Bette Porter, who had been glancing down at her phone while walking, pauses. When she looks up, Shane is already crossing the hallway toward her.

”Uh… Dean Porter?”

Bette slips her phone into the pocket of her blazer and smiles warmly. ”Yeah?”

Shane extends a slightly nervous hand. ”Hi. I’m Shane McCutcheon. I’m one of the graduate students in your department…I’ll be taking your Monday evening seminar…”

Bette accepts her hand with an easy smile. ”It’s nice to meet you, Ms. McCutcheon.” She gives Shane’s hand a firm shake.

Bette studies her for a moment. ”So, tell me…” she says. ”What kind of artist are you hoping to become?”

Shane hesitates. ”I… don’t really know yet.”

Bette nods thoughtfully. ”That’s perfectly fine.” She folds her arms comfortably. ”But that’s your first assignment.”

Shane blinks.

Bette continues. ”I want you to spend the next few days thinking beyond mediums.” She gestures lightly with her hand. ”Don’t tell me whether you paint, sculpt, or photograph…Tell me where you see yourself contributing to the field.”

She begins counting on her fingers. ”Gallery artist…. Creative director. Illustrator. There are dozens of avenues an art degree can take you.” She points gently at Shane. ”The next time I see you…I want a list of three professional paths you honestly believe could fit the artist you want to become.”

Shane smiles sheepishly and slides both hands into her pockets. ”I can do that.”

Bette smiles. ”I know you can.” Only then does Bette glance toward the blonde woman standing a few feet away. She smiles politely. ”And are you one of my art students, too?”

Tina lets out an awkward laugh. ”Uh… no.” She shakes her head. ”I went into something a little more practical.”

Without looking away from Bette, Shane quietly mutters, ”Not now, Tina.”

Bette raises an amused eyebrow. ”Oh? And what profession would that be?”

Tina squares her shoulders. ”I’m a screenwriter.” She gently smiles. “Well… aspiring screenwriter. I work as a Development Assistant at Alphaville Studios while I’m finishing graduate school.”

Bette laughs softly. ”Right.” She nods once. ”I’ve heard Hollywood is incredibly practical.” She pauses for a beat. ”And not fickle at all.”

Tina opens her mouth, but nothing comes out.

Bette extends her hand. ”Well…Good luck with your endeavors, Ms….”

Shane subtly nudges Tina with her elbow.

Tina finally snaps back to reality. She reaches out and takes Bette’s hand. ”Kennard. Tina Kennard.”

Their hands meet. For just a second longer than either of them intends.

Then they slowly let go.

Bette draws her hand back first. She then turns toward Shane. ”I’ll see you Monday.”

Then she points at her with a playful firmness. ”And I expect that list.”

Shane grins. ”You got it.”

Bette smiles again before turning and walking toward the dean’s office.

Tina and Shane head in the opposite direction.

Just before disappearing around the corner, Bette can’t help herself. She glances back, for only a second. Just long enough to find Tina already looking at her.

Their eyes meet one last time before Bette turns the corner and disappears into her office….