“I’m sorry,” she whispered, unsure of how to comfort this woman.

Debbie was still staring at the sunrise. “I had to get out of the office. I thought I would go crazy. I remembered you worked here and that made me think the art could get my mind off my parents.”

“Most people would have a stiff drink,” Bette replied.

“I’m a Christian girl. No strong drinks for me. My one vice is beautiful women.”

Bette swallowed thickly “That is a vice I well understand.”

“I made a mistake this time. I usually send them gifts without a sender. Things they can’t return. I got sloppy. I was so excited and so convinced I could get through to him that I didn’t think.”

Bette sighed. “You can’t buy his love. He has to give it willingly.”

Debbie wiped at her tears. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to come here and unload my life story. I was just hoping that maybe I’d run into you.”

“You got lucky.”

“I did. You know something, Bette?”

“What?”

“My brother really respects you,” said Debbie.

“He does?”

“He does. And now I see why. You must be a very special person, Bette.”

“We’re all special people, Debbie.”

The older woman shrugged. “You know something else?”

“What?”

“You are the only person in the city that I know outside of work. Isn’t that sad?” she asked.

“It is sad,” Bette whispered.

Those words tore the copper pools away from the red sunrise. “I didn’t think you’d actually agree.”

“Well, I’m nothing but honest.”

“I see. And I also see that I’ve taken up too much of your time. You’re working. I’ll let you get back to it,” said Debbie, rising to her feet.

“You don’t have to go.”

Debbie smiled her first genuine smile of the day and replied, “But I do. Thank you for your time. You’re not my counselor. If you feel comfortable, give me your number and I’ll give you a call when you get back in town.”

Now it was Bette’s turn to smile. “You remembered my trip.”

“How could I forget that ‘Tina-induced’ smile of yours? You lit up like a Christmas tree when you talked about it. I used to feel that way about someone. You don’t forget how love makes you feel. A special woman deserves another special woman in return. So enjoy your trip and when you get back, I’ll give you a call. Repay you for your time as my therapist today.”