It was close to 7pm when Tina was ready to leave. Bette put her arm around Tina’s shoulder as they walked towards the elevator.
“Do you think Peggy is serious in these threats ?”
“Yes “ Bette said “Peggy loves Helena a lot but she will not be taken advantage of. I feel sorry for H – she is getting blamed for something that your mother was responsible for”
“I hope my mother tells Helena what has happened – as you say – its not fair that Helena is taking all this abuse – but she has been distracted easily. She is always wandering around the building – she takes 2-3 hour lunch breaks – she is never in before 9 – leaves before 5. I have worked with people like her before and they can be very irritating because they are Teflon “
“Helena is a lot of things – and Teflon is not one of them – not when P is one of these moods”

Tina pushed the button to call the elevator and gently kissed Bette while they waited. When the lift arrived and opened they were just ending the kiss.
“Hello darlings “
Bette eased away “That can only be Peggy Peabody “
“Hello sweeties – how are both of you “
“Very well “ They stepped into the lift and the doors closed
“Working late Tina ?”
“Finishing the report on the last of the latest grant proposals that came in last month”
“Thank you darling – and how was your day Bette?”
Bette smiled “I have some good news for you “
“Really “
“Yes – I felt bad about not getting you the painting “
“Not your fault Bette “
“All the same – I have been digging and so has James – after lunch I found the artist who painted the picture – R. Hales “
“Yes – the infamous R.Hales “
“He is a nice man – we chatted a lot and guess what “
“What ?”
“He keeps everything that he draws and paints – he has some sketches of the yacht and I asked if he would do another painting for you “
“BETTE “
Bette grinned – it had been genius on her part to ask James to find the artist.
“He is happy to oblige – it might take a few weeks but you have the artists guarantee of a painting of your husbands yacht “
Peggy was almost close to tears – she hugged Bette
“Oh BETTE – I don’t know what to say “
“it’s the least I can do “
“How much “
“$5000 – I wired him $2000 today and he will get the rest when the painting is safely in your apartment”
Tina beamed – what a good heart Bette had – she might have saved everyone from a serious mauling from Peggy.
“I will write you a cheque “ Peggy reached for her handbag
“Its okay Peggy – you are not about to run away – we can do this another time “
“Are you sure ?”
“Yes “
Peggy looked at the couple who looked so good together and were clearly in love
“Would you like to join me for dinner ?”
Bette looked at Tina – professionally this was an invitation that Tina probably needed to take. Especially if Peggy could be egged on to reveal what her reshuffle meant to Tina.
“That’s very kind of you but I am sure you don’t want us “ Tina said
“Nonsense – you two are a refreshing sight – have you eaten at Per Se ?”
Bette knew that Peggy would know that neither had eaten at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.
“No- wow “ Tina was awed
Bette raised an eyebrow at Tina who nodded – this was an experience they didn’t want to pass on
“We would be delighted Peggy”
“It can be me thanking you for getting me a painting that I really want – I am going to the theatre afterwards – I am sure we could see if I could get you tickets “
“No -its okay “ Bette smiled “Tina and I have plans for after dinner”
“I could NOT begin to guess what they might be – I shall ring the restaurant and tell them it’s a table for three not one “