“I hope you don’t mind my agreeing to be Nicole’s guest.  She was so kind to invite me tonight.” There was a hint of self-consciousness in her tone.  “I was visiting with her about a project on enhancing and perhaps expanding a creative writing and reading for impaired program in a few of the centers my mother’s foundation partially funds,” flashing a warm smile in her friend’s direction, “of course accompanied with the munificent assistance from Nicole.  Our meeting was so delightful it ran over so here I am.” 
 
“Tina…” a slight hesitation interrupted her admission “has mentioned the CAC fondly and I’ve been meaning to visit and view first-hand.  However, to be completely frank although my appreciation and awe is certainly present for the expressed form, I don’t know much about art Bette.” she laughed softly.  “I leave that to my mother.  I’m more interested in other work.”
 
Nicole unknowingly supported her growing status in my eyes, “Other work” she chided, “don’t downplay your focus Helly.  In fact Bette, inspired by the trips she’s made to a good number of third world countries in Asia, she’s created multiple shelters across the region on behalf of their foundation.” 
 
Thoroughly impressed with her friend she provided more detail, “Now it seems she’s re-focused some time for local efforts although her activities overseas are still ongoing.  Her current involvement with the Youth Center has evolved into funding efforts toward creating ‘Safe Habitats’ in the park areas encouraging outdoor activities for beneficiaries of the Center.  Of course, this demands engaging local officials.  You know how difficult that is!”
 
Not done, she volunteered a relationship neither of us was ready for, “Oh! Oh! I have a delicious idea.  You could hold another fundraising dinner with ‘Landscapes’ as the theme and hold it right here!  That would be entirely consistent and supportive of the effort for ‘Safe Habitats’.”
 
Friend of the gallery or not, this was too much.  Wasn’t it enough that I acknowledge Helena was in fact, not the devil?  Do our professional lives have to cross paths as well? 
 
Gracious positioning was the order of the day, “Well we could certainly talk about that idea.”  Even though I admit the cause sounded rewarding, Helena and I had a more personal connection that needed to be considered as well.  An individual who may not appreciate the match Mrs. Mulligan saw with clarity.
 
The adept tactic employed to thwart this joint venture was truly creative and admirable.
 
Helena gently interjected, “The idea is absolutely ingenious!” Gracious positioning exemplified.  “Unfortunately Nicole, I’m not that far along yet and a number of other considerations are in motion that wouldn’t allow me to take advantage of you clever suggestion.  I just hope Bette may consider it should we reach that point?” 
 
I responded, “Of course.”  I meant it.