“Please call me Bette, and I’m hardly a child Mrs. Peabody.”

Bette knew Peggy was in her late fifties although she too looked remarkably young for her age. Bette’s eyes were trained to appreciate beauty and she noticed that Peggy was a very attractive woman whose beauty really showed through when she let go of the tough exterior. Peggy’s attempts at intimidating Bette were failing and instead she found herself being charmed and responding in kind.

“Call me Peggy. I hate to be called Mrs. Peabody. It makes me sound so frumpy.”

“I don’t think I could ever equate you with frumpy Peggy even on a bad day.”

Bette smiled her million dollars Porter smile and it was reciprocated by Peggy. She noticed the older woman adjusting the puppy in her arms and offered help.

“May I help you with the puppies? I can have James look after them while we talk?”

Bette didn’t know about James’ earlier altercation with the pups so she didn’t understand the look that passed between him and Peggy. Peggy smiled sweetly and handed the first puppy to James. He fumbled a bit to get a good hold on the dog being careful not to upset him. Peggy then untangled the leash from her wrist handing over the second puppy. James put the puppy he was holding on the ground and held both leashes securely in one hand. He knew it would not go over well with Bette or Peggy if the two little terrors were to escape his grasp.

“Thank you James. Please give them some water if you don’t mind.”

“Certainly. I’ll just take them to the back.”

***

As James led the puppies to the back break room Peggy followed Bette to her beautifully appointed private office. Bette invited Peggy to have a seat on one of the comfortable imported Italian leather couches in the sitting area. Peggy admired the décor and antique furnishings as she watched Bette walk over to the wet bar to get refreshments. The older woman relaxed into the soft comfort of the expensive handcrafted leather and enjoyed the surrounding beauty.

“What can I get you Peggy?”

“I’d love a Perrier dear. Thank you.”

Bette poured the chilled Perrier into two crystal water glasses and handed one to Peggy. She placed coasters in easy reach on the coffee table between them then settled down in a side chair facing Peggy. They each took a sip of the water before Peggy broke the silence.