as Bette spoke of why she liked each painting and she really liked every painting in the studio. Simone stopped looking at the paintings and started to focus her attention on Bette. Bette could feel Simones piercing blue-green eyes staring at her and finally turned to face Simone.
Bette: Okay now that weve decided to have a smaller gallery of paintings to auction off Im really going to need your input as to which ones you wouldnt mind parting with.

Bette looked at Simone and kept her tone very professional and discussed only the matter at hand. She was hoping that Simone would stop staring and deal with her on a professional level only. Simone hadnt looked away from Bette and she hadnt responded to Bette she moved closer towards Bette as a slow smile crept across her full lips.
Bette: Dont do that.
Simone: What?
Bette: You stare instead of looking. Its too intense and you dont need to look at me like that. Ive told you time and again I cant be what you want be to be.
Simone: No, youre right. Im so sorry. Youve been nothing but good to me. Its just really hard for me to be around someone whos so beautiful and confident without being tempted.
Bette: (smiling) Im flattered Simone, I really am. Over the last few weeks Ive come to consider you a friend. Im looking forward to working with you again in the Spring but it will only work out if you can accept the fact that we are friends and nothing more.
Simone: Bette I will gladly accept that.

Bette breathed a sigh of relief.

Bette: Great.

The two ladies continued to make the final selections and prepare for the show that was quickly approaching.
TBC