Bette was surprised that Paris was willing to give up her interest in the partnership. Bette then said she would structure a contract that as long as James Preston maintained a 50 percent interest, he could use the name for free. But if his share of the business fell to less than 50 percent, a license fee would be required say 5 percent of sales?  Bette said that she didn’t mind helping James out but was not going to let the use of her name go to just anyone.

Paris then said James deserves the business. He has worked very hard to get where he is. And with a growing family, his ability to purchase the business may just be out of his reach.

Bette then told Paris that she wanted the transfer to be effective as of January 1^st.

Bette:  And Paris, please stay on long enough for him to get in his parental leave. It’s very important that he be given an opportunity to bond with this child.

Paris:  Oh, I will. I plan to stay on at least until the school year ends. Jeanette is going to resign her position with the school system. I think she’s going to see how it goes with the symphony. But we will be going to Scotland in August. And she refuses to miss that.

Bette:  Well, it’s good you two are talking about this. These things take a lot of planning and you two need to be on the same page. So, this is a go for James?

Paris:  Yes. And we need to tell him before Thanksgiving so he can start to operate with that mind set. And since he will be owner. I will let him decide if and who he wants to replace me. That person will become the number 2 person on the staff and he becomes number 1.

Bette: James is a smart young man. He’ll be fine. I do wish him the very best. I’ll call Joyce Wischnia and have her start the paper work.

Bette and Paris then packed up their things and walked out the door together. They then got into their cars and headed for home.

When Bette got home, she began to assist Tina with the dinner. Tonight, was salmon steaks and rice, broccoli and braised carrots. Bette informed Tina that Paris too was giving her interest in Potter Gallery to James. Tina was excited. She loved James and Lisa and their two kids. And one more on the way. Bette then said they would talk to James around the first of November.