***

Meanwhile Bette and Dana sat in the enclosed patio overlooking the city drinking hot toddies while they talked. Bette and Dana connected in a special way that allowed a closeness and intimacy between them that they didn’t share with any of their other friends. It had been a while since they’d had a chance to talk by themselves so they were thoroughly enjoying not having everyone else around that evening.

“Bette I can’t believe that you were able to get that Kio Cava sculpture for my mother.” Dana exclaimed excitedly at Bette’s rare find.

“It was actually a fluke that this woman walked into the gallery wanting to get an appraisal on the piece. She’d found it at a garage sale in New Jersey and had no idea what it was worth. Her first instinct was to take it to a pawn shop thinking she could get a few hundred dollars for it but thank goodness her better judgment prevailed. Your mother has been hounding me for years to locate the last piece to complete her collection so you can imagine my delight when I recognized it. Once we authenticated it I made a fair offer. The woman took it without question, she was ecstatic to get thousands more that she ever imagined.”

“Well I’m just glad you told me about it first before you called my mother. I was at a loss for what to get her for Christmas but this is perfect. She’s going to be so thrilled.”

“You will certainly ingratiate yourself with this one. How’s it going with you two by the way?”

“It’s actually been pretty good but you know Sharon she always needs something to nag about.”

“What is it now?” Bette asked knowing that Sharon could be a bit overbearing at times.

“Grandchildren…she’s lamenting about the prospect of not having any grandchildren. With both her kids being gay she doesn’t see how that’s ever going to happen. She still can’t grasp the concept of same sex couples having and raising children of our own. Howie and I have assured her and dad that we both want to have families with our respective partners and we will give them grandchildren when we’re ready. Howie is still a child himself so there’s no pressure but with me it’s a constant bone of contention especially with the cancer still looming over my life.”