Bette knew that she was caught.  She was never very good at hiding her feelings and the anger that had flooded through her a short time ago would have been obvious to the woman now seated next to her.  The anger had only dissipated when she had caught the woman who sat next to her now appraising her and seeming to like what she saw. 

            The bartender appeared and Rosanna ordered a Cosmo.  That settled she turned to regard her dinner companion.  A closer inspection did not disappoint.  The ebony eyes that met hers from time to time flashed with an intensity that was hard to look away from. Rosanna was surprised at the immediate connection that she felt with this woman.  It was as if they had known one another for ages, even though they had just met. 

            “I apologize for insisting on dinner with you before making a donation to CU.  It was just too good an opportunity to pass up.”  She watched as ebony eyes met hers in question but merely waited for her to continue.  “I can’t say I wouldn’t be as angry as you seemed earlier if I were being forced to have dinner with a donor.”

            “It’s not my favorite part of the job.”  Bette admitted hesitantly.  She hardly knew this woman and honesty with donors was not always the way to secure funds.  It made Bette feel like she was trading her integrity for money. 

            “Well I truly hope that we can conduct some business, have a little conversation and get to know one another a bit this evening.  I’ve admired you for some time.” 

            “Really.”  Bette smiled wondering where this conversation was going. 

            “Cosmo” the bartender announced.  She placed the drink in front of Rosanna.  “Refill” she asked looking at Bette.  

            “No.” 

            “Yes.”  Rosanna nodded to the bartender and she turned away to refill Bette’s drink. 

            “Are you trying to get me drunk?”  Bette asked.  “One Martini is really my limit.”

            “Special event.”  Rosanna replied.  “Business before pleasure though.”  Rosanna reached for her purse and Bette tried to stop her indicating that the tab was already hers as the bartender placed a new martini before her.  “Thanks.”  She fished out the large bank envelope from her purse.  She placed it on the bar between her and Bette.  “My donation.” Rosanna explained.  “Business done.”  Rosanna picked up her Cosmo and saluted Bette.  “To Art.”

            “To Art.”  Bette replied touching her glass with Rosanna’s. 

            “Now look at it and put it away.”  Rosanna nodded to the envelope.  “I’d like to get on to the pleasure part of the evening if you are still willing.  The check is certified so you do not need to stay.”

            “I find I’d like to stay.”  Bette responded putting the check into her purse and turning back to her dinner date for the evening. 

            The restaurant was quiet and softly lit.  The food was more than decent for hotel fare, though the restaurant stood on its own.  After several hours Bette and Rosanna found themselves waiting for the valet’s to bring up their cars. 

            “I had a lovely time.”  Rosanna declared looking full into the ebony eyes she had only had the heart to meet directly a few times over the course of the evening. 

            “So did I.”  Bette answered honestly, a laugh rose from inside her as she realized that the donor dinner from hell that she had anticipated had turned into a very lovely evening indeed.  She met Rosanna’s light blue eyes and found her breath caught. 

            “I’d love to see you again.”  Rosanna stated softly.  She pulled out her card and wrote her cell number on it.  “Please call me if you feel like getting together again.”

            “I do and I will.”  Bette promised as Rosanna’s green Jaguar convertible was pulled up top down. 

            Rosanna glanced once at Bette before she pulled away.  The vision was hard to let go of.