Bette knew it was a sincere apology and her heart softened. She didn’t hate this woman sitting next to her. Given the right circumstances she could have fallen in love with her. She was still the sweet gentle soul that attracted Bette so many years ago.

“Leigh I don’t hate you. I never hated you. You did hurt me and you certainly hurt any chance you might have had on the west coast to show your work but I know how manipulative and conniving Helena Peabody can be. She single-handedly set out to ruin my life and unfortunately you were one of the casualties of her war against me. She left a bloody trail. I’m sorry you got caught in the middle.”

“Thank you Bette. Thank you for saying that. It was never my intention to hurt you. I trusted her. I trusted that she had my best interest at heart. I should have known to trust you more. I guess I just got anxious and figured that starting in New York with the Peabody Gallery would guarantee instant success. I was wrong on so many levels. I can’t even begin to tell you. I didn’t know that she was using me to go after you. If I had, I wouldn’t have given her the time of day but a lot of things are starting to make sense now. She really sucked me into her web. In all the previous months that I’d known her she never once mentioned the possibility of the Peabody Gallery showing my work until you and I got together and started working out that deal.

I should have known something was wrong when she made such a generous offer out of the blue. Bette I was stuck in a three year contract to churn out 4 to 5 pieces annually. You know I can only really do 2 or 3 at the most. I was working like a maniac and here I am 5 years later with hardly anything to show for it. I’m just a little known glass sculptress with a reputation for breaking promises. I could have been nationally renowned had I stuck with you. We could have been so much more. I have so many regrets about us; personally and professionally. I think we might have had a chance at a good life together.”