He smiled across the table at Bette. Randle Morrison wasnt an exceptionally beautiful person like Ms. Porter but he had confidence, humor and charm. Randle couldnt help, but admire women today specifically this woman. Here was a lady who just up and transplanted herself to a new place. Courageous, he thought. Randle was an older gentleman with muddled brown hair, deep-dark eyes offset by an intense brow, strong jaw line, and thin lips resembling much of his English ancestry.

Let me look over this proposal. I have been considering expanding to help bring in a larger variety of artists to our gallery. This might be an option that I might be willing to consider. Would it be alright to come by and see the space?, Randle inquired partially to see the warehouse remodeling, but more so to see that smile again.

Yes, of course you can. I just wanted to be sure that you know I will be approaching other artists and galleries in the area as well about working out a partnership.

Of course. Id be worried if you werent. Now, can we put business aside and have you tell me what a lovely lady like you is running from?

Excuse me? Bette was taken aback by his perceptive boldness.

What made you leave the east coast in such a rush? Why LA and not NYC?

Bette glanced past Randle towards the Santa Monica beach.

The weather. She answered flatly not offering anything more to his question and firing it back.

How about you Mr. Morrison? No one is actually from LA. What brought you here? Suntan lotion and bikinis? she smiled raising her left brow inquisitively.

He laughed, so noting her diversion of his question. Who wouldnt be wooed by that?! But, I am from LA. I grew up in Pasadena. I could show you around sometime if you like?

Bette meet his gaze with formality in her tone.

I dont mix business with pleasure.

Of course you dont. But, I could show you some of the galleries in the surrounding areas that may help give you some ideas.

Now wouldnt that be to your disadvantage?

Of course not, it would only keep me on my toes. I like a challenge. Bette looked down at her cup of coffee nodding and grinning. He was charmer, she would give him that.

I may take you up on that Mr. Morrison. Randles cell phone rang.

Excuse me. He answered, mumbled a few yes into the receiver then hung up. Ms. Porter, its been a pleasure. I will get back to you by Friday. In the meantime, I will swing by the warehouse around one oclock to get a look at the place and maybe steal you away for lunch?

That sounds great. Thank you for your time Mr. Morrison.

Bette stood, shook hands, and bid farewell with the European flare of a kiss on each check. Randle Morrison walked away intrigued. He may well take this partnership if only to see if he could take on such a woman as Bette Porter.

Bette sat back down and jotted some notes, she had three more scheduled appointments. One should be arriving shortly and the other she would have to drive across town.

She had worked at a couple small galleries in NYC. Brad had hated it because she would be home only on the weekends, but she loved it. She sampled everything NYC had to offer from nightlife to culture. It had seemed the world was at her fingertips. Bette had even tried to convince Brad to move to NYC.

Out here she was finding that little bit of experience in NYC was at least getting her meetings with the right people, those who handled the money. The rest was up to her.

Bette glanced around the casual caf. She herself was a bit over dressed for the place in a tan suit, but she didnt want to have meetings at the warehouse because of the noise and construction. The attractive brunette waitress that made even the simple black pants and white tailored shirt look striking caught Bettes gaze and walked over.

Is there anything else I can get you? The waitresss nametag read Simone and her voice was soft and sweet like candy.

Not at the moment. But, Im having another meeting. Bette glanced at her watch. He should be arriving shortly. If you could make sure to swing by as soon as he sits I would appreciate it. I have another meeting across town and I need to make this one quick.

Of course, not a problem. And I couldnt help but eavesdrop about the new gallery you’re opening. She paused smiling coyly, Im an artist. I just graduated from San Diego State and decided to give LA a shot.

Well, maybe I could see some of your work sometime. New, untapped talent is exactly what I am looking for.

Oh wow! Really?! That would be great. Let me write down my studio number.

How about later today around seven?

The waitress smiled broadly jumping in quickly, Yeah, sure! I get off at six so that should give me plenty of time.

Then I will meet you back here.

The waitress beamed. She couldnt believe she had the bravado to say something and to have Bette acknowledge her rather then brushing her off like most seemed to do was an added bonus.

By the way, Im Bette Porter. And you are Simone…?

Ravenclaw. Simone extended a hand just as Bettes next appointment walked over. Bette shook it quickly then turned her attention to her midday appointment.