Two weeks later, the doorman at The Ather House Art Gallery pulls open the heavy glass door. Bette’s fingertips find the curve of Tina’s spine through silk as they step into the marble foyer.

At the coat check, Bette shrugs off her cashmere overcoat, revealing sharp lapels and a tailored suit. She then helps Tina’s coat slide down her arms, uncovering crimson fabric. Bette politely smiles at the young girl at the coat check counter before taking their tickets and tucking them away in her clutch.

Bette then pauses, her gaze lingering on the soft skin of Tina’s exposed collarbone, the gentle sway of straightened blonde hair against bare shoulders. “Ya know I’m having second thoughts about letting you out of the house looking like this…”

Tina smiles and shrugs. “Too late to do anything about it now….”

Bette gently laughs and lifts her brows. “Is it?”

Tina giggles and swirls her index finger around the room. “You’re supposed to be focused on the art….”

Bette playfully eyes Tina again. “I am…” she says as she slides her arm around Tina’s waist again.

“Bette Porter….” A man says.

Bette turns around and smiles at the familiar journalist known for covering the art scene. “Edward. How are you?” She asks.

“Can’t complain…”

Bette tightens her arm around Tina’s waist. “You remember Tina Kennard, right?”

Edward smiles and slightly creases his brows. “Of course I do…nice to see you again…”

Tina smiles politely. “You as well…”

Edward then chuckles. “I apologize, I don’t mean to be rude, I just uh… the last time I saw you, Bette, you were uh….”

Bette chuckles. “Married to another…. long story, trust me…” The then looks at Tina as she continues. “Things are back on track now….”

Tina blushes slightly.

Edward nods. “Gotcha….” He then holds up his recorder. “Mind if I get a short interview…just your initial thoughts of the show?”

Bette looks at Tina. “Uh…”

Tina gently nods and rests her hands on Bette’s lapel. “Go ahead, I’m gonna grab a drink…”

“K…” Bette says and then leans in and kisses Tina.

Tina returns the kiss and is about to walk away, but Bette gently pulls her back and whispers in her ear. “Stay where I can see you, just in case I need to jump and let someone know who you’re with…” She smirks.