‘Phyllis, how lovely to see you.’ Bette recovered quickly and smoothed her blazer over her waist. She had dropped her briefcase without realizing it so quickly bent to pick it up. She glanced briefly at Tina to find the blonde’s cheeks crimson, a nervous smile plastered on her face.

Bette extended her hand for the approaching lady in the grey designer power suit to take. ‘Bette, how’s it going? I’m just dying to hear about our new artist, I hear she’s making quite an impression on the local critics?’ Phyllis leaned enthusiastically towards Bette as she shook her hand with vigor.

‘Well I could tell you all about her, or I could just introduce you? Phyllis Kroll, may I introduce you to one of the most talented artists I have ever met, Miss Tina Kennard. Tina, this is Phyllis Kroll, the most dignified member of our board and certainly the most appreciative of art.’ Bette moved close to Tina and placed a hand on the small of her back. Tina jumped at the contact and blushed intensely. Bette smiled as she noticed the reaction and stroked her thumb up and down. She held it there for a few more tantalizing seconds and withdrew, grazing her fingertips across Tina’s hips.

‘Hi there.’ Tina extended her hand to meet Phyllis’s and had to catch her breath as Bette teased her. She exchanged pleasantries with Phyllis as they talked about where she started and how her work had developed. She found herself unusually comfortable at being able to talk about herself and enjoyed the fact that every time she glanced in Bette’s direction, she found the brunette watching her, taking in every word.

As small talk faded, the silence that appeared to envelop the three ladies pushed Bette into excusing her and Tina from Phyllis’ company.

‘We have some logistics to work out before the show which we will be sure to show you as soon as the kinks are worked out. It was great seeing you though and I’ll have those figures to you by the end of the day.’ Bette smiled.

‘Excellent. Well good luck and I’m sure the show will be a tremendous achievement Tina, Bette’s the most talented curator in LA so you’re in very good hands.’ Phyllis crooned as she started to turn to walk out of the room.