Charlise handed Bette a champagne glass. “Champagne”? Bette questioned.

Charlise grinned, “A little early for that, dahling. It’s apple juice”.

Bette burst out into a hearty laugh and everyone joined in the laughter with her.

Bette sipped the juice and then held up her glass, “To all of you”, she said. “I couldn’t have done without all of your hard work and support. You are all an inspiration to me”. She turned to look at Allen. “Allen Barnes”, she said with such respect. “I have admired you for many years. You have shown me what a wonderful world, the art world can be. You are the reason I am where I am today. And for that, I am forever indebted to you”.

With her hand on her chest, Allen exclaimed, “Oh, my. I don’t know what to say. I’m feeling a bit verklemmt”!

Everyone cheered and raised the glasses. “To Bette”! they shouted.

Bette in turn replied, “To Allen”. She raised her glass as she beamed with pride at her friend. Allen walked over to her and the two women embraced.

It was almost noon, while Tina was scampering around the house trying to get many things accomplished, the phone rang.

“Hi, Tina. It’s Oscar”.

“Oscar, so good to hear from you”, she said happily.

“So how are you and the little one doing”? he inquired.

“We’re doing just great”, she replied.

“Did you get everything set up with Thelma for tonight”? he asked.

“As a matter of fact, she should be here any minute. I’m so glad you suggested I give her a call. After meeting Thelma, I’m very comfortable with leaving Angelica with her”.

Oscar added, “I’ve known Thelma for many years and and she is a wonderful woman”.

Just then the door bell rings. “Hold on a second, Oscar. I think she’s here now”.

Tina answered the door and greeted her with a big smile. “Hi, Thelma! So nice to see you again. Please come in”.

“Hi Tina. How are you, sweetheart”?

“I’m doing just great”, Tina replied. “Can you excuse just a minute? Oscar is on the phone”.

“Sure, honey, take your time”, Thelma said as she sat down her bag.

“Okay, Oscar, I’m back”, Tina said as she picked up the phone again. Thelma is here now “.