Chapter 18

The Show

Tina, arrived back at the Gallery just after 5:00 pm.  She walked through the doors and toward the main floor and took in what lay before her and sighed deeply as she whispered, “Perfection”.  The room drew you in to its essence.  The art, the lighting, the subtle adornments captured you, and in the middle of it all, absorbing the light, absorbing the essence of the room, stood, the masterpiece, breathing in her creation.  Elegant, Statuesque, Consuming, Breathtaking no… words could describe what Tina beheld.  She gazed at the vision and let the moment wash over her.

Suddenly she felt like an intruder on a private, solemn, moment.  She bowed her head and quietly tried to move away to give Bette have her privacy.

“Tina, I’ve been waiting for you.  Come here and enjoy this moment with me.”   Bette said as she extended her hand toward Tina.”

Tina accepted the long slender hand, “Bette, are you sure?  I don’t want to intrude.”

“Absolutely, this is ours, Tina.  This is ours.”

Bette held Tina’s hand tightly and just basked in the aura of the moment.  Tina held onto that beautiful hand and felt the warmth, the glow of the woman beside her and at that moment, had never felt more complete in her life.

“Bette, thank you for sharing this moment with me.”

“Tina…I…Tina I have never felt this proud in my life.  Proud and humbled and so grateful.  So, Tina Thank you, Thank you for standing beside me and sharing this moment with me.”

Tina had no idea how to respond, nor could she at that moment.  She was so overwhelmed with her feelings for this incredible woman, instead she squeezed the hand and brought it to her lips and looked into those beautiful brown eyes and the single tear on Bette’s check.

“Um, Miss Porter, excuse me, we’ve completed the last of the set up.  You wanted to inspect everything.

Bette turned toward the caterer, “Um…yes, of course.  Tina, shall we?”

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The next hour was a complete blur.  They set about finalizing their preparations and then with Bette in the center, Tina to her right, and James to her left, of the lobby they waited in their choreographed positions ready to greet  the artists, critics, reporters, photographers, and distinguished guests.  They greeted, ushered, offered drinks, and worked the room to perfection.