Bette could see that
Franklin was becoming increasingly frustrated as she spoke. She determined it
was now or never and she would have to pull out all the stops in order for this
work. Bette took a deep breath and continued. She flipped open the folder that
James had handed to her and began distributing copies to the board members and
Kit.

Bette: As you can see, Ms.
Kit Porter, Amanda O’Brien and myself have entered into a joint effort to form
the Porter-O’Brien Foundation. Together, we hope to keep art programs and
museums thriving. As a good will gesture, The POF, would like to offer the CAC
a one-time grant in the sum of $50,000. As you can see on the paperwork that I
have passed out, that this funding comes with a few stipulations as to how it
should be spent. IF, the board sees fit to accept this donation based on these
terms, then we will be more than glad to consider the CAC’s future grant
proposals and applications.

Franklin now had a look of
complete shock on his face as he read the stipulations that were on the
contract Bette handed to him. He furrowed his brow as he made eye contact with
Bette before he spoke.

Franklin: We have to award
James your secretary a finder’s fee as well as an extra week’s paid vacation?!?

Bette: (Smugly) Actually,
Franklin, he’s my assistant – and yes – if you want our money, then that is
what you will have to do. As you know there are many struggling galleries out
there that would more than appreciate having one tenth of the money we’re
offering The CAC.

Franklin: I don’t
understand, Bette. This is a complete conflict of interest for you, your
foundation and The CAC.

Just as Franklin finished
his statement, the conference room doors, again, flung open. A huge smile
crossed Bette’s face as Tina entered the room with James in tow. Out of
complete shock, no one from the board protested. Bette cleared her throat; eyes
locked on Tina and spoke.

Bette: Franklin, you’re
right. It is a conflict of interest for me to continue employment here at The
CAC and be a member of the Porter-O’Brien Foundation.

At that, a broad smile
crossed Tina’s face as Bette “wowed” the board with her next statement all the
while keeping Tina’s gaze.

Bette: Life is too short
and too precious to waste. I have made that mistake all too often. I’ve
realized that as the world changes, we all must adapt – including us stubborn
and selfish people. Because of new endeavors in my life, I realized that my
priorities must shift as well. That is why I have decided to exercise a
loophole in my contract with The CAC.

Franklin: What does that
mean, Bette?

Tina knew exactly what
Bette was getting at. She walked around the table to close the distance between
she and Bette. Tina wrapped her arms around Bette’s waist.

Tina: It means SHE QUITS.

Tina leaned in and caught
Bette’s lips with her own. Bette let her hands migrate up to Tina’s cheeks as
she deepened the kiss. Some of the board members gasped at the display while
others were moved by the interaction between the two. James and Kit just smiled
at each other. Kit rose from the chair, walked up next to Franklin and wrapped
her arm around his shoulders to which Franklin pulled back slightly. He had a
dumbfounded look on his face and Kit opted to capitalize on her newfound lot in
life – philanthropist.

Kit:
Well Frankie – It seems that I’m the CAC’s new best friend.