Bette walked back to her office feeling the score was 2-0 in favour of Baz, and determined not to let him win game-set-and-match. She opened her office door and wondered where to sit, she needed to be in a power position; so maybe she should stand. No, that would suggest she had been waiting for him, and she didnt want to give him that satisfaction. She walked behind her desk, deliberately pushed aside any thoughts of him and caught up on her messages.

When the door slid back 30 minutes later she was deeply engaged in work and didnt have to feign the frown on her face at being interrupted. (Was that a look of disappointment she saw in his face? Did he expect her to have been pacing the office waiting for him?)

She put her hand over the phone I wont be a moment she said and indicated a chair. She didnt wait for a response but went straight back to the caller Yes, Thursday. Ill be expecting the samples she listened No promises..let me see whats on offer. Ill get back to you. Bye.

She put down the phone and turned around to see Baz still standing Is there something wrong with the chair? she said before she could stop herself.

Well I prefer the one youre in but I suppose this will have to do.. he dropped into the chair on the other side of Bettes desk.

Bette looked him in the eye and didnt respond. She held out her hand for the portfolio and just stopped herself from saying OK -lets see it knowing that would have given him an opening shed have regretted. She decided that keeping things on a business footing was the best way to proceed.

Bette opened up the portfolio and noted the number of CDs she would have to browse through. She flipped through a few pages admiring the originality of the work, knowing how hard this was to find. There was a large body of work, a surprising amount really considering his age. Shed need several hours to review all of it. Her initial impression was that the work was a little inconsistent and she needed to determine whether Baz was mature enough as an artist to deserve the CACs attention.

Bette looked up at Baz Baz, I need some time to review this, where will you be tomorrow?

Wherever you want Babe Baz said putting his feet up onto Bettes desk and leaning back in the chair, hands behind his head.

Bette looked Baz in the eye her expression unreadable. She held Bazs gaze for a long time. Eventually he started to squirm. Before he could open his mouth and say something smart, Bette commented in a calm but confident voice Baz, the CAC is a large museum. We have the contacts to make or break you here. Im not sure youre aware of what we can do for your career if we chose to display you work.

Baz opened his mouth to say something but Bette put her hand up to stop him Baz dont say anything. Ill take this away with me and lets meet here tomorrow at 3pm.

Bette got up and moved swiftly around the desk. She put her hand out until tomorrow. Baz was forced to remove his feet from the desk and stand up so he could take her hand. It was clear he was searching for something smart to say so Bette expertly guided him out the door and down to where James sat. James, Baz is leaving. Please see if he needs anything before he goes.

Bette turned her back on them both and walked back to her office. She felt the score was now Bette-1, Baz-2. She knew this was going to be a hard fought match and that by tomorrow he would have found his voice again. Just before she closed the door to her office she heard Bazs voice ***** mate, is she always that full on or is it that time of the month? She closed the door quickly; she didnt want to hear James reply.

She walked back to her desk, collected Bazs portfolio and a number of other reports she needed to review, packed her briefcase and headed home. Shed be early but maybe she could mind Rosie so Tina could have some time to herself.

TBC