Bette wanted to guard her heart, but she struggled. She had been in love with 2005 Tina already. And 2019 Tina was definitely winning her over. “You think of everything,” she whispered.

“Like I said, I like taking care of you. You’re sweet and loving. Let me love you.”

Those words wound through Bette, making her heart beat faster and her center ache. “Don’t do that,” she whispered.

“Do what?”

“I have to concentrate today. Now all I can think about is you. Making love to you,” said Bette.

Tina swallowed. “One day soon. For now, I need to know that you are safe. This is my way of making sure that you are safe. And protected.”

Bette nodded. “Okay. Thank you, T.”

“You are more than welcome. I miss you. Good luck on everything today. Even though you don’t need luck. You’re a pro. You’ll call me if you need me? If you need anything?” said Tina.

“I will. I promise.”

“Good,” Tina blew her a kiss and then she was gone.

The day flew by for Bette. There were artists, contractors, caterers, and delivery people to contend with. Everyone needed her attention for something or other. The dinner was scheduled to begin promptly at 4:45 pm. She had Harold take her home for a late shower at 3 and by the time she returned to the gallery, Caleb Durand had arrived with a makeup artist and hairstylist in tow. The trio had set up in her office and was ready for her.

It was 4:20 when Caleb held the full-length mirror up for her to gaze upon herself. Bette had to admit that she was stunning. Her hair was pulled back into a twist with curled tendrils framing her face. Her makeup was flawless, her eyelids shimmery and smoky, her lips plumped and sultry, painted in a dark rose. The wound on her temple was barely visible. The makeup artist had covered it without mentioning a word about it.

The dress was incredible. The sleeveless black bodice with white rhinestones accentuated her full breasts and showed off her toned arms. The bodice flowed into the wide, black taffeta skirt that fell to her ankle. It had a side split on the left side that started at her mid-thigh and was trimmed in a satiny, polar white that was shimmered in the light and showed off her lean, sexy legs. Tina had been observant. The black heels she wore were Manolos and were trimmed in jewels. Bette twirled, watching the dress move with her.

Caleb the Fabulous smiled brightly at her. “My beauty, you are a vision. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. I do great work, but you were already a beauty when I began.”

He took photos of her, promising to share them with her and his client, Chris Anderson.

As quickly as he’d arrived, he whizzed away.

At 4:30 Bette hit the gallery floor and gave commands to the contractors and staff members regarding lighting and placement for the artist dinner grand entrance. A white carpet had already been rolled out on the gallery steps. Guests would enter through the front of the gallery and be greeted by the press and photographers. They would then be escorted through a corridor, lit by spotlight into and then arrive into the dining area which was adorned in a tasteful balance of black and white design. The male escorts were dressed in black tie. The women in white knee-length gowns.

At 4:40 Bette and James stood together at the front door, preparing to open it and greet their guests from the top of the stairs. James looked great in his tux. He smelled like cedar and spearmint.

“You ready, Boss?” he asked.

She winked at him. “WE are ready, James.”

Bette knocked on the door and both of the doors were opened from the outside. She stood gracefully on one side of the top step and James on the other side. Cars had been valeted in an adjacent lot and guests were waiting behind a black velvet rope, beneath a sea of white tents.

The first guest to arrive stepped out from the last white tent, escorted by a handsome young man in his black tux. Bette couldn’t help but stare at her. The woman was beautiful, wearing a fitted white gown that seemed to melt against her shapely, toned brown body. As the guest seemed to float up the steps, her dark eyes met Bette’s gaze and she smiled.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Bette. I promised you I would be here,” said the artist known as “C”.