Chapter Two

I walk through the doors to the art opening, and its strange how nervous I feel. These gallery openings always make me feel so intimidated, so small. Even with Eric by my side I still feel like I dont belong here.
We breeze past well dressed people, sipping sparkling champagne from glasses as they ooh and ahh over the extravagant paintings.
The only thing I know about art is that sometimes it really takes me by surprise.
Eric takes my arm directing me through the small crowd, passing person after person. What do you think this pieces gimmick is? Where do you think the artist is going with this? I overhear a stuffy guy ask.
Come on Eric says, gently pulling me towards a tiny group of people. My eyes immediately settle on a tall dark haired woman who is stood talking to an excited blonde. Her tone is confident and tough, her appearance unbelievably beautiful. I cant explain it but I cant take my eyes off of her. Excuse me Bette Bette, I think about her name and Im struck by the small tinge of jealousy that passes through me at the thought of Eric knowing her before me. She turns around and smiles at Eric. This is my girlfriend, Tina Kennard, she heads up development up at Alphaville. Tina, Bette Porter
She shakes my hand her touch firm but soft, her fingertips sliding across the palm of my hand, sending shivers down my spine as she pulls her hand away. I try to smile, try to get past how beautiful she is.
Nice to meet you She says, her voice soft almost purring as the sides of her lips curl into an amazing smile that seems so different from the one she gave Eric.
Hey. Nice to meet you I could kick myself I sound so nervous. I try to concentrate on Eric, but I barely manage to catch any of his conversation. Catherine Opie…five by six feet Swims around in my head.
Well why dont you ask her yourself? Shes right over there Eric looks at me and I struggle to manage a smile.
I think Ill just stay here
Ok excellent I watch him leave, half of me nervous enough to follow him, the other half too excited to leave. I look up to find her smiling at me, charm oozing from every core of her radiant body. I shake my head, Im not thinking these things. Those butterflies in my stomach there just nerves.
Ive never seen you with Eric before She comments, running a delicate hand through her thick dark hair.
No I dont think you have
She smiles dipping her head, looking at me through long lashes. I feel my breath catch in my throat and try to ignore it. I wouldnt forget meeting you Her voice is like melting honey, making me weaker at the knees with every single thing she says. You know Im having a dinner party tomorrow if youre around for long enough you should come along. Id love to have you there I find myself nodding slowly. You and Eric of course
I wonder how dangerous meeting her again could be, but decide that Im exaggerating. This woman couldnt possibly be dangerous. Ill have to check with Eric but Im sure hed love to
Hey Eric greets us smiling, wrapping an arm around my waist. His touch feels uncomfortable and I try to resist the urge to shrug him off.
I was just asking Tina if youd both like to join me for dinner tomorrow Eric looks at her with what can only described as shock.
Are you sure?
Of course. Shall we say eight?
Absolutely Eric gushes shaking her hand.
Ill see you tomorrow then She smiles at me. Ill see you tomorrow Tina
Bye I whisper both Eric and I gazing after her long after shes left us.
Can you believe that? Bette Porters dinner parties are practically famous. I guess she must have been impressed by the deal I made with Catherine Opie He shakes his head laughing in disbelief.
I catch Bettes eye as she drinks champagne with her blonde friend, she smiles at me and I smile back looking away quickly as I feel my cheeks flush. No I cant I answer sneaking one last look at her.