***

Bette and Leigh were both staying at the same hotel in Carmel. Since they were dressed up from the dinner they went to their rooms to change into more comfortable clothing before meeting up at the hotel bar for a nightcap. Leigh was waiting when Bette got to the bar lounge area. It was a cozy piano bar. There were quite a few patrons still hanging out even though it was after 10:00pm.

The server came to take their drink order. They both felt like drinking red wine so they ordered a nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to celebrate Leigh’s success.

“Here’s to you Leigh. You really wowed them tonight. I think you would have sold half the pieces if we’d offered them for sale. I didn’t have any doubt that once your work got exposure everyone would overlook the past and just enjoy the beauty of the art itself.” Bette told her friend proudly.

“Thank you Bette. I wasn’t so sure of myself, but you and James gave me confidence to try. I’ll be forever grateful. I mean I can’t believe that I’m already having my first show. I truly expected to still be knocking on doors just to have someone look at my work much less show it.

James has done such an amazing job handling the business for me. I couldn’t be happier with how things are going. Working with Rosie and Lisa has been awesome. Art Garrison is so gracious and his staff couldn’t be more accommodating. You being there tonight meant the world to me Bette. You are just about the most amazing person I know. You have been so generous with your heart and your resources. You’ve welcomed me into your family of friends; you’ve forgiven me for the pain I caused you. You don’t have any hard feelings. You helped me secure the position at CU. I just owe you so much. I don’t even know how to begin to repay you.”

“You don’t owe me anything Leigh. I didn’t help you or accept you back into my life because I expected anything from you. I did it because I wanted to and I’m being a bit selfish too because this is my passion. Being an instrumental part of making events like tonight happen for a new talent is what I find so exciting and rewarding about this business that I love so much.”