"Hey baby, look what I’ve been working on."

Bette was a bit stunned. Yes, the sculpture is another masterpiece, but this is not a good time for this. She can’t focus, and the meeting will be in 30 minutes, if that’s exactly the reason.

"Aren’t you glad I’m here? What’s going on Bette?"

"Nothing. I’m just surprised."

Jodi then grabbed hold of Bette’s hands and gently kissed her on the lips.

"Oh, baby. We belong together. "

"But Jodi…"

"A bright artist for a passionate museum director, remember?  We’re one of a kind. I don’t wanna start all over again, You’re my match."

This time Bette wasn’t able to remove Jodi’s hands on hers.

What if she’s right? This is who I am/ All I could ever be.

Looking deeply into Bette…

"I’ll take that as a yes. Let’s try again. Drop by my house, say, 7 o’clock. I’ll cook something up."

"I’ll try."

"Try your best. I’ll be on my workshop all day. Just give me a ring, ok?"

"Ok."

Fuck!

As soon as Jodi left, she then heard a light knock on the door.

"Come in."

Bette smiled, hoping, thinking that it could only be Tina. But to her dismay, she saw a tall brunette with deep brown eyes and long curly hair.

"Hey, Bette!"

Disappointment settling into her eyes, Bette then stood up just to show some respect. After all, this woman is now part of the board.

"Nice for you to drop by minutes before the meeting."

"Bette, I just want some ceasefire. There’s an unspoken rivalry between us, I know. But I’ve come to realize that I’m a business woman. I’m a Peabody, for Pete’s sake. I don’t have to compete with anybody."

"I don’t know if I should be relieved with that," just then Bette noticed the bouquet of flowers Helena’s holding. It’s been there all along.

Helena then looked at her hands, following Bette’s distracted gaze. "Oh, this…

"That couldn’t be for me, right?"

Almost blushing, "Well, it’s actually for Tina."

With furrowed brows, "Tina?"

"Yes. Something wrong with that?"

Just then they heard another knock.

Tina peeked through the door as Helena opened it wide enough for her entrance.

Bette then looked down, averting Tina’s eyes. "As long as it’s after office hours."