Valerie walks over to where Bette is sitting and extends her hand. Bette gets up to shake it.

“Please call me Bette.”

“Welcome to our home. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you helping Tina with the art work and getting her home safely.”

“It was my pleasure and thank you for inviting me. I’m really anxious to talk to you.”

“So you really think I could exhibit in your gallery?”

“Valerie from what I’ve seen so far I think your pieces are amazing. If you’re interested in an exhibit we can put together a phenomenal showcase to introduce your work at the next “Emerging Artist Private Exhibit”.

“I’m totally interested. I know your reputation Bette. I’ve read about all the successful artists that got their start at the Porter Art Gallery but I never imagined that you would want me.”

“Valerie don’t underestimate your talent. I see much success in your future. I would love the opportunity to be the one that helps you to realize it.”

“OK you two before you get too carried away with all this art talk why don’t we finish preparing dinner so we can eat. Valerie go wash up then you can take over on the grill. Bette prepared a beautiful salad for us. I’ll do the vegetables. You can talk while we eat then you can show Bette your studio.”

”Yes mother.” Valerie answers feeling chastised. She turns to Bette. ”She can be so bossy. I’ll be right back Bette.”

***

Bette, Tina and Valerie spent a companionable evening cooking, eating, and sharing a bottle of wine. Afterwards Valerie showed Bette all her completed canvases and a few she was working on. The more of the work that Bette viewed the more she was impressed with Valerie’s talent but she also found that she really liked the person.

Valerie was down to earth, honest, and humble which was very refreshing for an artist. Val liked Bette too and she trusted putting her career in Bette’s hands as she agreed to be featured as the next emerging artist at the Porter Art Gallery. After they concluded the business they spent time socially just getting to know one another.

Tina was delightful and so supportive of her best friend that she endeared herself to Bette as much as Valerie did. Bette had surprised herself at the spontaneity she’d displayed in accepting their dinner invitation and offering to transport the art and driving Tina home, but she was glad she took the chance. Of course Tina too had taken a chance with a stranger but neither gave it a second thought as they immediately felt a sense of comfort and safety in each other’s company. It was as if they were never strangers they just clicked.

At the end of the evening the three women lifted their wine glasses and toasted new friendships, good fortune and chance meetings.