“Promise” What’s up?”

“Well, for the last several months I have been conducting a monthly outreach program for inner city teens using art as a means of expressing anger and inner turmoil.  It’s an innovative project initiated by a small not- for -profit, The Center for Social Justice, the program has been wildly successful and I’ve really grown to love both the project and my time with the kids.  Well anyway, I volunteered to chair this huge fundraiser at Christmas and I’ve also offered the Gallery for the event.  So as you can see I am in way over my head and I am indeed in need of your professional advice.”

“Wow Bette.  This program sounds amazing.  I would love to get involved.  I’ve really missed doing volunteer work since we moved to LA, I would gladly volunteer to help in any way I can to make the fundraiser a huge success.  When can we start?”

“Look Tina, I don’t want to drag you into this.  You really don’t have to do this.  I really don’t want you to feel obligated because I’m your boss.”

“Bette, are you crazy.  This is big.  This is awesome.  I would love to be involved.  Just promise to tell me if I get too pushy, or if I cross any lines or anything.  Okay?”  Tina looked at Bette with a smirk on her face and they both laughed.

“Touche, Kinnard, Touche”

“So we’re on. Right?”

“We’re on.

They sat back and smiled at each other and for the first time in hours they looked around and realized they were the only 2 people in the restaurant.  

“Tina, what time is it anyway? 

“Holy cow!  It’s 12:30 Bette.  Can you believe that?  I guess time does fly when you’re having fun.”

“Really, Wow.  This has been nice.  Hey Tina, the girls are coming over on Sunday for a BBQ would you like to come over?   It’s nothing special.  We do it 2 or 3 times a month.  It’s usually fun but always interesting.  What do you say?

“I’d love to.  What can I bring? 

“Just yourself and maybe a bathing suit. The pools heated if it’s chilly.”

They walked out of the restaurant, and Bette walked Tina to her car.  She reached to open the car door for her and held it as Tina oh so elegantly slipped into the car.  Bette leaned into the car and as she handed Tina her card with her cell and address their hands touched and their eyes met.  They stayed like that for a moment until Bette spoke in barely a whisper, “Tina, tonight was lovely, Thank you.”

In a soft but deeper voice than Bette was used to hearing, Tina replied.  “Oh believe me Ms. Porter the pleasure was all mine.  Good Night.”

“Good Night”