Bette walked into the CAC with a refreshed feeling in her system. Tina had woken her up with a surprise romp in the shower and ever since then Bette had a huge grin on her face. James greeted Bette at the door and handed her a cup of coffee along with her mail and some other things. As they were walking towards Bettes office James was finishing running off his list of things he needed to make sure he told Bette and finished with telling her that Peggy Peabody was waiting for her in her office. Bette checked her watch and saw that it was ten after seven and she just shook her head. That woman is crazy, thought Bette as she opened her door and sure enough found Peggy seated on her couch.

Peggy, what a pleasant surprise.

Miss Porter, just the woman I was looking for.

How was your trip to Paris?

UghhorribleFrench people everywhereit was a mess.

Sorry to hear that. What can I do for you?

You can come to New York with me for two weeks thats what you can do.

Im sorryNew York?

Yespart of my collection is going to the Museum of Modern Art and Glenn Lowry just left six months ago on a leave of absence. I have no idea who the current director is and I dont want to work with some half brained idiot when the show opens.

I see, but I still dont understand why you want me to go.

I want you to oversee the set up of my collection and make sure nothing tragic happens during its arrival.

I thought Gina Ferrara oversaw your collection.

She does, but she doesnt handle the pieces personally once they arrive at the museum. Look I just need you to make sure things run smooth and all that. Im sure Franklin would give you the time off from here after all the success Provocations brought you and you can even bring Tina if you like, and of course I would pay you exactly what I know you are worth.

Bette gave Peggy a small smile mixed with a worried look. She sighed loudly and Peggy looked at her a little closer trying to see what was wrong.

Is everything alright Bette?

NoYeseverything is fine. Its just that Tinas pregnant again and she kind of needs me to be here for her right now.

Well you wont be gone that long. When is she due?

Not for another four months, but still. I dont want to leave her alone and I dont think shed be up to going to New York for two weeks.

Well I dont need an answer right now, but I must ask you to reconsider. Ill be in town until Saturday and if you decide to come I can fly you out Monday morning. Its just two weeks Bette, then you can return to your lovely wife and prominent life here in Los Angeles.

Peggy handed Bette a business card with her private numbers on it and left Bettes office in a flash. Bette sat down at her desk and sighed again. She knew Peggy was giving her a major opportunity to broaden her horizon so to speak, but she also knew she couldnt leave Tina alone for two weeks. There was no way in ***** Tina would agree to go with her and Bette knew she would be forced to make a choice: her career vs. her family. Bette reached for the phone and called Tina at home hoping she hadnt left for the day.

Hello?

Hey baby.

Hey is everything okay? Whats going on?

No no, everything is fine baby. Just wanted to hear your voice thats all.

Bette heard Tina laughing and she knew Tina probably must think shes nuts. Bette hung up shortly after that and stared blankly at the phone. Part of her really wanted to take this opportunity and go to New York, but another part of her just wanted to stay home with Tina. Bette decided she shouldnt make a decision until she spoke with Tina and so she pushed it to the back of her mind and tried not to let it distract her.

Bette arrived home a little after seven and found Tina cooking dinner as usual. Bette walked in and gave her a kiss on the lips before going straight to the fridge for some wine. Bette usually didnt drink alone, but tonight she needed it. She had grown more and more apprehensive about telling Tina about New York all day and now she was just exhausted. Tina noticed Bettes beverage choice and after turning off the stove she went over to where Bette was sitting on the sofa and sat down next to her. Tina nuzzled Bettes neck playfully trying to see if she was in a bad mood or just tired and when Tina felt Bette wrap her arms around her she knew Bette was just beat. Tina continued to nuzzle Bette gently while kissing and licking her neck softly and soon Bette had completely forgotten all about telling Tina about New York.

Tina laughed softly as Bette turned to her with lust in her eyes and leaned in for a deep kiss that sent a chill down Tinas spine. Tina moaned softly when Bette ran her hands along Tinas thigh and pulled her shirt out of the skirt she was wearing. Bette laid Tina back gently on the couch and unbuttoned her shirt, kissing and nipping at the newly exposed skin as she worked her way down Tinas chest to her stomach. When she reached the soft lump in Tinas mid section Bette kissed it gently and whispered, I love you baby, before continuing down Tinas body. Bette undid the skirt Tina was wearing and pulled it down her legs quickly and kissed her way back up to Tinas upper thigh. Bette could already smell how aroused Tina was and she smiled to herself as she ran her hands along the outside of Tinas underwear and felt how soaked they were. Bette pulled them down and licked Tina lightly before gently easing two fingers inside.

Uhhhh Bette

Tinas hands were in Bettes hair and she was rocking her hips slightly to meet Bettes thrusts as she moaned softly. Tina quickly climaxed and when Bette felt Tina contracting around her fingers she bent down to bite Tinas ***** lightly causing her to ***** again. Bette eased her fingers out of Tina and licked them off while Tina looked on with hunger in her eyes. Tina sat up and shook the skirt and underwear completely off her before leaning into Bette and kissing her. Tina could taste herself on Bette causing her to become more aroused and she quickly returned the favor by bringing Bette over the edge again and again. After their lay there for about twenty minutes trying to regain strength and composure they laughed as they cleaned up and ate dinner. After dinner Tina said she wanted to sit outside for a little while and since it was warm Bette agreed and followed her outside with a cup of tea for Tina and a glass of wine for herself. They settled into one of the lounge chairs by the pool with Tina between Bettes legs and Bette wrapped her arms around Tina pulling her close.

Baby?

Yeah?

I have something I need to talk to you about.

Tina stiffened a little when she heard the nervousness in Bettes voice but she didnt let her worry get to her. They had been doing so well and everything was going fine with the baby so she figured whatever it was, she could deal. Bette noticed Tinas change in mood and she tightened her grip on Tina a little as if to calm her worries. Tina didnt say anything and just waited for Bette to continue.

Peggy Peabody stopped by the CAC today and asked me for a favor.

Whats the favor?

Well part of her collection is going to the Museum of Modern Art and she wants me to oversee the set up and production of its showing.

Isnt that in New York?

Yeah. Thats what I wanted to talk to you about. Peggy asked me to go to New York for two weeks while the show is set up and make sure everything goes according to plan.

I thought she had someone to do that for her.

Well Gina Ferrara is the curator of her collection but she doesnt handle the business side of Peggys collections. Once they go to a museum Gina doesnt deal with any aspect of it and Peggy wants me to do this since the old director is on a leave of absence and she doesnt trust the new one.

Tina thought about what Bette was saying. She had been asked to get a show set up for one of the most prominent art collectors in this country at one of the most renowned museums in New York and she was asking Tina for permission to do so. Tina was a little shocked that Bette thought she needed her approval to do so, but it was nice that she was being so considerate about it. Tina had expected Bette to just agree to do it and tell Tina she would be gone, but Tina saw how that was the old Bette and the new Bette was taking her family responsibilities a little more seriously. Tina turned and looked up at Bette with a smile on her face.

Babe I think its a great opportunity. You should definitely do it.

You know Id be gone for two weeks right? I mean youre okay with that?

Why wouldnt I be? Besides, between Alice, Shane, Dana and your sister its not like I wont have anyone here with me whenever I need.

I knowbut its justI dont want to leave you here for so long thats all.

Bette, its okay. Its only two weeks and besides, how many times does Peggy Peabody ask you for favors?

Bette smiled down at Tina and gave her a kiss on the forehead. She was so thrilled that Tina said yes and deep down she would have been a little annoyed if Tina said no or had gotten mad at her for even asking. Bette squeezed Tina a little tighter and kissed her cheek before she remembered one more thing.

You could come with me you know. Peggy said she would fly us both out there.

I dont think I can take off babebut its not a big deal and besides youd be so busy out there you wouldnt have time for me.

I always have time for youand you.

Bette had reached down and patted Tinas stomach and Tina laughed at Bettes gesture. They sat out by the pool for a little while longer before finally going inside and going to bed. In the morning Bette called Peggy and told her that she would accept her offer to go to New York and Peggy was thrilled. After getting all the details she needed from Peggy she told Franklin what was going on and he agreed to let her go without any hassle. Bette sat at her desk and smiled as she thought about what a great chance this would be for her to really break out on the art scene. Some people say that Bette Porter is too ambitious for her own good and most of the time Bette never believed them, and in fact most of the time she proved them wrong. Things change however, and maybe this time they were right.