“I didn’t realize it was you—otherwise I would’ve gotten my ass up and opened the door…” Bette teases with a playful wink as she leans back in her chair.

Joy laughs and waves off Bette’s comment. “It’s fine….”

Bette offers a gentle smile. “All done with your appraisal? Any notes?”

Joy settles into the chair opposite her. “Nothing major. I jotted a few things—my assistant will hand them off on the way out—but honestly…” She raises her eyes, taking in the floor-to-ceiling catalogues and framed sketches lining the walls. She exhaled, her voice catching. “I feel really good about this.” A single tear glints at her lashes before she brushes it away. “You’re going to do wonders with my final show. It means everything to know my work’s safe…”

Bette smiles as she leans forward and folds her hands on her desk. “You know I will cherish and handle every piece as if I had done the masterpiece myself….”

Joy laughs. “I know…and thank you, but let’s not call them masterpieces yet…. You haven’t seen the work yet…”

“Well, I don’t need to see the collection to know that it’s going to be epic….” Bette says as she stands up.

Joy’s cheeks flush. “You’re too sweet.”

Bette drifts around the desk and leans against its polished edge. “By the way, was your tea in the conference room set up all right?”

Joy nods and rises. “Perfect, thank you.” She steps closer and squeezes Bette’s hand in both of hers, thumbs brushing her knuckles. “Thanks for making time for me today.”

Bette slips her free hand over Joy’s. “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

Joy presses a kiss to the back of each of Bette’s hands. “Alright, my love. We’ll be in touch.”

Joy studies Bette’s face. Concern softens her eyes. “What’s up? Last time we talked, you were floating on cloud nine. Trouble in paradise already?”

Bette shakes her head. “Oh. No, Tina and I are doing great….in fact, we were having a fantastic morning before my ex showed up….”

Joy winces. “Shit, yeah, exes definitely know how to fuck up a vibe, don’t they?”

Bette laughs, impressed by Joy’s hip lingo. “That they do….”

Joy laughs. “Anything I can do?”

Bette chuckles and shakes her head. “No, I’ll be fine…just a fucking nuisance….”