“No way,” Conrad said, still shaking his head as he, too, lifted a champagne flute from the tray, and handed it to Bette, before getting one for himself.

Richard declined the offer of champagne with a regretful shake of his head. His companion did the same.  As everyone else took sips of champagne from their flutes, Richard introduced the man, Mike Chin, as his assistant.

Conrad angled his champagne flute slightly towards Jenna, “That’s a nice earring and necklace set,” he observed politely. “Opal and gold, right?”

Jenna fingered the opal pendant of the necklace. Again her hand shook slightly.  “Yes it is.  Thank you.  A gift from Bette, actually.”  She squeezed Bette’s hand with the hand she’d been holding on to Bette with.  “For my birthday,” she explained.

Bette smiled. Tina had actually selected the jewelry set while they’d been in London. “Have to give her a tasteful gift for her birthday, Bette,” Tina said, waving Bette’s protests off.  “It will look odd if you don’t.”

The brunette accepted the quick kiss from Jenna. She whispered in Jenna’s ear as they drew apart, “Jen, I’ve seen your hand shaking a lot lately.  What’s going on?”

Jenna’s bright smile dimmed slightly. She whispered back, “Long story. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.” She’d agreed with Tina earlier that evening to switch places in one of the underground alleys in the Columbus circle subway station. Tina was going to exit from the station exit that led a small well next to the globe on the north end of the circle, disguised as Jenna, where Bette was going to pick her up in a cab.  Jenna was going to exit from the 59^th street exit, and walk east along 59^th street, disguised as Tina.  Diane was going to pick her up by the entrance to the Plaza hotel, and take her home with her to hers and Jules’ townhouse in the West Village. 

Richard nodded at something Mike was whispering, and apparently gave the younger man some instructions. As Mike left, Bette asked, “So, have you and Jenna been able conclude on the purchase of those paintings you spotted in the spring?”

Richard shook his head. “No, that was not me.  You must be referring to Robert Woo, a close friend of mine.  But you’re right, in a way, too, because I do want to work with Jenna and build my collection along the lines she and I have been talking about.  Robert advised me to consult with Jenna.”