Bette nodded, said nothing more, arms encircled around Tina, supporting her weight.  As she stroked Tina’s hair, kissing her chastely at the top of her head, she thought ”No wonder Tina was swaying a bit. Tina must have put down a few drinks while she was up in the walkway.”

She made a mental note to remind James not to have servers serve drinks up in the walkway during the next event.

After a few minutes, she led Tina to a nearby chair, and poured her water from the pitcher sitting on the white-clothed side table next to them.  Bending over, still gently stroking Tina’s hair, she handed Tina the glass, who accepted it with shaky hands. Bette said softly, ”I’m going to check on something really quickly.  Can I leave you here for just a minute?”

Tina’s hand had settled onto one of Bette’s however, and although she didn’t say anything in response, she wasn’t letting go of Bette’s hand either.  Tina’s eyes were shut, and her head was leaning backward, resting against the wall.  She took a few sips of water. 

Bette smiled a little, and said, “You know what, on second thought I don’t have to leave just yet.” Just then she saw James walking hurriedly across the main gallery on the opposite side from them, heading towards Bette’s office. Bette waved, hoping to catch his attention.  James turned his head when he caught movement from the corner of his eye, and saw Bette who was still waving, while bent over Tina.  Tina was now slumped over, and leaning on Bette’s arm.

He ran over to them. ”What’s wrong?” he asked worriedly. ”What happened to her?”

“Nothing, nothing happened, James. I just saw Tina here, who almost fell from the last step of our stairs over there,” motioning with her hands to alert James not to ask any more questions.

Switching topics, Bette asked, ”Is there anybody else in the gallery?”

He shook his head.  “A few people milling around in the parking lot. The caterers have cleaned everything up, and I think they have a few things left to pack up. I’ve locked most of the doors already, and the only door left is the one on the side that leads to the parking lot.”