“Well the subject actually came up in conversation this evening. Valerie asked if there was something already going on between them. Tina said although there is an attraction it would be unprofessional and messy to get romantically involved with Helena. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

“Well that does ease my mind.”

“Peggy under the circumstances do you still think it’s a good idea for me to try to befriend Helena or for us to try to get her involved with art? I don’t want to expose myself to her wrath if she feels that I’m a threat to her inheritance and her livelihood. I’m dealing with enough bad karma without inviting more.”

“Bette I can understand your concerns. I do agree that maybe we should give her some space and not force the friendship between you or pressure her to get more involved with art. But I am certainly not going to curtail the amount of time I spend with you or anyone else because my daughter can’t handle that I have healthier relationships with other people than I do with her. As a matter of fact we got so side-tracked in our conversation that I didn’t even tell you the reason I was calling.  I’m coming home earlier than planned and I wanted to know if you could take a few days off to meet me in New York next week. My pilot has to fly the jet from L.A. to N.Y. on Sunday evening so you could hitch a ride. Are you at a point in your preparations for the exhibit that you can take some time off?”

“Yes as a matter of fact I am. Val is in good hands with Alice and Lisa. James and our design group can handle the next phase without me. My main task now is solidifying the invite list.”

“I can certainly help you with that.”

“In that case I can probably take the week. I’ll check with James in the morning, but I’m sure we can make it work. Why do you want me to come to New York?”

“Mostly I just want to see you but I also have business that I want to discuss. I need to talk to you in your professional capacity as my art consultant.”

“OK. Do you want to give me a hint as to what this is about?”

“No. We’ll talk when we are both in New York. I will tell you however that it’s a mutually beneficial business proposition.”

“Oh thanks a lot Peggy. That’s just vague enough to keep me up tonight.”

“Sweetie don’t lose any sleep over it. Call me when you confirm your schedule with James. I’ll set up the transportation. Have a good night love.”

“And you have a good day. I’ll talk to you soon. Love you.”

Peggy telling Bette not to lose any sleep was easier said than done. She had a lot on her mind as she replayed the earlier conversation. Peggy had never confided so much about Helena in all the years they’d known each other. She had no idea of the extent of the problems in their mother/daughter relationship.

Could Peggy be so naïve as to think that Helena would not retaliate if she felt threatened? Bette was definitely a threat; not only for her mother’s affection but also her legacy and her livelihood. Now Peggy wanted to discuss a mutually beneficial business proposition. If she needed her professional advice in her capacity as art consultant then it must have something to do with her private collection.

There were too many possibilities for Bette to speculate. She needed to clear her mind so decided to take a bubble bath. She went to the fridge and took out a bottle of wine. She poured a glass and took it with her to the bathroom. She prepared the tub for a relaxing bath, lit some candles, turned on music then stripped her clothes and lowered her body into the warm scented inviting bubbles. She laid her head back against the bath pillow and closed her eyes.