Alice was certain that Bette would have noticed the girl’s interest and thought Bette was just being coy and trying to hide her feelings from Alice.. But as she carefully watched Bette she could see the wheels turning in her head and the result was genuine puzzlement. Bette was having to work to remember the girl.

Bette hadn’t noticed the girl’s attraction and Alice could hardly believe it. Bette usually noticed any woman who showed interest in her–especially a woman as attractive as the blond.

“I think I would have noticed it,” shrugged Bette as she took another sip of wine.

“I’m surprised you didn’t. She tripped so you would grab heroldest trick in the book.”

“Oh, yeah, the klutzy girl.” Bette wiggled her toes. “She also managed to lose an earring in her hair.”

Alice continued: “Bette! Klutzy? She was great-looking. Beautiful face, eyes. Great *****–and terrific *****–just what you like.”

Bette looked at Alice with an evil smile. “Since you are so impressed with all heruhattributes, why don’t you ask her out?”

Alice flushed slightly and knew that Bette noticed it because her evil smile got even larger. Alice was difficult to embarrass and recovered quickly. “I’m not the one she was drooling over. I’m not the one she looked at like she wanted to eat with a spoon. Besides I would never hit on a gal who has the hots for you. I wouldn’t want to deprive you of a score.”

“You’re a great friend,” Bette grinned. Then her face turned serious again.

“Why don’t we close up this place and go home,” suggested Bette as she finished the wine, put her shoes back on and stood up. Alice wondered again if Bette was trying to hide her attraction to the woman. This time, though, Alice decided she believed Bette. When she thought about it, Bette had never seemed to turn on that ***** charm with the blond. It was just that the young woman was obviously taken with Bette. In fact, if Bette had turned on the charm, they would probably have had to call 911 for the girl.

Wow, Alice thought. Bette wasn’t even trying and had landed a beautiful gal — if she wanted to reel her in. It was like fishing without bait and hooking a trophy fish anyway. Of course, when Bette walked in a room, she was the bait. Anyone seeing her might be hooked.

Alice was pleased with all the fishing analogies she had thought of; maybe she could use something like that in one of her articles.

Bette and Alice left the office, turned off the lights, locked the gallery and headed to their separate cars.

Bette was looking forward to a long shower and sleep. Alice was wondering how soon Bette was going to hear from that little blond.