Bette’s eyes widened in embarrassment while a few people around them giggled at the comment.  “I can’t take you anywhere, can I?” Bette shook her head.

“Oh, you know I like this sort of thing.”  Joking aside.  “Do you know any of the artists?  Maybe I could do a short piece on the attraction of the female nude.”  Alice stopped and touched Bette’s arm lightly.  “I’ve got a great idea.  Why don’t I interview you for the story?  You definitely have some insight with all the nude females you’ve been keeping yourself active with these days.”

Alice apparently wasn’t going to drop the topic of Bette and her weekend adventures.  “Jealous, Al?”

“No way.  I know how selfish you are in bed.”

“What?” Bette was flabbergasted.

“I’m kidding.”  Alice moved closer, put her hand behind Bette’s neck and pulled her down to her as she whispered, “I recall quite clearly how giving you are…” She paused before adding, “When you’re horizontal.”

Bette believed her, but for a moment or two, she wondered if Alice’s joke also held a bit of truth.  No, not possible.  No woman she had ever been with could say that they weren’t satisfied sexually.  She never quite grasped the rest of the implication—that perhaps, Bette wasn’t so giving in an upright position.

_____

The Napa-produced wine went down smoothly and the Art Department had spared no expense with the scrumptious gourmet cheeses on tables around the grassy garden.  The event was crowded and as Bette and Alice made their rounds, over and over, both women heard the whispered recognition.  “That’s Bette Porter from the CAC.”  “Did you hear, that Bette Porter is here with her partner–the woman that that ***** Fae Buckley talked about on TV.”  “Bette Porter’s over there.  I’m going to say hello.”  “Man, I’d love it if I could get a show at the CAC.  I’m going to give her my website addy.”  “I’m not sure, but I think that’s the woman from that museum who those religious freaks targeted last Spring.”  “Right, Bette Porter.  That’s her, isn’t it?” 

Soon, well-wishers and previously unbeknownst fans encircled Bette and she drew more attention than the sculptures they had come to see.  She alternately accepted congratulations and words of encouragement, while introducing her oldest and closest friend, Alice to the dozens of art lovers on the lush strip of garden.  Alice met two of the artists and she gave them her card, promising to get in touch with them early next week.  Before the night was over, Bette had schmoozed with most of the students, artists and faculty at the event.  Everyone wanted to rub elbows with her.  Later, she found her way to that sculpture she loved and stood before it, taken in by its invitation.  Warm, interested eyes watched her and thought, *she always did have a thing for the classic female form.*

End Part One