Bette then asked the two them to go to lunch with her at the staff dining room. They both accepted. Bette then asked Holly if she would like to join them. Holly looked surprised but then gladly accepted since Brian and Jill (Professor Nelson’s graduate assistants) were there to man the phones and work on Professor Nelson’s handouts. Holly called the transportation office and asked that the golf cart be sent to the art building.

Bette was glad that the golf cart was available to take them to the faculty dining room. This was a first for both Grace and George to eat at the dining room. Bette had read in the handbook that each faculty member could run a tab for their meals and be billed monthly. Bette had gone on line and registered an account and was prepared to have her meals at this facility.

When they got to the dining room, they were seated just like a nice restaurant and handed menus. George, Grace and Holly were impressed with the facility. Table cloths, waiters and waitresses in black pants, white jackets and shirt with a black tie. Bette assumed they were students on a work-study program. Bette encouraged her guest to order whatever they wanted.

The meal was friendly and the food was good. All commented that this meal was far superior to the meal they had planned on having. At some point, Grace asked Bette to describe what she did at the Whitney Museum as the Director. Bette seemed surprised at the question but went into detail as to her responsibilities and duties. She then talked about what she liked about the job and what she did not particularly care for. She loved featuring new artist and showing collections which were recognizable by the public. She did not like the budgeting, the fund raising and the being the public face of the museum. But that too was a part of being in the art world. And Bette was good at what she did.

They finished their lunch and Bette signed for the meal, leaving a good tip for the wait staff. Grace, George and Holly thanked Bette for the lunch treating it as a rather unique and unexpected treat.

Bette:  Oh, you are welcome.  I just want our first term to get off to a good start. And a good meal always helps.