“Again, no problem” Bette reassured them.  “Hey Melissa” she greeted.

“Hi guys, they’re both asleep right now.  Ben is covered up on the couch and Angie is in her room.”  Melissa informed them.  Bette and Tina went into their little girls room to kiss her goodnight.

“Thank you much for taking him at the last minute” Monique smiled gratefully at her.

“No problem, he such an angel and had no problem letting me know what he needed.  In fact, he’s inspired me to learn sign language.”  Melissa said excitedly.

“Great I can teach you” Monique said as she handed Melissa a hundred dollar bill.

“This is for both our kids” Monique put the money in the girl’s hand then ushered her out the door.  “Now go before they realize what I’ve done and make you give it back.”  Melissa smiled at Monique.

“Fine, but tell them goodbye for me, I don’t want them to think that I’m rude or anything.  And if you ever need a sitter for Ben, here” Melissa took the writing pad and pen on the table and scribbled down her number then tore out the paper and handed it to Monique, “just call me.”

“Thank you so much” Monique and Jodie smiled at Melissa before she went out the door.

“Where’s Melissa?”  Bette asked as she and Tina walked back into the living room.

“She left” Monique and Jodie looked at each other and grinned.

“What did you do?”  Tina looked at them suspiciously.

“Nothing” Monique tried to look innocent.

“Bette” Jodie signed “I have a business proposition for you.”

“What kind?”  Bette, who was still looking around for Melissa finally stopped to look at Jodie.

“The good kind, can we go into the kitchen?” Jodie and Bette walked into the kitchen followed by Monique and Tina.

“I’m just going get to the point.  You’re not the only one who is getting tire of the academic world.  Don’t get me wrong I love my students I just hate dealing with the bureaucracy” she took a deep breath then looked at Monique who grinned her support.  “I’ve been thinking about opening up my own gallery and I was wondering if you could help me do it.  I have money and means to do I just need the knowledge.  That’s where you come in.”  Jodie looked at Bette who had a blank expression.

“You realize the amount of work and dedication that is required to owning and running your own gallery?”  Bette looked Jodie.

“Yes, I’ve thought long and hard about, and Monique thinks it’s a great idea” Jodie reassured her.

“What do you need from me?”  Bette looked at Tina who was obviously excited about the idea.

“I need you to show me the ropes, and yes it would require your heavy involvement, but that is your pace only.  I would pay you for your services of course.”  Jodie tried to entice.  Bette looked at Tina.

“You make me sound like a call girl” Bette almost looked offended.  “What do you think T?” she wanted her input.

“I think its great idea babe.  This will be your chance to show those snobs at the CAC and Kelly Wentworth what you’re made of.”  Tina cheered.

“What about our family?”  Bette hoped Tina hadn’t changed her mind about expanding their family.

“Doable” Tina went and stood in front of her the wrapped her arms around her neck “we’re going to be fine.”  She sealed it with a kiss then released Bette who turned and held her hand out to Jodie.

“You have yourself a consultant.”  They shook on it.