“I’m not saying that it’s not okay, it’s your life Jodie” Monique signed “those women can’t help but want to be with you, even if it means sharing you.  But you must have known that would want more, that they were investing their heart and soul into that part-time relationship.”

“I know” Jodie agreed with her head down, but Monique used a finger to tilt her chin back up.

“Do you understand why I can’t let Ben get involved?”  Monique asked then Jodie acknowledged.  “He’s been through so much disappointment already” she signed partially speaking her heart.  She was about to take a huge leap but she knew that what ever future she and Jodie had would depend greatly on her reaction to it.  “I followed my heart when we started” she looked at Jodie for a sign then continued.  “I’ve fallen in love with you, and it’s easier for me to take the pain when you suddenly get board and find someone else.  I’d never let my son go through something like that” she studied Jodie’s face.  “There you have it, the truth.  Now you can run for hills.”  Monique turned to pick up her bag to leave when she felt a firm grip on her wrist then her body being pulled into Jodie’s.  She closed her tearful eyes as Jodie’s lips crashed down on hers.  She lost herself completely as the kiss deepened then lost her heart again when she felt the tears being kissed away.  Monique opened her eyes to find Jodie staring right back at her.

“I love you too” Jodie verbally communicated as Monique’s love filled eyes mirrored her own.

Members of the board of the CAC, Bette and other key personnel listened intently as Franklin outlined some of the details for the show.  After concluding his presentation he gave Bette the floor to address the committee.  Bette arose from her seat walked to the front of the conference room with the confidence of a rap star.

“Thank you Franklin, members of the committee” Bette gave a small head bow as she stood before her colleagues.  “I am very fortunate to have been afforded many grand opportunities in my career.  From the artists I’d worked with to owning a gallery where my career truly flourished here on the West Coast to teaching art at one of the influential art colleges in the California academic program.”  She looked around the room and caught Kelly staring at her with a look she could describe as lust.  This made her skin crawl. “Being an art dealer has granted me the opportunity of meeting some of very wealthy people from all over the world.  People that anyone in my position would understand the great sacrifice that one would have to make in order to make that sale.  Some of them don’t truly feel the passion behind each piece that they purchase.  Time is the thing that we sacrifice, and now that I have a family I realize that is something I no longer want to sacrifice.  Which is why I regret to inform you that I will not take on your project” there were several gasps heard from around the room but Bette saw Kelly’s face take on a Botox expression.