They discussed the time consuming nature of their jobs for nearly a half hour. As they talked the manner of each became less guarded and their postures grew more relaxed. As their conversation came to a close Della noted that Bette was sitting lightly on the hood of her car.

Della cocked her head to one side slightly as something occurred to her and looked inquisitively at Bette. Just out of curiosity, how did you know this was my car?

Bette was surprised by the question and only slightly embarrassed by her answer, Just after you walked out of my office I remembered that I had been invited to the opening of a new wing of another gallery. The new collection they obtained for the opening is pretty impressive and I thought that you might like to come to see it. I walked to the front doors to see if you had already left and saw you get into this car.

For half a moment Della couldnt decide if she was horrified or amused by the idea of Bette having seen her mini temper tantrum and self pep talk in her car. But before she could decide Bette continued, Then I realized that I had some photographs of the pieces that would be in the opening on my desk and went back to get them. On the way to my office I saw your shoes and grabbed them so that I could give them to you with the photos. When I got back out to the parking lot you werent there but your car was so I decided to wait for you out here. Sorry I didnt mention the opening until now, I had completely forgotten about it while we were talking. As Bette said this she handed Della several photographs she had been holding.

It was true. Though her reason for personally returning Dellas shoes had been to find an excuse to talk to her again and invite her to the opening, she had completely forgotten about her motive. While they had been talking her thoughts were focused entirely on the topic at hand and prolonging the conversation which flowed so naturally between them. Now that Della reminded her of her initial purpose she was slightly nervous about the response she would get. She spent several anxious moments fighting the urge to fidget while Della admired the photos. Finally Della looked up with a slight smile.

What do you think? asked Bette tentatively.

Theyre wonderful; I especially like the really detailed abstracts.

The head of the gallery gave me two tickets for the opening and I would love it if you could come. Its next Friday night, are you busy?

Della thought for a moment, No, I dont have any plans, and I would love to go; but are you sure you dont want to bring someone else I mean, I really dont know very much about art except what I learned in a few art history classes I took at college, aside from that all I know about art is what I do and dont like.

If you arent busy on Friday and would like to go then I insist that you come. And as for not knowing enough about art, you had more interesting ideas about the pieces in my gallery than most of the critics that come through here. Bette was smiling her best winning, confident smile caused by both the relief and excitement Dellas acceptance had caused.

Phone numbers were exchanged again, only this time they were home and cell numbers rather than work numbers. Bette offered to drive Della to the opening to save the trouble of trying to find each other there, though she was happy that Della had decided to come, Bette couldnt tell if Della saw this as a date situation or not, and felt that it would be wise not to make her real feeling too obvious until Friday when she could see if they were mutual.

After Della gave her the address Bette said, The opening starts at 8, so Ill be there to pick you up at about 7:30, if thats ok.