Imagine if you would, a tight rope stretching across from the Empire State building to the Chrysler Building and its been your lifes journey to walk across it. One wrong step and your at the bottom in a bloody heap. Shed seen it happen with her sister Kit, disowned from the family and living as her Mother would say a life of *****, alcohol and debauchery, utterly disrespectful. Kit lived somewhere out here in LA, but Bette decided it wasnt time to try and get in touch with her or for that matter anyone. Her calling home had simply been a formality, a courtesy, because she knew she would not be able to call again till she had her life in order. This meant, the gallery.

Bette was able to convince the bank to a 15-day escrow and to let her stay in the warehouse. It wasnt too unusual of a request being LA, but upon explaining her situation it was approved.

Bette glanced around the second floor from her sleeping bag in the corner. The sun came up at the front of the building and showered it with morning sunlight. It was the perfect location for a gallery. Natural light filled the space for most of the day. The skylights of the second floor would highlight works magically if placed correctly. Shed have to make the space for herself somewhere to the back of the studio on the first floor so could be sure to get full use of the space.

Destinations, sixteen days later was rumbling with the sound of work crews. Bette even purchased a cellular phone which was turning out to come in handy since the telephone lines wouldnt be installed for another day. The soon-to-be gallery nestled in North Hollywood on the small side street, Fair Avenue, would have to deal with the passing of trains but other then that was perfect.

Bette stood across the street watching the work crews and admiring her purchase, her dream, her new life. She was starting to feel a sense of pride when see noticed the foreman approaching her.

Serious undertaking for ah little thang like you, he said in a Southern drawl. Of course, almost no one living in LA was actually from the place. It was something she needed to get use to.

She turned her attention sharply to him.
Is that because Im a woman?

Well, yes

She glared at him.

No maybe *****, Lady why ya gotta turn thangs around like that. Its ahelluva undertaking no matter who you are, that betta. Now, what I came over here for, wuz ta ask ya to come look at the plans Toni laid out. Weve finished the all the measuring.

Bette smiled inwardly, Yes, of course.

Though it pleased her to make him nervous and that showed. The part that no one else would see was fear at his comment. Inside, her mind was reeling a mile a minute.

*****, *****, *****. This is a one shot deal. If I dont get it right where do I go, what do I do? What if I run out of money? What if I cant get artists? What if what if what if

In that small walk across the street to the architects table several catastrophe sceneries had emerged in her head. But, she pushed them aside and looked down that plans.

The foreman started explaining what they were going to start work on first and what area had been set aside for her though he recommended she might want to find another place to stay.

A throaty female voice approached from behind Bette.

Jake, Ill finish this. Go have lunch with the crew.

Bette turned around to see whose sensual voice that was and right behind her stood an attractive red-head. Unusually tall and built, the woman still had all the curves in the all the right places. The womans grey eyes looked into Bettes and Bette shivered.

The woman extended her right hand.

Toni.

Bette slowly raised her hand. Toni gripped it firmly.

Bette. Sorry, I had only spoken with Jake and your assistant. I thought you were a man.

Only after the ***** change.

Bette stared, mouth open.

Just kidding. Im really sorry about that. I normally meet with clients myself to find out if I really want to spend that time and effort dealing with them. I had a family situation to take care of in Montana.

Bette finally smiled and relaxed.

No, no, I should be apologizing and actually, Jake and Todd have been impressive. You have a good crew.

Toni pointed to the plans.

Well, let me go over these with you.