“MMm eight o’clock. Can you believe it? This is the last show of the year!”

 **

Tina was walking alone enjoying the gallery’s many art displays. Having been to many openings besides Bette she knew Bette would need her space in order to speak with other curators and industry critics. When an artist named Jodi was seemingly touchy feely with Bette across the room, Tina stiffened and felt sick. Her jealously took over soon and she was on her way to confront Jodi. This was supposed to be a happy time for them. Tina’s schedule was clear now and this last show of Bette’s meant they were going to go ahead and start the doctor visits to prepare for a baby.  She follows Jodi to a quiet corner of the gallery and takes the opportunity to confront her.

“We’ve never met, but it seems you know my wife, Bette Porter.” Jodie turns when she feels a presence behind her. She stares at the blonde beauty before her and smiles. Tina feeling uncomfortable with the way the woman was undressing her continues. “I don’t know what you’re trying to get at, but that’s my wife.” She points towards Bette who is in deep conversation with a tall brunette with green eyes. Jodie unable to take her eyes off her, just nods pretending that she had understood what Tina had said to her. She walks over and signs whilst speaking “Hi, I’m Jodie.” She offers her hand only to have Tina move back. Jodie turns her head to the side in confusion and tries again. She says it real slow this time, knowing that some people couldn’t understand her at times. “I’m Jodie and you’re Tina, Bette’s wife, right?”  I cannot believe the boldness coming from this woman, thought Tina. So she knows Bette and I are partners? What the hell?

 “Tina!” Bette finished her conversation with Helena Peabody, a dear friend of hers and the daughter of Peggy Peabody one of the gallery’s top investors. “Hey, I see you’ve met Jodie?” She walked towards Tina and placed a loving peck on the side of her cheek. Tina took Bette’s arm that was around her waist and placed it down to her side. Bette shocked by the gesture gave her a knowing look, saying what did I do or not do? Tina shrugged and spoke, turning to Jodie. “Yes, Jodie and I were just acquainting ourselves.”