Much to her own chagrin all that Bette could force out of her dry mouth was a rather raspy, “Hello”. After taking a moment to regain her composure a bit she managed to finish introducing herself, Im Bette Porter, nice to meet you”

This certainly was not Bette at her best, but, she thought as she continued to look at the young woman standing in front of her, who could blame me. When the girl had spun around and stood up, Bette had been blown away. She was a true beauty. Her skin was creamy white, accenting strawberry blonde hair and green eyes that flashed with spontaneity. She had a pert nose and plump, gracefully curved lips. Bette’s eyes drifted down from her face to take in an hourglass figure which was accentuated by the red ribbon tied around Dellas waist. She managed to get a glimpse of lithe calves and tiny, shoeless feet before she realized she had been staring and brought her eyes back to the other womans.

Its a pleasure to meet you, too. This photograph is rather astounding. I dont even know how long I have been here looking at it. I had heard that your collection was extensive, but I am still impressed beyond my expectations. Your gallery is wonderful, she added with a with a warm and appreciative smile, making Bette flush slightly as she searched for the words thank you and found nothing in her mind but the face before her. What the ***** is wrong with me, Bette thought, I havent acted like the since I was thirteen, no, actually I never acted like this. Why on earth is this woman able to do this to me, make me feel so nervous, well not nervous exactly, more like off balance, or uncertain No, this is not this time for ***** introspection Porter! Focus or you will end up making an even bigger fool out of yourself and miss the chance to pursue a woman who, so far, has very high potential perhaps even too high. With this thought Bette began to try to get herself ready for what she had a feeling would be an interesting challenge. But before she had time to think of anything charming, or for that matter coherent, to say, Della made Bettes search for words a considerable amount easier.

I had a few questions about some of the pieces; I dont suppose you would have time to answer them Della let her sentence trail off hopefully, her mesmerizing green eyes trained intently on Bette. She had been watching Bette with the same level as interest she had shown while admiring the photo. Seeing the surprise and uncertainty in Bettes soft brown eyes had made her smile to herself, and she was now doing her best to keep her face straight as she watched Bette struggled to regain her poise.

Bettes mouth and brain were beginning to function properly again, but her heart was still beating erratically and she still felt slightly off balance. The conniving artist and everything else that had occupied Bettes mind moments ago seemed to be of little importance now. She had all her attention focused on trying to make Della forget her less than eloquent introduction and leave a possitive impression in Della’s mind.

I would love to show you around the gallery and answer any questions you have. Now Bette was back in her element. She was sure of herself when she was discussing art, especially the art in her gallery and felt sure that if Della accepted her invitation she would be able to present herself as she usually did, calm, confident, authoritative, knowledgeable and, above all, in control.