“What do you think it means?”  Monique’s breathing calmed as Jodie shrugged.

Bette was surprised to find so many people at the little art exhibit.  She realized that some of them were her peers from the art world.  Even Tina had friends there as they walked around checking out the local art.  Bette had to admit that there was definitely some talent in this show and she was being inspired by the second.  They walked hand in hand sipping champagne from paper cups appreciating the fine art in this hidden part of the world.

“Ooh I love this one” Tina said as she and Bette stopped in front of a three by four foot painting of a little girl gathering sea shells.  It had a sunset background with the little girl standing barefoot holding a tiny pail full of shells at the bottom the ocean behind her.

“It’s called ‘Shelby’” Bette read the three by five inch card thumb tacked at the bottom of the display.

“Babe we should get it for Angie” Tina told her excitedly.

“Let’s look around a little bit more you might find something else you like more” Better sealed with a kiss.

“I don’t want to compare it to anything else” Tina didn’t move when Bette pulled her hand to lead her away.  “I love this one and I want to buy it.”

“T we still haven’t seen the rest of the exhibit” Bette chuckled as her partner anchored her down in front of the painting.

“I don’t care” Tina shrugged “I’ve already connected to this one” she shook her had she glance back at the little girl.  “I want to put an offer in before it goes” she said as Bette exhaled heavily in defeat.

“Okay we’ll make an offer” Bette told her then went to find the artist as Tina waited by the painting.

Tina took a closer look at the painting and smiled at the thought of Angelica one day carrying her own pail gathering shells on the beach.  She was so into the painting that she didn’t notice the person who stood a couple of feet of away looking at her looking at the painting.  She felt like she was being watched and turned her head to make sure when she saw someone smiling at her.