As always, George was momentarily speechless when he saw her.  That was probably one thing that would never change about her.  As he looked at her approach, in that graceful stride of hers, he wondered how it felt like, to be a beautiful woman in settings like this, the political center of gravity, and where looks were a prized advantage.  Did it help, or hinder?  Her outfit tonight, a light-purple spaghetti-strapped evening dress, with a low-v-shaped cut in front, and accentuated by a simple diamond necklace really suited her, he thought.  She also had unique glow about her, and it wasn’t her make-up.  Something inside, rather.  He smiled at her as she came to him to give him a hug. Looks like hers would never be a hindrance, he thought, as he hugged her back.

She sat, and asked for red wine when the waiter came over to ask what she wanted to drink.

“So Bette,” Diane asked, leaning forward, concern in her eyes, as they all settled back in their seats, “tell us what’s going on.”

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An hour later, Diane and Niall thought that Bette’s suggestion of them taking a silent majority role in the gallery, with Smith Walden taking a minority interest, was indeed a good one.

“You really have put that gallery in such solid footing, Bette.  It would be an honor to take things forward over there.  And of course we are so pleased that you and Tina are going to be together,” Diane said, as she stood up, opening her arms to invite Bette to share a hug.  Bette stood as well, and hugged her, then hugged Niall, also.

“You don’t have to take my word for it, of course,” she said, “ the advisers who have been helping me will be disclosing all the financial details to your business team.”

Diane and Niall were excitedly exchanging ideas with Bette, about which directions to take the gallery in.  Meanwhile, George was silently tapping his lips.

The three of them quieted down, when they noticed George had been silent.

“What is it George? “ Niall asked.

“I have a counter-offer Bette,” he said, “and I hope you take it seriously.”

Bette looked at him with her head cocked to the side.  “Tell me.”