Tina entered the room and walked directly towards the big bed. She let herself fell down on it, without even kicking her shoes off.
Bette, still at the door was looking at her, smiling. Her face showing exhaustion too. She walked in, close the door, locked it and just there, at the door kicked her shoes off and let her jacket and purse hit the floor. She walked towards the bed and with each pace she was unbuttoning her shirt, by the time she reached the bed her shirt was on the floor in the middle of the hotel room and her slacks were on her knees.

Tina was lying with her eyes closed, barefoot now. Bette, smiling, sat down on the bed.

God, Tee, can you believe the day we had? Bette said as she was rolling on the bed, getting closer to Tina who was looking at her now, smiling.

My dear you looked fine to me, who could say we have gone to ***** and came back? Tina was lying on her arm, facing Bette.

You look quite nice too, but you know, I like you even better without all that clothes. Bette was teasing Tina, she knew that Tina knew that it was only a tease as neither of them had any strength left.

I know babe, but let me get my breath back first. Come here, let me hold you. Tina was opening her arms to Bette.

Tee, if this is New York way of life, I want to go back to LA right now Bette said, teasing, moving into Tinas embrace, sighing.

I Know babe but, (chuckled) just one more time, tell me again exactly how the day began Tina had Bette in her arms, her head on her chest as Tinas hand was caressing Bettes bare arm.

Yeah, (sighing deeply), thank god you were part of how it ended
Tina, smiling, was nodding, encouraging Bette.



(Sixteen hours early)

Bette and Jack were at the door of a beautiful huge townhouse, Peggys house.
Bette was smoothing her clothes, nervous.

Relax, Bette, we are perfectly on time, its two minutes to eleven. Jack said,smiling, liking the sight of a not in control Bette.

I know, I know, I just down know why I am so damn nervous!. Bettes tone showed a little bit of annoyance.

I know, am a bit nervous too. I dont know why either Jack said, rising her hand to push the door bell again.

She pushed it and a couple of minutes later a voice could be heard from the other side of the door.

Joooseee, could you open that damn door?

Bette looked at Jack, nodding.
Thats her Even with her nerves on the edge Betted see the funny side of the whole thing.

Jack was going to say something funny when the door finally opened, letting a rushing Peggy on the phone waving at the two of them to come in.

Yes Jos, I want those lemons right now, how could you expect me to have my tea without them?… Ok, and hurry up! With that Peggy left the cordless phone on the antique table, turning around to face her guests.

Well, well well, who we have here, The one and only Miss Bette Porter Peggy was smiling at Bette, taking her hand leaning into her to kiss her on the cheek.

Bette was taken a back by the affectionate welcome but smiled none the less. As Peggy was kissing Bette with all the ceremony required she noticed Jack behind her.

What have we here? Is this your cute half, Bette?, I heard you two broke up but I am really happy to see that it was all just dirty gossip. Peggy was walking towards Jack with a big smile on her face.

Eh, No Miss Peabody, Peggy thats, thats not Tina, you met Tina, remember? Thats Jack Bette was just behind Peggy, looking at a very quiet and amused Jack.

Tina, (taking Jacks hand) are you Tina?

No, Miss Peabody, Im Peggy, shaking her head interrupted Jack.

Call me Peggy dear, Mss Peabody was my motherJoseeeeeee (looking at Jack), you said you were?”

Peggy said, taking Jacks arm, leading her to the living room. Bette was following them shaking her head while noticing the incredible paintings on the walls.

Im Jack
Jack? What kind of name is that, nosense you dont look like a Jack, I will call you Norma

They were already in the living room, Bette and Jack seated on a chase lounge at Peggys request . Peggy was seated on a beautiful antique big chair, in front of them, staring at them.

So ladies, what can I do for you?

As Bette was opening her mouth Peggy stood up and walking to the wall she pushed a small button hid behind the window curtains.

Joseeeeeeeeee! I dont know whats with this man!

Shaking her head she walked back to her chair, to a very amused Jack and a not so happy Bette.

I dont know where this man hides, he is never when needed! Anyway. what were we saying?

Peggy, I wanted to talk with you about your collection Bette said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible

Provocations? you two will have some tea with me its a special kind, from India, Jos has some relatives around there its strong stuffand of course we will add that special bit (winking at the girls) of my medicine.Joseeeeeeeeee!!!

Peggy, I think Jos is buying lemons Jack said, smiling broadly at Peggy.

Lemons? Ohh youre right darling (Peggy was up again, moving her chair closer to the girls) Mg honey, you are beautiful Peggy said taking Jacks face in her hands.

Thank you whispered Jack, having a blast just from looking at Bettes face.

You Bette know how to choose your girlfriends Peggy added, back in her chair, looking at Bette, waiting.

Bette opened her mouth to clarify the mistake but looking at Peggys face, she just said,

Peggy, we, CAC, wed love to show your private collection for our fall show

My private collection, what do you mean .. my private collection? Peggy was looking from Bette to Jack and back, not really understanding anything.

Jack, looking at Bette, arched an eyebrow while whispering,

May I?
Bette nodded, thanking any kind of help.

“Miss Peabody, Peggy (Jack was letting all her charm mesmerize Peggy), what Bette meant is that the CAC is preparing a show with the best private collections in the country. They want to book the two best ones and yours in one of those two.

Peggy was looking at Jack, smiling. Bette was looking at Peggy, worried. Jack was just enjoying the moment.

Who did you say you were dear? Peggy was again, taking Jacks hands in hers.

Im the other collection owner granddaughter

I see, and your name was?

Im Laurel Hasselblad

The moment Peggy heard Jacks last name, she leaned back on her chair, closing her eyes.
Bette looked at Jack with concern in her eyes. Jack was looking at Peggy, waiting for her to go on.

I once knew somebody with that name, Hasselblad Peggy said, her eyes still closed.

Jack and Bette waited for Peggy to go on, as she was looking more focus than ever before.

Yeah (she opened her eyes, stiffing on the chair), that was in1974 ohh the old days

Peggy was up again, pacing the room, her hands in her slacks pockets.

So Bette, you will have to explain me all that none sense about the exhibition. You did a great job with Provocations, so I guess I can trust you with my little ones and having Norma with you (she stopped her pace, looking at Jack)I trust her.

Bette stood up, smiling, walking towards Peggy.
Thank you very much Peggy, you wont regret it

I know dear.. (looking around) where the ***** is that damn man! JoseeeI guess we will have to do it without the tea what would you like to drink Norma?

Whatever you are having is fine Jack answered, smiling at Peggy.

And you Bette? Peggy was opening the bar, hiden behind a fake door pretending to be an old antique library.

Peggy didnt wait for Bette to answer as she was preparing three cocktails.