Chapter 2

The day Bette and Tina met

Bette’s assistant just resigned saying she cannot take the long hours and her boss’ erratic behavior any longer. And now, Bette was left with a position to fill and applicants outside her door. She was starting to lose hope when the last applicant came in. She handed her application and extended her hand for a handshake while introducing herself.

“Hi, I am Tina Kennard.”

Bette was taken at the blonde’s beauty and confidence. She seems intelligent enough, she thought.

Bette reached out and gave Tina’s hand a shake. “Bette Porter, please have a seat.”

“Thanks.” Tina replied.

The interview went on and Bette was pleased at how well Tina did. It didn’t hurt that Bette felt comfortable with her even before the interview started. She was drawn to the blonde and held her captivated whenever she speaks.

“How soon can you start?” Bette asked a surprised Tina.

“Really? I can start anytime. When do you want me?” Tina replied with a big smile on her face.

“You can start tomorrow. I’ll see you back here at say, 8am?” Bette asked.

“Great! I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow!” Tina enthusiastically replied.

“Tomorrow it is. I am so glad this is all over.” Bette breathed a sigh of relief.

As soon as Tina got out of the Bette Porter gallery she gave her friend Alice a call.

“Hey Al, I got the job!” Tina said.

Alice shrieked. “That’s great, Tina! How’s the lady boss?”

“She’s gorgeous, Al.” Tina replied dreamily.

“Gorgeous, huh? Do I sense a crush on THE boss?”

“Oh, shut up, Al. You have been recruiting me but I haven’t signed up for your program yet.”

“Whatever floats your boat, Kennard. And right now it looks like it’s the lady boss.”

The following day

Tina had two coffee cups with her. She was 15 minutes early and was surprised to see that the gallery was open already. She went inside and saw that Bette’s office was open. She knocked and waited for Bette’s response.

“Come in.” Bette said.

“Good morning, boss.” Tina said upon entering Bette’s office.

“Good morning, Tina. And please just call me Bette. Boss gives me the creeps.” Bette replied with a chuckle.

“Yes, bo… er… Bette. Oh, by the way, I got you coffee. I hope you like it.” Tina said offering the coffee to Bette.

“That’s so nice of you. Thanks! Isn’t it too early to play nice? You haven’t seen the worst of me yet.” Bette mischievously grinned at Tina.

“It’s never too early. So, the table out front, that’s where I’m supposed to be, right?” Tina inquired.

“Oh right. Why don’t we take our coffee and I’ll give a tour of the gallery.” Bette said taking a sip of her coffee. “This is good. Where did you get it?” Bette asked.

“There’s a nice café near my place that sells nice coffee. It’s called The Planet. I’m glad you liked it.” Tina replied blushing while she and Bette made her way out to the main gallery.