“Really I didn’t realize. I thought she was just away on a sabbatical. Obviously I was misinformed.”

“Obviously.” Helena said this with as much disdain in her voice as she could muster. Bette ignores it and continues.

“Well I’m sure you’ve received our proposal.”

“I know it arrived. To be honest I haven’t gotten around to the arts projects.”

“You haven’t read it?” Bette’s tone is accusatory and Helena jumps to defend herself.

“I’ve been focusing on the social justice programs.”

Helena picks up a proposal from her desk and hands it to Bette. Her tone changes; Bette senses a change in her demeanor and hears the passion in her voice. It appears that she really cares about these causes so maybe she’s not the cold fish everyone has made her out to be.

“Look at this Bette. There is a hotel in Boston that they want to convert to a shelter for homeless women and children. These women are breaking their backs to support their children that they hardly see because they are working so hard to feed and clothe them. It’s heartbreaking.”

“Helena I agree that the need is great. I too support social justice projects; some out of my own pocket. As a matter of fact I wanted to make mention of the West Hollywood Youth and Family Center. My ex is the new Director and I suggested that she submit a Peabody grant proposal in the hopes of getting funding for programs like the ones you’ve described.”

“Well then I’m happy to see that we’re on the same page.”

“I agree to its importance Helena but I hope you will also continue to support the arts as generously as your mother did.”

“I don’t think so.” The petulant child is resurfacing in Helena, but instead of being indignant Bette keeps her cool and continues to plead her case.

“Helena. The arts are the vitality of Los Angeles. We are setting the cultural agenda for the rest of the country. The Federal government has completely abdicated. We depend on private support and the Peabody Foundation is like a beacon. Civilizations wither and die without the arts.”

“I’m not completely ruling out the arts Bette. I’m just saying that the foundation is looking at different priorities.”

“Once you read our proposal you will see that one of our projects called “Clothe our Cities” is by seven women. Asylum seekers from …

Helena is totally unmoved and cuts Bette off before she can finish. “It sounds like a worthy project but just imagine how many children I can feed with $35,000. Look I’m sure you’re anxious to hear from us. Rest assured that I will read your proposal and give it a fast and fair hearing.”

With this she dismisses Bette and turns her attention back to the computer screen on her desk. Bette picks up her things and leaves the office. She misses the smirk on Helena’s face as she watches her retreating back thinking that she’s defeated the great Bette Porter.

What Helena doesn’t know is that before Bette leaves the premises she asked the receptionist if Mr. Bruce Cohen was available to see her. The receptionist called Mr. Cohen’s personal assistant and when told that Bette Porter was waiting to see him she was invited to go directly to his office. One hour later she leaves the Peabody offices and gets into the waiting car. The driver David notices the triumphant smile on Bette’s face, and though he’s never seen anyone look so happy after a meeting with the Dragon Lady he doesn’t question it. He drives Bette back to Tribeca and waits while she changes and packs then drives her to the airport where she boards the Peabody jet for the return flight to Los Angeles.