“I know and I really appreciate that she did that. I really loved the layout and the community is a nice mix of young adults and families. It’s a lot of space for me on my own but hopefully I will raise a family there.”

“Any prospects? Are you dating?”

“I’ve met a few women but nothing serious yet.”

“I’m sure she’s out there…” Bette encouraged her friend. They talked for a bit longer then Bette gave in to fatigue. “Hey I’m pretty beat. I’m going to head up to bed. I know you and Rosie will be busy most of the day getting ready for the reception. Do you want to meet in the lobby around 5pm? We can drive over together?”

“That sounds perfect. I plan to be back here by 3pm to relax and get dressed so 5pm will work. I’m going to hang out for a bit longer and finish my wine. Good night Bette and thanks again for everything.”

Leigh and Bette hug each other and Bette goes to her room. Leigh is still wired from the excitement of the show. The bar is open for another ½ hour so she decides she’ll just hang out until then.

***

Bette drove her rented car to the Monterey airport on Friday morning. She anxiously looked up at the board just outside of security and saw that Tina’s flight had landed on time. A few minutes later Tina walked out of the secured area. A huge grin broke out on her face as soon as she spotted Bette. They hug tightly and Bette kisses Tina lightly on the lips.

“I missed you last night. It’s the first time we’ve slept apart since we moved in together.”

“I missed you too. Let’s not do that too often OK?”

“Not if I can help it. How’s Angie? Everything go OK?”

“Yeah. She’s fine. Kit is picking her up from school this afternoon. They are staying at our house and then the car will pick them up tomorrow morning for the drive up. She is so excited about riding in that ‘monster car’ plus the extra bonus of seeing her cousins. She’s beside herself. How did it go last night? How was the Artist dinner?”

“Leigh was a huge hit. The journalist for the arts magazine is taking some excerpts from the interview that will appear in Sunday’s paper. Then the full interview will appear in the magazine next month. The Arts Council is giving her mention on their website plus adding a direct link to CaramelART’s website. I would say it was one of the most successful introductions of a new artist that I’ve ever attended. Rosie, the curator has done a tremendous job with the displays and publicity pieces. Lisa’s work in the magazines, brochures and website is exceptional. It’s all coming together beautifully.”

“That’s awesome babe. I’m glad to hear it.”

“I told Leigh about my opening a gallery and us moving to the beach. She is thrilled for us. I also asked to premier her work in Los Angeles at my gallery and she’s agreed. She’s doing a new collection called ‘Angels Watching Over Me’ inspired by the angel piece that I commissioned for Angie’s birthday. Oh and she told me that she has definitely decided to buy the condo.”

“Wow. That’s good news. I was hoping that she and Shane would make a decision. It really does seem like everything is falling into place for all of us.”

“Yeah. We need to talk about Shane though. Leigh told me some disturbing things last night.”

“What … what’s going on?”

“I’ll tell you over lunch. Are you hungry?“

“I am. I didn’t have much to eat for breakfast. What do you have in mind?”

“There is a little Bistro in Carmel that I want to try. We can have an early lunch but I have something really specially planned for dessert that I think you’ll love.”

“Does it involve chocolate?”

“It’s all about the chocolate baby. “