She shook her head about the second line of inquiry. Sorry, not interested, she told them, with a smile.  She directed them to see James about the first line of inquiry, who was engulfed by a growing crush of people inquiring about flights to Paris.

As they turned away from Bette, disappointed, George walked up to give her a warm embrace and heartfelt congratulations. He apologized that he wouldn’t be able to join the first flight, but was surely going to book one in the next month. ”I’m sure you’ll do well with this crowd through at least the next year Bette,” he said as they both looked out at the crowd milling around them, overhearing excited conversations about the new interiors, the carefully curated visit Paris packages Bette had put together with soigné French companies, and even a future line of exclusive perfume, wine, and food that clients could arrange for, through Bette and the unique sources she had lined up.

”You’ve turned those interiors into works of art Bette. I couldn’t be happier or more proud to be your friend. And investor,” he winked, as he kissed both cheeks, and then said goodbye.

Diane and Niall had left earlier, and had already blocked off all the seats for an upcoming flight. They were disappointed at having to miss the inaugural flight, but Bette assured them she knew they continued to be her steadiest supporters.

Half an hour later, as more guests began to leave, Bette went to her office, to see what things she would need, and to check on any messages that needed a response, before she left for Paris in a couple of days, to join the test flight on one of the newly outfitted jets.  Before leaving her office, she decided to check on whether any remaining guests were left in the Japanese garden just outside the sliding doors on one end of the office. The garden was also accessible from the main gallery, but it was a circuitous route from there.  

As she looked around, Bette saw a couple kissing in the corner, and realized it was Eric, as he drew his head away from the person he was kissing, and into the light that was slowly swinging towards that corner. Bette was about to look away, unwilling to stay any further, as she was sure it would be Tina Eric was kissing at that moment.