“Well I can’t say I’m sorry to hear of Helena’s fate. I normally don’t wish ill on anyone but that woman was pure evil incarnate. Listen Leigh, I’m sorry I was so rude earlier. I’m feeling pretty vulnerable right now and seeing you just brought back a lot of bad times and bad feelings. I hope we can be friends again.”

“I’d love for us to be friends again Bette. I have so much making up to do.”

“Let’s just leave all that in the past and start fresh.”

“It’s a deal. “

“So tell me about you. Are you still living in New York?”

“No. I’ve done my time in New York. This is my one-way trip back home. I’ve made some inquiries as to the reception I might receive and it’s definitely lukewarm. I’m not sure if I will be doing any shows in the near future. I have my teaching credentials so I may look into a professorship at one of the local colleges that have good art programs. I think I have a lot that I can contribute to shape young minds.”

As Leigh said this it dawned on Bette that she needed to start looking for Jodi’s replacement after the spring break. Leigh might be a possible candidate. She may not be as renowned as Jodi but she certainly was more marketable and she certainly had a unique talent. Bette had had enough volatility in her life for the past couple of years. She could do with a calming presence like Leigh Ostin on her staff.

“It’s funny you should say that. I just happen to be the Dean of the School of Arts at California University. I will be looking for a new professor after the spring break to replace Jodi Lerner.”

“Jodi Lerner. I know her work. She used to work for you?”

“Well that’s a long story. As a matter of fact she is the reason I was in New York.”

“We do still have an hour or so of flight time. Care to share?”

Bette and Leigh spent the rest of the flight catching up on each others lives. Bette took out her iPad and shared the slideshow with the pictures and captions that Tina had emailed to her the day before. Leigh commented on how beautiful and happy Angie appeared to be. They arranged to meet after the spring break to discuss the teaching position. Bette also wanted to help Leigh reestablish herself in the art world on the west coast so she promised to put out some feelers.