As she walked into the gallery this morning, she was greeted by one of those fabulous smiles from Bette that always made her heart quicken just a bit.  She had decided that she would ask Bette out for dinner, just to learn more about her, offer a friendship and leave it at that.  She had no feeling as to how Bette would respond, but braced herself for what would probably be a rejection.

“Hey” Bette said to Ansley as she walked in.

“Hey yourself” she said to Bette while smiling at her.  “How are things going here?” she asked as her eyes scanned the room for any changes that may have occurred since her last visit.

“Let me just finish this up and I’ll give you the nickel tour, ok?”

“Sure” she responded.

Ansley watched Bette and James as they continued whatever their discussion was.  They worked well together she had noted.  James seemed almost protective of Bette and so she wondered if he had a small crush on her.  “Who am I kidding?” she asked herself.  “Who does not have a crush on her?”

Bette and James finished up what they were working on and Bette strolled over to Ansley. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting” Bette said.

“Not a worry” Ansley replied.  “I am sure that it will be worth the wait, the tour I mean” she sputtered.

Bette looked at her with a raised brow and then just let it pass.  She took Ansley around the gallery pointing out changes and additions.  As usual, Ansley was quite impressed with what she was seeing and said so to Bette.

“Well, you’ve managed to do it again” Ansley said.

“What’s that?” Bette asked curiously.

“Everything.  Everything looks amazing and all the more impressive, is that none of it could have happened without you”.

Bette, not one to take praise well, just lowered her head and muttered “thank you”.

And that was one of the many things that Ansley found so charming about Bette Porter.  This woman was clearly incredibly strong, but offer her just one compliment, and she turned into an embarrassed school child.  Yep- exhilarating was definitely the word.