“Well we never talked about my dreams or what I wanted did we.”

Jodi: I suppose not. You look good.

“I have Tina to thank for that.” Bette smiles at Tina and takes one hand pulling her closer in by the waist with the other. Jodi notices the commitment rings.

Jodi: You two are married?

“Yes. Our one-year anniversary is at the end of the month.”

Jodi: So. You have found what you were looking for?

“It was right in front of me the whole time. I was just too blind to see it. It’s good seeing you Jodi. We need to join our friends. I will be sure to come by and see your new exhibit at the Hammer when it opens.”

Jodi: I’ll look forward to it.

“Good night then. Enjoy your evening.”

Jodi: Good night.

Bette and Tina enjoyed their evening. Neither bothered to mention Jodi. She was of no consequence in their lives any longer. Bette didn’t appreciate her rudeness towards Tina. She certainly didn’t want Jodi hanging around her family and friends and especially not around Angie. They would keep an acquaintance on a professional level, but Bette could clearly see now that they wouldn’t ever become friends.

Bette and Tina teased Alice about the dance contest but even she had to admit that they were HOT on the stage together. The event was once again a huge success and they surpassed their $300,000 goal by an additional $50,000.

***

Bette and Tina’s first try at insemination didn’t take. They were disappointed but realistic about the fact that it could take several months before Tina got pregnant. They took Emma’s advice and busied themselves with life. Considering everything they had going on it wasn’t difficult. After the bike ride and the charity event they both focused on work for the next few weeks.

Maria helped Tina to get all her office supplies. She opened joint accounts with vendors so they could share the costs. Tina was interviewing for an Executive Assistant but for now she was sharing Maria with Kristen and Lauren. She purchased a computer and a printer, copier, fax, and scanner. They installed phone lines and set up cable and internet service in her office. Lisa helped Tina to design her logo, build her website, and produced written marketing material.

Bette and Peggy moved into the new executive offices of the Peabody Arts Foundation in mid-November. The next few weeks before the holiday break were spent in meetings and getting everyone up to speed with the mission and the vision of the organization. The real work would start after the first of the year.

William Douglas was hired as the Associate Director, Fredericka (Freddie) Henderson was the Executive Assistant, and they also had two Grant Specialist and four Program Directors on staff. Peggy and Bette invited the most prominent members of the community and advocates of the arts to serve as Board of Directors, and Advisory Board members.