‘Ah, what are you thinking, Porter? You’re just using your usual charm to get
your way.

Book the artist already!
You’re late for dinner with the gang…’ Bette thinks to herself.

Bette: I guess I am, especially when it comes to something I want. So what
about that gallery meeting and dinner?

Tina: Well, as tempted as I am to meet up with you at that Gallery we better
just meet at a restaurant for dinner.

Bette: Are you sure? I could set up a tour for you. Anytime you wanted.

Tina: I would really love to…

Bette: (a smile forms on Bette’s face) …okay…

Tina: …and while I really appreciate your offer, my schedule is kind of
hectic right now… and I really would like to get our little venture going.

Bette: (wondering why she is feeling dejected, but continuing to appear happy)
Okay you name the location and time and I will be there.

Tina: Friday night, 6:30 p.m. at Papa’s Little Italy. I hope Italian is okay.

Bette: Italian is fine. Friday at 6:30 it is.

Tina: Great.

Bette: You know, I almost missed your call just now. I’ve been waiting for it
and was beginning to wonder if you were hiding out from me. I’m so glad we
finally were able to connect.

Tina: Me too…I’ve been trying to get a hold of you. You’re a hard woman to
catch.

Bette: (slight laugh) No, not really…so Friday then?

Tina: Friday it is. See you then.

Bette: Bye

Bette ends the call and heads out of the gallery. ‘God..her voice…’ Bette
smiled recalling it and how it affected her. As she exits, she sees her
reflection in a pane of glass and catches a goofy smile on her face…

‘Oh great…Alice is going to take one look at this expression and never let
up…’

Tina sat there holding the phone for a moment, thinking about the phone
conversation she had just had. She hadn’t expected to feel an instant
connection to her client.

‘What exactly just happened here?’ Tina thought. ‘Was she flirting with me?’
Tina giggled absurdity. ‘*****, was I flirting back?’ Something about the woman
intrigued her. She was still sitting there holding the phone in her hand when
her assistant walked in.

Cindy: Tina, are you okay?

Tina (realizing she was still holding the phone she hangs it up): Yes I’m fine.

Cindy: Are you sure?

Tina: Yes. I just got off the phone with hopefully our soon to be new client.
At least she seemed eager to be our new client.

Cindy: That’s good news!

Tina: Yes. I am supposed to be meeting her for dinner on Friday night.

Cindy: You’re giving up your Friday night to have dinner with a client?

Tina: It’s no big deal. I didn’t have any plans anyway.

Cindy: (looking at Tina funny): Okay boss, whatever you say.

Tina (checking her watch): I think it is time to call it a day.

Cindy: (laughing): You don’t have to tell me twice.

As fate would have it, Tina and Bette walked out of their respective
office…sharing the same goofy smile and same thought, ‘What is it about that
call…that voice?’