“I’ve always had an interest in art. If you recall that is how we met in the first place. I know you do art and cultural things with Angie to aid in her development and interest in the arts. It’s your passion and it’s very important to you. I would love if you would share more of that with me too.”

“I’m happy to do that and I would enjoy having you with me as much as possible. By the same token I would do the same with you and get more involved in things going on at the center.”

“Now that you mention it, I do have a huge undertaking that I could use your help with.”

“What’s that?”

“We are doing a joint fund raising event with the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Center. I’m meeting with their Director Jamie Chen in a week or so to start the planning. I know you have a lot of experience in fund-raising so maybe you can help with some ideas.”

“I would love that. You should get Alice involved too since she has so many connections in the community and in the media. She can definitely help you to get the word out and maybe Kit will let you use the Planet as a venue.”

Tina starts laughing as the “alpha Bette” that she knows and loves emerges.

“What’s so funny?”

“You are. Jamie and I haven’t even met yet and you already have two of our agenda items solved.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to take over. I was just making some suggestions.“

“Don’t be sorry. That’s why I want you involved. You always have great ideas and you’re so creative in the execution. We need your expertise. I think both your suggestions are excellent ones. We have a very ambitious goal. If we can get family and friends involved maybe we can cut some of the cost so that the majority of the money we raise will go to the cause.”

“OK. But let me know if I overstep my bounds. Speaking of the center did you have a chance to talk to Shane today about the photography classes?”

“Yeah she actually came by the center this afternoon. I introduced her to Michael. He’s the professional photographer that oversees the program for us. She met with him for about an hour and when they finished she seemed really enthusiastic about giving it a try. We’ll see how it goes. Michael meets with his students twice a week and they get assignments to complete in class and out in the field. If nothing else it will give her something to do instead of just hanging out in the bars every evening. I imagine it gets lonely for her in that house with Jenny gone.”