Chapter 1 (continued – oops)

Tina stopped as abruptly as she had begun.  Her heart was still pounding and her eyes were still as wide and eager as when she began, but then she looked at the eyes of the woman across from her and a calm came over her as she looked at the beautiful and gentle smile of Bette Porter.   Tina regained enough composure to return the smile but with that came the realization of what she had just done.  She quickly looked down at her hands and felt the blush in her face rising.  If the woman hadn’t spoken at that moment Tina might have rushed out of the office in tears, but the woman’s kind and gentle voice spoke.

“Ms. Wilson, That was quite an answer, I feel like I need a break.  Why don’t we go over to the couch and I’ll get us a drink and we can finish our conversation.

Tina looked up at the kind eyes and merely said, “Thank You”

Bette Porter walked across the room with an ease and a grace that left Tina yet again dumbfounded.  As Bette gestured toward the couch, Tina stared at Bette with her mouth and eyes wide open again not unlike the proverbial deer caught in the headlights.  Tina watched as Bette moved effortlessly toward a fridge in the back of the room and Tina took a moment to compose herself.  She shook her head and took a very deep breath.  She quickly rose and made a mad dash to the couch that seemed miles away. She made it.  With a great deal of relief Tina took another deep cleansing breath and was starting to feel composed just as Bette leaned toward her offering a reassuring smile and a chilled water bottle.  Tina reached for the bottle, smiled and said:

“Thank you”

“You’re welcome”

“So, Ms. Wilson, tell me why you would like to work here at the Bette Porter Gallery.

Tina looked deeply into the gentle eyes looking at her and suddenly warmth and a sense of calm came over her and she responded in somewhat of a professional manner.

“Well… Art has always been one of my great passions.  I have visited hundreds of Art Museums and Galleries throughout the world and I never tire of it – It always leaves me… I don’t know – wanting more.  I think that, that combined with my business background, and volunteer experiences makes this position ideal for me.  Or….Ummm I mean I would be perfect for you.  I mean your Gallery.