“Val thanks for asking but I couldn’t. I’ve monopolized so much of your time already. Maybe you should just reschedule for another time when Tina can go.”

“So you’re abandoning me too?”

“Don’t be so dramatic Val.” Tina chastised her friend. “You’re going to be busy with the show anyway. We’ll find the time after things settle down for both of us.”

“Tina is right Val. We have a busy couple of weeks ahead of us. You can come hang out at the gallery if you like. As a matter of fact you should come to the Planet for brunch on Sunday. Alice is bringing her new girlfriend Dana Fairbanks.”

“Dana Fairbanks the tennis player?”

“Yeah. Apparently they met at the gym. I think Alice was doing another one of her top ten lists when they met because I can guarantee you she wasn’t there to work out.”

Bette looked at her watch. “It’s getting late. I better get going. Thanks for dinner and a most enlightening conversation. Val I hope you will make it to brunch on Sunday. It’s my treat.”

“I’ll be there.”

“Great. Tina I hope you can make it also. You’re welcome to bring Helena if she’s interested.”

“Thanks. I’ll have to let you know.”

“OK. Hey don’t forget we have a date with Chef Lara the week before the exhibit. That is if you still want to help with the menu.”

“Of course I want to help. I already have it on my calendar.”

“OK then. Good night Tina.”

“Good night Bette.”

The two shared a hug.

“Hey Bette I’ll walk you to your car.” Val offered as Bette gathered her things. Once in the driveway Bette unlocked the passenger door and placed her purse and briefcase on the seat then relocked it. She turned to Valerie to give her a hug but sensing that the young artist had something on her mind she paused.

“What is it Val?”

“I think I should tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“That it’s you I’m interested in. I know Tina is going to interrogate me when I get back in the house. She reads me like a book. She’ll figure it out and I don’t want things to be awkward for us.”

”Val I had no idea.”

”Do you think maybe there’s a chance?”

“Val you’re a beautiful woman. I would be lying if I said I didn’t find you attractive. Not only that but I’ve grown very fond of you these past few weeks.”

“Why do I sense a ‘but’ coming my way?”

“BUT I have a rule of not mixing business with pleasure. Dating an artist that I represent tends to complicate things. I am flattered that you would even think of me in that way but it’s not a good idea. I wouldn’t want to risk our friendship.”

“I knew you’d say that.”

“I’m sorry if I hurt you Val. I just need to be honest. I hope this doesn’t mess things up.”

“No. I appreciate your honesty and I certainly wouldn’t want to complicate things. Just promise you won’t disappear from my life after the show is over.”

“That’s a promise.” Bette took Val’s hand and kissed her palm. Tina happened to glance out the window in time to catch the tender moment between Bette and her best friend. Something in the way they were standing so close and the way Bette took Val’s hand and kissed it was enough for Tina to realize that Val was harboring an attraction for Bette. Not that she blamed her friend. Bette was a beautiful woman and the thought had crossed Tina’s mind too. She definitely had developing feelings for the brunette but after hearing Bette’s convictions about monogamy and family and seeking a life-partner she felt they were too far apart philosophically. Val on the other hand was certainly a better match but it didn’t sit right with Tina. She stepped away from the window and headed to her bedroom.

“So we’re okay?” Val wanted reassurance that she hadn’t made a mistake in admitting her crush.

“Val we’re fine. To be honest under different circumstances maybe …”

“Yeah … maybe.” The artist smiled.

Bette and Val hugged then Bette walked around to the driver’s side and got in.

“Drive carefully.”

“I will. See you Sunday.”

Val stood in the driveway and waved watching the car merge into traffic then went back into the house.