Bette stood on the roof of her gallery trying to sort out how she was going to smooth things over with both Simone and Toni. Lately, it seemed she was striking out in personal life big time. At least her gallery was working out. She had a steady flow of people browsing through everyday and she’d discovered a few artists that were now making waves. Her little corner in the industrial yard was starting to make its mark.

Yet, there was something missing and she didn’t know exactly what it was. She’d just gotten out of a long term relationship in New York… she wasn’t looking for that again. And her discovery about her own feeling… feelings, attractions… toward women. It opened up a different world for her.

Bette went back down to her office, opened the phonebook and called a florist. She sent flowers to both Toni and Simone. It was first step. She knew she needed something more, but first she wanted to see if the flowers would make a difference. She needed to make it work because both Toni and Simone were a part of her professional life as well. Several of Simone’s paintings had sold. A few buyer’s even wanted to make orders with her. Bette would have to figure something out.

All five feet eleven of her entered Bette’s office as if she owned it. She wore a bright attractive sun dress, a large brimmed straw hat and heeled sandals. She was Jilian Greenstone.

“Bette Porter?”

Bette was already up and around her desk before Jilian could walk in any further.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes. I’d like to have lunch with you to discuss showing an exhibition of my daughter’s work.”

“I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Jilian. Jilian Greenstone.”

“Ms. Greenstone. I’m fully booked this week.”

“There must be some time you could make for me. I promise it will be worth your time.”

Bette hestitated. Jilian made no attempt to move or say anything, only looked at Bette impatiently. Bette walked back behind her desk and quickly look through her appointment book.

“How about -”

Her phone rang. Bette answered.

“Excuse me. Hello?… Simone… you did… I want to talk about… no I’m not trying to buy… Simone this isn’t a good time can we meet…”

Bette hung up the phone, drew in a breathe and glanced up at Jilian who stood starring intently.

“Trouble.”

“Not even the half of it. Anyway, I can schedule you in for an hour next week. Will that work?”

Jilian smiled. “How about dinner, tomorrow. It doesn’t sound like you have a date.”

Bette scowled. “That maybe the case but -”

Jilian approached. “You will have a wonderful dinner with wonderful company. I promise.”

Bette watched her intently. She could see that Jilian wasn’t going to budge. “Fine. Now, I must be going.”

“I find that a home cooked meal with a homemade gift work best for apologies.” Jilian smiled and walked out of the office without another word.

Bette had convinced the landlord to let her into Simone’s apartment. Stocked with groceries and a painting she’d made in college she set to work on taking Jilian’s advice. By nine o’clock Bette had everything in place and she knew that Simone would be home shortly.

The phone rang. Bette didn’t answer it. The machine clicked on. A sultry voice spoke, “Simone, it was so good to hear from you last night. I hope I helped. Anyway, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.” Click.

Bette sat down on the sofa, pensive. She heard the key in the door. She heard Simone and another voice. Bette stood, anger and embarrassment starting to set as she saw her plan go down the drain.