Bette blushed but trudged ahead. “ Do you feel as though you are missing something by not having that one person to share your successes and failures with?”

“Well, I don’t really have any failures to share I don’t think but, there are times that I think it would be nice to have someone to come home to other than Giselle.”

“Does she live with you?”

“Yes, she wanted to because she did not want me to be lonely when Izzy left.”

“Izzy?”

“Isabella.”

“Oh, was it recent?”

With a small laugh. “No, not at all. It’s been three years and I have more than moved on. But, it is nice to have her around. When I’m gone, she takes care of the house and my business and all.”

“My sister Kit takes care of my house when I am gone. It works out well.”

“And she has had quite a life as well.” Tina, really had done her research.

“She has and you know far too much about me. I think you need to fill in some blanks for me.” Bette smiled and they both relaxed back into their seats allowing the wine to work it’s miracle and loosen them both up a bit. Tina knew she was safe in this room. She was not stared at or bothered. After the initial hellos, no one paid her any attention. She liked it that way.

After some small talk about everything under the sun, Tina directed the conversation back to the exhibit. “Bette, it seems as though we have some work to do if we are going to have an exhibit in your LA gallery. It’s really late. Let’s talk more about this tomorrow. With that Bette and Tina made their exit. Tina’s Mercedes was brought to the door and they were off to deliver Bette back to her hotel.

Once safely hidden behind the door of her room Bette almost wilted under the pressure of making this exhibit all that she had promised Tina it would be. She had to talk to James. She had to share her news with the only other person who would understand the ramifications of the exhibit. She dialed his cell phone without  concern for the time in LA.

“Hello.” James’s voice was never sweeter to hear.

“James, it Bette.”

“Bette, hey, how’s it going?”

“James, you are not going to believe this. Tina Kennard and I are getting together tomorrow to work out the details of an exhibit at The Porter Gallery.

“Oh my God, you aren’t kidding are you?”

“James, I am not kidding. We are going to have her first and possibly only US exhibit. Everything is hush, hush. Not a word to anyone. No one James. I do not need to stress to you the importance of this all happening according to the details that she lays out with me tomorrow. James, this is fucking huge!”

“Well, if there was ever any one person who could convince her, it was going to be you. I never had any doubt.”

“James, I had a lot of doubts but, we have her now.”

“You are correct. WE HAVE HER NOW!”

“Listen James. I am not sure what tomorrow will bring. I may have to have my flight changed. I will let you know after our meeting tomorrow. Wish me luck James.”

“You don’t need luck Bette. You just need to do what you do.”

“Thanks James. I will talk to you soon. Remember, not a word.”

“My lips are sealed. Talk to you soon.” With that the call was disconnected.