“Yes.” I say. “Yes she did.”

“Holy crap guys, she’s loaded.” Alice says with her jaw dropping to the floor.

“Indeed she is.” I say.

“But Peggy is just as powerful when it comes to her money.” Alice says.

“But it’s not my money to fight with Al.” I say realizing this. “But I am going to speak to her tomorrow.”

“About what?” Tina asks.

“I was going to talk to you about this but I was just making sure that I wanted to do this.”

“What? What is it Bette?” Alice asks sitting at the edge of her chair being inpatient.

“Bette, what is it?” Tina says with another look of concern written across her face.

“I’m going to ask Peggy if she would also like to join me as co-owner if we get this gallery from Kelly.”

“You should have told me this sooner, Bette. I would have agreed.”

“You like the idea?” I ask.

“Yeah.” Tina said. “I believe it’s a wonderful idea.”

I look over at Alice. “What do you think?”

“It’s not a dumb decision thats for sure, Porter.”

“I owe Peggy this and even if she doesn’t, I’ll still feel good about asking her.”

“What do you think she’s going to say?” Alice asks and then takes a sip of her coffee.

“I-I don’t know.” I pause before I want to continue my words. “I- hope she says she’ll agree to the offer because I would love to work with her, we’ve shared so much about art together, she witnessed me brought to tears from an artist’s work. Peggy has always been a good friend of mine and I would love to work next to her in the art gallery, even if I hardly see her because she’ll be away. It’s just the thought of knowing that she’ll be there and she’s works with me and everything we do, we do together and share the same love for the thing we love, just brings me to the happiest level. Even if she says no to my offer, I’ll still know that she helped me live with what I am so passionate about in life.”

“This is why I agree that it is such a good idea for you Bette, I know how much the art world means to you.” Tina says with a smile as she takes my hand in hers.

…