I hear her long before I see her.

“No I will not take her call Helena Peabody is a know nothing twit and I have wasted half my day on her and that bloody place I now have another meeting so unless someone is dead I am not to be interrupted.”

She has a pronounced English accent though not harsh but with a soft melodic edge even though she is shouting. It makes me curious to at last meet this woman I have heard so much about.

She is the agent for the artists who’s work I am trying to secure for exclusive sale in my galleries.

Her reputation precedes her in the art world she is ruthless. Negotiating the most profitable deals for her client whilst finding great spaces for their work to be displayed in. I had not dealt with her before because she mostly worked on the East coast. Then she contacted me out of the blue and asked for an appointment with regards to placing some work. I wanted the work badly so had not questioned it and had agreed to a meeting straight away.

Not used to being so uninformed about people who I was going to work with, and believe me I would get this contract if it killed me, I did some research but the woman was elusive at best and I was none the wiser as I waited for her to reach my office. My nerves had been raging all day it had been a while since I had to fight for works I wanted in my gallery, now a days people came to me, but upon hearing he very vocal opinions of Helena I thought maybe we would get on fine.   

“Bette Andrea Summers is here.”  My assistants voice informed me over the inter-com,

After telling her to send her straight through I stood to receive the person who was going to turn my life upside down.

If only I had known.

“Hello I’m Bette Porter” I greeted her extending my hand in welcome

“Ms Porter, I’m Andrea Summers but please call me Andy” She replied as she looked around my office.

“well then please call me Bette.”

As her gaze finally settled on me I felt suddenly self-conscious. She was young and extremely attractive, with dark hair that fell in a soft wave down her back, intense eyes so dark they were almost black set off by gorgeous high cheekbones accompanied by a full mouth that made her face truly appealing. She dressed to kill in a designer suit that must have been tailored to her long athletic Body.

Truth be told just being in her presence made me feel old and slightly rough around the edges.

I could see a sparkle in her eye that I should have known meant trouble. It wouldn’t be long before not only me, but also Tina, my daughters and my friends would realise just how much trouble trying to keep up with the new blood in town could cause us.

TBC????????? Up to You