“This is MY office?” Tina was starting to tear up.

“Yes Tee. When you told me your idea about becoming an independent grant writer I figured you would need an office so Yolanda, Joanie and I made some modifications to the original interior design plan to carve out this space for you. I know you’re not ready to make the move from the center but it will be here for you when you want to use it.”

Tina went over and hugged Bette. She was so emotional that she couldn’t even speak. She just held the woman she loved with all her heart and cried. Bette held her close. She knew this gift would overwhelm her. Angie sat in one of the chairs and patiently waited for her Mommy to stop crying so she could show her everything. Bette had given Angie the tour of the office space that morning and told her that she could show Mommy the surprise when she got there. Tina finally got it together and loosened her hold.

“Are you OK?”

“Yeah. I just don’t know what to say. This is so thoughtful. You’ve always been so supportive of my career and you’ve done so much at the center but I just never expected this. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome baby. I support your career change and I didn’t want you burdened with trying to find office space or trying to work from the home office. We have so much square footage in this building it just made sense to get you set up here. Angie is all set to give you the grand tour whenever you’re ready.”

“I’m ready. Come on Angie why don’t you show me around.”

Angie jumped up and took her mom to the back. She showed her the small bathroom, the kitchenette, and the storage room. She also showed her an interior door that was connected to the gallery. It led to a hallway and on either side of the hallway were Bette, Kristen, and the curator’s offices. If you followed the hall it led into the main gallery which is where they were now. Kristen could see from Tina’s tear stained face that the surprise must have really overwhelmed her.

“Hey guys.”

“Hi Ms. Kristen. I showed Mommy the office.”

“I see, and you showed her the secret door to get into the gallery.”

“Yeah. We took the short cut. Momma? Can I go say hi to Maria?”

“Sure sweetie. Just be careful and don’t bother her if she’s on the phone OK? Wait until she finishes.”

“I will Momma.”

Angie takes off to the front of the gallery to say hi to the receptionist. She likes visiting with Maria because she always has a treat for her.

“So Tina was it worth the journey you took to get here?” Kristen asked, smiling at Bette.

“Totally. I can’t believe she did this. I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t even speak.”

“Well we’re looking forward to whenever you move in there.”

“Yeah. Maria is all set to help you with office supplies. She can recommend some of the vendors that we use if you want to set up accounts with them. We can share some resources and buy things in bulk that we’ll both need so we can keep the expenses down.” Bette suggested.

“That’s a great idea. I’ll get with her after the first of the year to make a list and figure out what I’ll need.”

“Are you ready for breakfast? I promised Angie pancakes. We only had fruit and yogurt this morning so I’m sure she’s hungry.”

“Yeah let’s go. Pancakes sound really good right now.”

“Kris. Thanks for your help with this. Bye for now.”

“See you guys. Happy holidays!”

Tina/Bette: Thanks. Same to you

Bette and Tina get Angie and they go have their pancake breakfast then head home to WeHo.