“Sounds like we should’ve had you in this show.” Helena says with her most charming smile.

The lightbulb finally goes off over Harper’s head, “We?”

“Oh, yes I’m -”

Harper doesn’t let her finish, “Oh I know who you are.”

Bette and Shane have inched their way within earshot.

“My reputation precedes me, I see.” Helena’s inflated ego rears its ugly head.

“Not the reputation you think.” Harper smiles politely.

“Pardon?”

“Let’s just say I’m a good friend of Bette Porter and Tina Kinnard’s and leave it at that.” Harper opts for the nice way. Though she’d much rather call a spade, a spade.

“Oh, I see. Well, I can only imagine what embellished tales they’ve told.”

“They don’t strike me as liars or overly deceitful people.”

Before they can continue Bette decides that is her cue to appear.

“Hello Helena.” Bette says with a smile and a tilt of her head.

“Bette.” Helena tries not to act startled. She watches Shane kiss Harper’s cheek and hand her a glass of wine.

“I see you’ve met Shane’s girlfriend Harper.” Bette smiles at the couple.

“Hi Helena.” Shane says putting her arm around Harper’s waist.

“Yes, we were just discussing this painting.” Helena’s eyes begin to scan the room.

“Among other things.” Harper adds.

“If you’ll excuse me Ladies, I need to speak with Franklin.” She motions over to where he’s standing.

“Of course.” Bette says feeling great satisfaction at making Helena feel uncomfortable.

They all watch as she walks away. Shane and Bette share a smile.

Bette grabs Harper’s arms, “You were great!” She kisses her forehead.

Harper laughs, “Thanks.”

“Hey, no kissing my girlfriend.” Shane kids.

Bette winks at Shane, “Have fun girls. I’m going to go see if I can’t find the mother of my child.” And with that she slips into the crowd.

Shane takes a sip of her wine as she stares at Harper.

“What?” Harper asks of the stare.

“Nothing.” Shane grins devilishly before moving in for a kiss.

The brush of Shane’s wine chilled tongue against hers sends a molten surge through her body.

“Mmm.” Harper moans with satisfaction.

Shane takes her by the hand and leads her through the crowd. She stops when she finds an area of the museum that seems uninhabited.