Previously
Walking in the gallery, Bette looks stunning. She’s obviously dressed for her lunch date. She walks up behind Kristin, “Kristin, how are your doing? James is very impressed with you, you know.”
“James is obviously, easily impressed. I have soooo much to learn.” Kristin turns to face Bette. “Wow, jet lag becomes you.”
Bette smiles acknowledging her comment. “James says you are doing quite well.” Now almost sheepish, feeling a little unsure, “I’m not overdressed am I?”
“No, not at all. Do you have a meeting at the gallery. James didn’t mention anything.”
Just as this was coming out of Kristin’s mouth, James walks in, “No, there are no meetings on Bette’s calendar so, that means only one thing.” James winks at Kristin, “She’s meeting Tina at some point today.”
“Fuck you James.” Bette smiled because James knows her so well. She turns to go into her office. As a usual business directive, Bette has a decisive dislike for voicemail at the gallery. She insists that all calls be taken and handled respectfully by her staff. So, she has a large stack of hand written messages to go through. She returns calls throughout the morning with frequent glances at the clock. The morning could not possibly go any more slowly.
Chapter 2
Helena caught Tina on her way into her office at the studio. “Mother is going to be on the lot this afternoon for lunch and she would absolutely adore seeing you Tina. Can you join us?”
Putting her briefcase in the chair in front of her desk, Tina turns to look Helena’s way. “I am so sorry. I have lunch plans.”
“Is it something you can break? I would really like for you to join us.”
“Helena, it’s Bette. We made plans this morning.”
“This morning?” Helena smirks at Tina, with a knowing grin.
“Yes, I called her to see how her trip to London went. She asked me to meet her for lunch. I just don’t think I can get out of it. It seemed really important to her.”
“Very well then. I’ll just tell mummy that lunch with Bette is much more important than lunch with her.” Helena smiles, verbally jabbing at Tina.
“I am sure she will understand that these were previously made plans.” Tina slightly lowers her head to one side.” Won’t she?”
“Absolutely darling. I’ll explain. Enjoy your lunch with Bette.”
“Thanks.” Tina’s smile was hesitant as Helena left her office.
