“I feel the same way Tina. The only problem is I don’t know what it is. I told Peggy today that when we met it was like we were never strangers. We just had instant rapport and I felt so comfortable with you. I don’t let a lot of people in and somehow you just got in before I realized what was happening.”

“I’ve been known to have that effect on people. I get under your skin like an itch that you can’t scratch.”

“That’s not exactly how I would describe it but I’m glad that we are friends.  I like your honesty. I can tell that you won’t put up with any of my shit.”

“You got that right. I think you’ve met your match Ms. Porter.”

“Very possibly Ms. Kennard.”

***

After dinner Bette shared some of the emails from Lisa and Alice that she’d received about the Valerie Simmons exhibit. She showed Tina the photos and write-ups as well as the website. Tina was very impressed with all the work that Bette, James, Lisa and Alice had done for Valerie. She’d spoken to Valerie a few times since she got to New York and it sounded like everything was going great for her. She’d found new friends and she loved how things were progressing.

“You know we are finalizing the guest list and I didn’t know if you wanted to bring a date. Is Eric into art?”

“He does some collecting and he’s familiar with Valerie’s work. He might like to attend. I could ask him.”

“OK. James is sending out the invitations at the end of the week and we need RSVP’s by mid-week.”

“I’ll call him later.”

“Can I ask you a very personal question? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but I’m just curious.”

“You can ask then I’ll decide if I want to answer.”

“OK. How does this open relationship thing work? I mean do you and Eric have specific times that you set aside for each other and then when you’re not together then you can date other people or do you take breaks from each other while you date other people or you do it simultaneously and juggle?”

“This really bothers you doesn’t it?”