Chapter 25

The weekend spent by the lovers was nothing but great. They relished the time that they had together and to say the least was reluctant to let go when it was time for Bette’s departure. Few tears were shed and goodbyes were said.

Monday came and Bette was busily putting up her next show. She was able to book the famed sculptor named Jodi Lerner and she was really thrilled about it.

She heard a buzz and followed by her assistant’s voice.

“Jodi’s here to see you.”

“Thanks. Let her in.”

Bette heard her front door open and saw Jodi came in.

“Hi Ms. Lerner! It’s a surprise to see you here so soon.”

“Hi Bette. Please call me Jodi. You’ll kill me with the “Ms.”” Jodi smiled.

“Ok then. Jodi, what brings you here?”

“I was just in the area and decided to pop in here. I hope you don’t mind. I was actually looking for inspiration for my next pieces.”

“Oh, then be my guest. Anything that would bring in the sculptures.” Bette kidded.

“You are mean.”

“No, I am not. I am a businesswoman. Kidding aside, would you like a tour of the gallery? We have new pieces set up. My assistant can walk you through them.”

“I’d love that. I’ll love it even more if you go with me instead of your assistant.”

“Oh, OK then. Shall we?” Bette said heading to the door.

Is she flirting with me? Bette thought. I hope not because I don’t want such conflict.

The tour went on for about an hour. Jodi incessantly asked questions which made the tour take much longer than needed. Bette was starting to feel uncomfortable and she was wishing that her time with Jodi would just end. When it did she was so relieved but it was short lived when Jodi followed her to her office.

“Do you want to go out to lunch?” Jodi asked.

“I’m sorry Ms. Ler… Err Jodi but I can’t. I have a lot of things to finish up and I am expecting a call.”

“All work and no play, eh?”

“I am not so sure about that.” Bette said with a smile on her face.

Jodi noticed the frame on Bette table and picked it up.

“Your girlfriend?”

“Yeah. I love her to bits. It’s her phone call that I am expecting.” Bette explained hoping to turn Jodi off.

“Oh. That’s so sweet. Where does she work?”

“She’s currently in LA. I am originally based there.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard about that. So you’re doing the long distance thing huh?”

“Yes, we are.”

“Well, OK then. I guess I’ll head back. I think I’ve got an idea or two for my pieces. I have found my inspiration for now. Thanks for the tour Bette.”

“You’re welcome!” Bette said even though she was extremely uncomfortable with Jodi’s statement. She does wish that it was the art pieces that inspired her and nothing else.

“Hey baby” Bette cooed over the phone.

“Hi babe” Tina replied. “How are you doing?”

“Better.” Bette replied sarcastically.

“Hey, what’s up with attitude?” Tina asked chuckling a bit.

“Remember the sculptor that I told you about. The one that I just booked?”

“Yeah. What’s up with her?”

“Can I just say that she gives me the creeps? For the record, I wanted to say that.”

“Why?”

“I think she’s trying to hit on me.” Bette whispered.

“Why do you say that?” Tina inquired.

“She dropped by this morning and she just keep on making comments that makes me feel uncomfortable. She also asked me out to lunch but I declined saying I have an important phone call to take.” Bette smiled.

“Babe, don’t put too much meaning into it. Maybe she is just trying to be nice. If you think about this too much you’ll just stress yourself.”

“I guess you’re right.”

After the phone call Tina went online and searched for Jodi Lerner. She hid it but she was worried for her girlfriend. Not because she thought Bette would stray but because she had a very bad feeling about her new artist.