“You want to exhibit “Provocations” and Allyn Barnes’ work publicly in a permanent exhibit of the Peggy Peabody collection?

“Yes.”

“Wow!!”

“Wow indeed. What do you say?”

“You are asking me to move to New York to work on this project aren’t you?”

“Just part-time. A year maybe two at best then we move to the west coast. I know your life is in Los Angeles but you will have unlimited access to the Peabody jet. You can go home whenever you like or you can have your friends and sister flown here all expenses paid. You can do it on your own terms and take as long as you need.”

“This is an incredible opportunity Peggy but if I’m going to put so much responsibility on James to run the gallery for a year or two I would need to at least make him a partner.”

“Do you think he’s ready for that?”

“Yes. It was in my plan to discuss with him after the Valerie Simmons premier. James has mastered the day to day business but my expertise lies with finding the new talent. I don’t want us to lose focus on the emerging artist exhibits.”

“Neither do I. It’s the reason I am establishing the Peabody Arts Foundation grants for emerging artist. Both corporate and individual monies will be made available to ensure that we continue supporting up and coming artists. I would even like to see some of their pieces displayed in the Peabody Museums. I will continue to collect as avidly as I do now. There is no limit to what we can do to bring recognition to artists from all over the country.”

“You’ve thought of everything haven’t you?”

“Well I have given it a great deal of thought. I think it would be the ultimate collaboration between us but I want you to want it as much as I do Bette. Take your time and think about it. Talk to James and anybody else that you need to consult with. Bruce will discuss the financial and benefits package with you. If you like he can assist with your partnership negotiations with James.

I’d like you to spend the next couple of days with me looking at the space and visiting the warehouse. You’ve done an amazing job of cataloging and tracking values over the years so most of the administrative work will be easy to accomplish. I’ll fly to Los Angeles with you on Friday and spend the next several weeks until after Valerie’s exhibit so we can talk in more detail. How’s that?”

“That works. I’m sure you know I’m beyond excited at the prospect of this but I do need to talk to James and Lisa as well as Alice and Kit. I have responsibilities as a board member at the CAC. I have my volunteer work at the WeHo Family and Youth Center.”

“All those things are manageable darling, especially with today’s technology. You can probably keep most of those obligations. The only thing I’d worry about is your personal lift, but you’ve told me that you aren’t dating so there isn’t a significant other to worry about it is there?”

“No. There’s no girlfriend which is a good thing. I’m no good at long-distance relationships.”

“Who knows you might meet someone here in New York?” Peggy smiled and winked at Bette.

“Please tell me you’re not playing matchmaker again.”

“Not at all darling, but speaking of which I need to get back downstairs to meet with Max and Tina. If you want to wait around I can have David drive both you and Tina back to Tribeca or wherever you want to go. Just be back for dinner OK?”

“Sure. Let’s see what Tina wants to do. I promised to show her around New York a bit if we had time this afternoon.”

The pair concluded their meeting and walked arm in arm out of the office and took the elevator to the 3rd floor. Bette visited with Michael while Peggy wrapped up her meeting with Max and Tina. Afterwards Bette and Tina bid farewell and headed back to Tribeca.