"Ms. Porter…Eric Slate on line one for you…"

Bette’s body instantly tightened.  She cautiously reached for the phone, her mind wheeling.

"This is Bette Porter" she stated as nonchalantly as possible. 

"Bette!  Eric Slate here…"

"Eric!  Yes…how nice to hear from you."  Bette tried to make her voice sound like it was smiling.

"Well, I just wanted to extend my wishes for your success on the upcoming Malachi show…I’ve heard how revolutionary his work is…" Eric’s voice bounded through the receiver.

Bette was hardly concentrating on what Eric was saying…she wondered if Eric was with Tina…was she standing beside him, looking at him with those eyes?  Did Tina know that her boyfriend was calling Bette Porter…would it even matter to her at all?

Bette straightened herself.

"Thank you, Eris..yes, Malachi’s collection is indeed revolutionary…but controversial as well I’m afraid…" Bette sighed into the phone, her body returning to its earlier stressors.

"Listen Bette…I was wondering if I might be privy to viewing that exhibit…I know it’s open to the public, but I would really like to be there on opening night…you know, in the mix…" Eric’s voice sounded hopelessly optimistic.

Bette couldn’t believe how this opportunity was effortlessly opening up to her.  Ideas began to swirl in her head, her rotten mood beginning to lift. 

"I’ll do you one better, Eric…" Bette couldn’t help but smile slyly into the receiver.  "Why don’t you and Tina join me next week for one of the artist dinners…Malachi is expected to make a short speech about the collection after the meal…are you interested?"

Bette held her breath, praying Eric would be willing to accept…not only for himself, but primarily for Tina.

"Interested???!!!!  Of course I am!  That would be legendary!" Eric boomed excitedly.

"Wonderful…" Bette began, releasing the air from her chest.  "I’ll add you to the list…and Tina?"  Bette hesitated for a moment.  "Will she be joining you?"

Bette again restricted her breath in anticipation of Eric’s response.

"I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t be interested…she’s been talking about the gallery quite a bit since her first visit…"  Eric reasoned.

"She has?" Bette asked with obvious disbelief and triumphant hope.

"Yeah,  I mean, nonstop it seems…" Eric chuckled.

Bette felt the heat beginning to rise up through her body.  Her cheek felt hot to the touch when she grazed it to tuck another stray curl behind her ear.

"So…next week…" Eric began, attempting to break the silence.

"Oh…yes.  I’m having invitations sent out by the end of the day…I’ve got your address on file…Uh, so I will go ahead and add her to the list."  Bette traced Tina’s name with her fingertip on her desk.  "Eric Slate and Tina Kennard."

Eric and Bette said their good-bye’s and ended the brief call.  Bette sat back in her chair softly, finally uttering the wish that had been on her mind and lips for weeks now.

"I’ll be seeing you soon, Ms. Tina Kennard."

TBC