“It’s OK Marcus. I’m here for you just tell me what’s going on.”

“Bette may I use your bathroom?”

“Sure Francesca its right down the hall to your left.”

“Thank you. I’ll be right back.”

Bette added a place setting for Francesca and poured water for everyone. She had cold pastas and salads already set out and she removed the bread from the warmer. Marcus helped her with the fruits and cheeses and he opened the wine and placed it on the table. Francesca was back in a few minutes and they sat down to eat.

“Well Francesca since Marcus has told you so much about me it’s only fair I should learn something about you.”

“OK. I am Italian American but my family all live in Italy. I have just finished my graduate studies with a Masters in Art and Graphic Design. My plan is to spend another six months in the United States then I will return to Italy to work in the art gallery that my family owns.

Marcus and I met about a year ago at one of his art exhibits. We became good friends and he’s introduced me to a lot of wonderful aspects of the art world. He told me how you gave him his start as one of your emerging artist at the Porter Gallery in West Hollywood.  I would love to go to Los Angeles before I return to Italy and perhaps visit your gallery.”

“I hope that you will have the chance to do that. So your family owns a gallery in Italy?”

“Yes. My grandparents opened the gallery and my parents have inherited it. I am next in line to take over. I was born here in New York but my parents moved back to Italy when I was a baby. They agreed for me to do my studies here as long as I promised to come back to Italy to take over the family business.”

“Does your family own the Romano Art in Milan?”

“Yes. You’ve heard of it?”

“My mother was Maxine Wolff the artist. We traveled together extensively when I was younger and she took me to Romano Art in Milan. They had some of her pieces on exhibit. I think I met your grandparents.”