“Yeah,” Tina picked up from Bette, “I met with them last night, and they’re already asking me to go to New York, because they have a ton of projects they want me to go through, and possibly help develop.  They’re attracting a really talented group of young film-makers and writers, not only from New York-area schools, but also from France, and India, and other places.  So it’s a….,” she paused, looking at Bette and Mike, who were grinning at her.

“What is it?  Why are you both smiling at me like that?” she asked with a small laugh.

Bette leaned over to kiss her.  It was their longest kiss yet, Tina thought, enjoying it.  Out of deference to Mike’s nervousness, and to help him feel more comfortable around them, she and Bette had tacitly agreed to keep things casual.  Thus, whenever she felt like kissing the brunette, she would reach for her hand instead, to squeeze it, or rub Bette’s thighs, or run the back of her hand against the brunette’s arms.

Bette said, as she drew back from the kiss.  “I’m just so proud of you, T, and not surprised at all that you’re in such demand. But at the same time, I’m so grateful that you’re making this much easier than it could have been,” she said, smiling and touching Tina’s face fondly.

“Alright you two… I may just ask you girls to get a room, already,” Mike said, in a teasing tone, knowing that Bette and Tina already had a room in the hotel.

Tina took Bette’s hand between her own, kissed her fingers, and smiled back at Mike.  I love her, she mouthed to Mike.  I know, he mouthed back.

Bette explained that she was planning to meet Diane, Niall, and George, who she contacted through intermediaries Mike had set up.  She had managed to insert enough information communicated through the intermediaries, that they had realized they were going to meet with her.  The intermediaries Mike had used had managed to keep the gallery business going, as well as helped to keep the business jet service on track.  In this manner, they remained viable properties that could eventually be unloaded.

Bette was planning to feel out any possible interest from the three about whether they would like to acquire partial stakes in either or both of the properties.  She didn’t plan on sharing anything about her involvement in the case, however, and for their sakes, as well as hers and Tina’s.