Squaring her shoulders she turned around and begins to walk toward the desk where a pretty brunette sat on the phone.

Bette held up her finger in the universal “hold one moment please” sign not ever raising her eyes to see who she was communicating silently with until she said good bye to who ever she was on the phone with and hung up the receiver.

The emotion of surprise and something else Tina could not quite capture flashed across her face for a second then it was gone.

“Tina what a surprise. What are you doing here in Denver?”

“Is something wrong with Angelica?”

All of this was said in a rush from Bette’s mouth as if she were afraid she would not be able to speak another word.

“Hello Bette. Angelica is great. She is doing so well in school Bette we may have a genius on our hands, she said with a giggle. She is at home with her Aunt Rachel. I came to Denver for a conference and had some free time and thought I would look you up to see how you were doing.”

“That’s great to hear Tina. I’m sure you are very proud of her. How long will you be in Denver for? I’m sure being away from your daughter is very hard for any length of time.”

“It is Bette she is my world. But you know I have to do these conferences every once in a while it’s part of the job. Do you have time for lunch? I would love it if you would go with me as my treat of course.”

“Ah…sorry Tina I’m not the boss anymore and I don’t get lunch for another half hour but your in luck I had pre arranged to take the rest of the day off as personal time due to a show we closed last week. If you don’t mind waiting then I would love to have lunch with you.”

“I’ll just walk around for a while could you come and get me when you are ready to go?”

“Yes, I will. Enjoy the gallery Tina.” Tina didn’t have time to respond before Bette’s phone was ringing again. Turning to the right she continued her stroll through the gallery. Living with Bette all those years had taught her an appreciation for fine art although it would never be her passion like it is for Bette.