“Well what has always impressed me about Tina – even before I knew that she was my daughter’s girlfriend was that she is so erudite and speaks so well about books. You are a very impressive young lady Tina and I am sure that Jules will just think that you are wonderful. “
“Oh Rosemary – I just cannot thank you enough “
“Don’t mention it dear – when I walked in and saw the two of you together I realised just how much you mean to Bette – well I just think that anything I can do isn’t enough”
“Thank you Rosemary – that means a lot “
“Thanks mom “ Bette just loved the fact that her mom had taken such a shine to Tina. Everything that her mother did just threw even more into focus how she contrasted to Emma. Bette took Tina’s hand and kissed it
“I think we need a shopping trip to get you an interview suit “”
“I have suits “ Tina protested
“In that case we will buy some blouses and maybe some killer shoes. “
“What should I wear ?” Tina appealed to Rosemary
“Smart is a good idea “ Rosemary admitted “You wouldn’t be expected to wear a suit to work obviously but Jules is fairly old fashioned and if you dress well she will be impressed. I did tell her how educated and articulate you are. Frankly my dear it would take some doing for you to mess it up “
“I won’t – a bookshop – oh wow that is just a dream job. short of running my own cinema that is just the perfect job for me. Rosemary “ Tina was grinning “Thank you again Rosemary”
“I don’t know about the pay but I imagine that it will be at least on a par with what you are on at the moment “
“The money isn’t as important as the job “ Tina said
“Look – here comes our orders – lets eat and talk about how we are going to celebrate Tina’s new job “
**
Bette was sitting with James as they were planning their December show.
“I think a really traditional background will contrast the pictures to the best effect “
“It’s a daring thing – some of these photographs are not comfortable “
“Its about peace and understanding – something there isn’t enough of in the world regardless of all the claptrap at Christmas”
“The images from Palestine are hard”
“Yes – and we will have to sit down and talk about which ones we show – – I agree that some of them are ones that I would have to think long and hard about showing “
Bette glanced at her watch and picked her phone up to see if she had received any messages while they had been talking business. James wrote some notes on his pad and looked at his pre-prepared notes
“Do you want me to see if Candy is free to do the fittings and lighting ?”
Bette rubbed her nose
“No “
James looked up in surprise
“No ?”
“No “
“Eh – any reason ?”
“She’s had the hots for me for years “
“And there is always a fair bit of flirting between the two of you “
“And I don’t want that any more “
James bite his lip – he wondered if this was coming from Tina or from Bette – he was fairly certain the former would have no idea about the sexual tension between the gallery owner and the carpenter.
“She’s a good carpenter and you like having her team around “
“I do – but there are other firms around and her rates have been steadily creeping up show after show “
“So have your profits “ James pointed out
“I know but her fees have been leaping up – look at the old receipts if you don’t believe me. I was talking to Todd the other day and we were comparing fees and she’s stinging me because she doesn’t think I notice or care “
“You haven’t up to now “
“Well I do now – I am quirky like that. Look around and see what sort of deal we can get for the show.”
“Even if they are men ?” James said – Bette was famous for picking female workers wherever possible.
“James – I know its not like me but I am in a long term relationship and I don’t want to flirt with Candy – or have her around “
“In her tight jeans where you can usually see her ass “
Bette’s raised eyebrow was enough to make James nervous.
”Sorry Bette “
“So you should be – see what other fitters are available for the week we have pencilled in. if they are male only firms make sure you get the butchiest one possible “
“Why ?” James was sure he would NEVER understand Bette
“Well if we are going to have carpenters and electricians in with tight jeans showing their asses ONE of us may as well get some pleasure from it “
James laughed – Bette looked at her watch again
“Are we expecting anyone today ?”
“Not that I am aware of “
“So why the time checking ?”
“Tina’s got a job interview this morning “
“Really – that’s terrific – where is it ?”
“Bookshop next to the City University – you know it ?”
“Yes – Tina working in a bookshop – that’s got to be better than working with drop outs and the low lives she works with at the moment “
“James – that is an elitist and terrible thing to say “
James raised an eyebrow at Bette
“Okay so I agree with you but its still an elitist and bad thing to say and if you tell Tina you think that or even that I do – we are both TOAST “
James nodded “I know – I wouldn’t upset her. How did this job come about ?”
“My mother crazily enough – she knows the manager and she sold Tina. I think from what my mother said its as good as in the bag. I am so pleased for her – it’s a real step in the right direction for Tina “
“What time is the interview ?”
“40 minutes ago – you have no idea how much I want her to get it – she’s so nervous “
“She will be fine – Tina has always struck me as being difficult to shut up once she starts “
Bette laughed – oh how true that was in SO many other ways than what James had inferred.

“I have every faith in her – she just needs to have faith in herself and I am sure that she is getting there “
“How are things with her mom ?”
Bette smiled and picked up her can of soda and took a swig
“Have a stab at it “ she challenged
“You two are being ultra polite around Tina but in reality you hate one another’s guts ?”
“Mm- I’ll give you 50% for that – yes we are being polite around Tina but when I am alone with her I am – if anything even more polite. She’s a top lawyer – a direct attack is playing into her hands “
“I suppose so – but you have wanted to strangle her “
“There is more than one way to skin a cat “ Bette said “Lets just say that after our dinner she’s in no doubt that she might be the long term lion queen but she makes one false move and.. “
Bette smiled her most superior smile
“You are insufferable at times boss – you know that ?”
“I do indeed know that “ Bette said “Look – its real simple – if she keeps doing Tina down there will be a row and the person who will suffer the most is Tina. I really don’t think that Emma actually wants to hurt her . I think she just goes totally the wrong way about wanting Tina to make the most of her life “
“You cannot blame her for that “
“I don’t – I want the best for Tina – she’s wasted in the community centre but it’s a process that she needs to take herself – and she is”
The door opened and Tina burst in . James had never seen the blonde in a business suit and she certainly looked the part – a crisp charcoal grey suit, white blouse and high heels – she looked sensational.
Bette leapt up
“Well ?”
“I just damn well got myself a new job !! “