Bette: Actually James, I
think you covered it all. Please hold all of my calls. And before I forget,
thank you. I know I don’t thank you enough for all you do.

Bette extended her arm to
James to shake his hand. He accepted.

James: Gee Bette, I’m just
doing my job. Besides, you sooooo

Bette cut him off again.

Bette: (Smiling at James)
I know – I owe you.

James: Good luck Bette.

Bette proceeded to the
conference room where, just as James had stated, Kit was waiting outside. Bette
walked up to her sister and gave her a big hug.

Bette: Thank you again
Kit. You know this means a lot to me.

Kit: Baby Sis, you just do
what you do best and it’ll be me thanking you again.

Bette put on her game
face, straightened her appearance and flung open the conference room doors.
Sitting at the head of the table was Franklin. All of his *****-kissing,
pseudo-art enthusiasts, also known as the board of directors, were seated
around him. At the opposite end of the conference table was Bette’s seat. She
crossed over the threshold and waved in Kit to follow. Franklin attempted to
protest, but Bette cut him off.

Franklin: Wait a minute.
This is a closed

Bette: Franklin, I am
suggesting that you just let me clarify a few things before we get started. I
know that you’re disappointed with the grant announcements, as am I, but I will
make sure that you, the board members and the CAC will be more than satisfied
with the outcome of this meeting. So please, just sit back and let me do “what
I do best”.

At that, Bette turned and
gave Kit a wink. She motioned for Kit to sit in her chair as she opted to stand
while presenting her information to the board.

Bette: First off, I’d like
to introduce all you to Ms. Kit Porter – my sister.

Kit nervously made eye
contact with all of the board members as each of them nodded their greeting to
Kit. Bette looked at Kit. Bette continued with her presentation.

Bette: Kit, thank you for
joining us today. To the board, I’d like to apologize for the outcome of
today’s Peabody Grant announcements. We all know that in today’s social
climate, it is progressively becoming more difficult to get funding for the
arts. The Peabody Foundation has always been a major supporter of the CAC and
it appears that since Peggy Peabody’s retirement, the foundation has shifted
its support to aid more social causes.