They are always touching each other, Alice thought. Touching or… if not close enough, their eyes are in communication. This was always the case when they first starting dating but it had slowly disappeared over the years until she didn’t notice it anymore. She didn’t notice it was missing until it was back, the subtle way they keep each other close, reached for each other, kept tabs.

Once Tina was done, Bette sat back down to add her own ideas and thoughts, as well as express her biggest concern. Tina’s safety.

“I don’t like it when you are stuck near him. Like the night of the gala. I won’t be able to be next to you, to hear what he is saying or see what he is doing…”

Alice chimed in… “That’s where Tasha comes in. She will be blending in with the wait staff and hotel employees. Remember, she’s on the Police force now Bette, she’s been promoted. She knows what she is doing …. and she owes me a favor. He won’t know who she is and she can step in to help Tina. Plus Lara will be there…”

Bette was quiet the rest of the day, the last-minute touches to the Gallery, the show room and the entrance way keeping them both busy. Tina watched her rearrange a flower vase, puzzled. She couldn’t figure out what had upset Bette, they had a had a fantastic evening the night before and the morning went well too. Maybe she was stressed or tired.

Around seven they both realized there was nothing left to do. Tomorrow was the big event and everything was in place, every piece of art displayed perfectly and Bette satisfied with the flow from the doorway to the last, final painting of Charlotte’s, which would stay covered until it was unveiled for auction.

The media buzz was almost a frenzy, movie stars were rumored to be in attendance given Tina’s role at the studio and anyone who was anyone in the art world would be there.

Bette had granted Alice a few photos and a brief interview about Charlotte and the three new artists, Elena included, that were being show for the first time. She knew Alice would write a good story and the extra publicity would only benefit the Gallery.

The fact that Charlotte was allowing Bette to showcase her work before New York’s Gagosian Gallery was not lost on the art world, this was a huge deal. In two days Jodie would be all but ruined once she was exposed for a fraud.

They picked up Chinese food for dinner, and Tina moved to the kitchen to get out plates, pouring two generous glasses of wine.

“Tee, I’m going to take a long hot shower”

“I could join you…”

“I need some time alone please… I need to think about some things”

Tina moved closer, handing Bette her glass, gazing into her eyes. She was unable to read what they were saying.

“Babe? Are you ok?”

“I am”

“You have been quiet”

“I have”

“Any reason why?”

“I want to talk to you about something, but I need to get my thoughts in order first. I am going to shower and then I would like to tell you a few things over dinner…” and she softly, so softly kissed Tina, gently and with love their lips meeting in a feather dance that lingered but never progressed. Tina watched her walk away and brought her fingers up to her lips trying to catch the imprint Bette had left there.