Are you sure I look alright? Tina asked, worry creasing her brow.

You look more than alright, Bette smiled, resting her hands on Tinas shoulders. In fact, you are the most exquisite work of art in this gallery.

Tina lowered her eyes, blushing under her girlfriends intense stare. Well she stammered.

Thats wonderful for me, personally, Bette continued softly, leaning in to kiss Tina. But Im not so sure how its going to be for business. The purpose of these openings is to showcase whats on the walls, after all.

They lingered in each others arms until a soft tap on the door interrupted them. Bette? Excuse me. But its 20 after, Kelly said.

Thanks, Bette said to her assistant. Then, to Tina, Remember. All you have to do is relax, mingle, and have fun. Ill check in with you if I can break away.

Dont worry about me. You deal with your prospects and Ill catch up with you in a few hours, Tina smiled.

Its a date, Bette said, lowering her face for one final kiss before walking out of her office and into the main gallery space.

For once, Bettes brilliant smile wasnt merely frozen in place for the benefit of her guests. She was truly happy. And as she greeted the steady stream of art hobbyists and aficionados, casual buyers and hard core collectors entering her front doors, Bette knew without a doubt that her new found sense of contentment was because of Tina. In less than two months, everything had become sweeter, lovelier, and more meaningful. Even this routine opening reception was made special for Bette because she was sharing it with Tina. In fact, she was already anticipating the end of the event when the two of them could sit together over a nightcap or coffee and talk about their individual observations, laughing and telling stories about who and what they had seen.

Bettes reverie was interrupted by Kellys hand on her elbow. Could I borrow you for one second? She asked, casting an apologetic glance to the well-dressed man Bette was welcoming.

Would you excuse me, please? Bette smiled demurely before allowing Kelly to spirit her away.

When they were out of earshot of the milling crowd, Kelly nodded in the direction of one of the smaller rooms down the hall. James and Charlotte Amsler are quite interested in #37.

Bette shook her head and smiled. And youre thinking they might benefit from my knowledge about that particular piece?

Im thinking that we might benefit from your smooth sales technique. Go ahead. Ill take over at the door, Kelly winked.

For the next 15 minutes, Bette educated and entertained the Amslers with her insights about the painting and its artist, a prize-winning local watercolorist destined for national prominence. The conversation was energizing for Bette, who enjoyed few things more than placing beautiful work in the possession of appreciative owners. James Amslers deal-sealing handshake was still warming Bettes palm as she walked back through her gallery, searching for Tina to share her good news.

It took Bette several minutes to wade through the roomful of people, several of whom stopped her to offer pleasantries or solicit her opinion. Finally, Bette caught a glimpse of Tinas unmistakable mane of golden hair in a remote alcove, and began making her way across the gallery. As she drew nearer to her destination, Bette could see that Tina was engaged in an intense conversation with a dark-haired man who had his back to Bette. Bette watched the exchange become progressively more animated, and when the man put his hand on Tinas arm, Bette quickened her step to intervene. When she was about 12 feet away, however, Bette stopped abruptly in mid-stride. The man Tina was talking with turned suddenly, and she could see that it was Eric.

Bette blinked, swallowing hard, and continued to observe the scene unfolding before her as if it were a play. Eric was clearly upset, and Tina was trying to placate him, touching his arm. They talked for several minutes, Erics face a mask of frustration, Tinas expression imploring. When Tina reached out to rest her palm against Erics cheek, Bette flinched as if shed been struck. Was this it? Was Tina taking him back? She couldnt be, could she? Bette knew that Tina had struggled in the past few weeks as she broke the news of their relationship to her family and friends, but it wasnt enough to warrant this. Was it? Bette certainly didnt plan on standing around, waiting to find out. She exhaled slowly, then turned on her heel and returned to attend to her guests.

For the next 30 minutes, Bette wandered through the gallery, completely detached from everything and everyone around her. As a long-time client, Eric would most certainly have been included on the invitation list for this evenings reception, and Bette couldnt believe that shed been so careless as to not realize that before. But what should she have done about it? Remove Erics name? If this was how things were destined to unfold, then Tina would have eventually found her way back to Eric no matter how many road blocks Bette put in the way. How incredibly ironic”her relationship with Tina had both started and ended right in her very own gallery.

By the time the reception wound down, Bette had made two significant sales and collected a handful of business cards for her mailing list. What would have been, under normal circumstances, a hugely successful event, failed to even begin to lighten Bettes mood. As the last guests filtered out the doors, Bette motioned Kelly over to her.

Why dont you go ahead and call it a night.

Are you sure? I dont mind staying, Kelly said.

No, its fine. Ill finish up here, Bette insisted.

You dont have to tell me twice, Boss. Oh! Tinas waiting in your office.

Bette smiled wanly, walking Kelly to the door and locking it after her. Then, she headed to her office. Tina was sitting in the over-stuffed client chair in front of Bettes desk. She looked weary and her eyes were completely without the sparkle Bette knew so well. This merely served to fortify Bettes belief about what had happened during the conversation with Eric, and what was about to happen now.

Hey, Tina said, turning her attention to Bette and forcing a smile. Congratulations. Kelly said you sold two pieces. Thats great!

Bette nodded and sat down on the edge of her desk, facing Tina, her face set grimly.

Tina frowned, sitting up straighter in her chair. Whats wrong?

Im waiting, Bette said.

Waiting for what? Tina asked, confused.

Waiting for you to tell me what you need to tell me.

I dont understand.

I saw you tonight. With Eric.

Tina sighed, looking down. Oh, she said softly.

He seemed pretty upset.

He was.

And you were right there to comfort him, werent you? Bette asked, crossing her arms in front of her.

What are you talking about?

You two looked pretty cozy. You had your hands all over him.

I was trying to calm him down. I didnt want him to make a scene.

Right. You didnt want him to make a scene. So what did you tell him, Tina? What did you say to calm him down so he wouldnt make a scene. Did you tell him youd go back to him?

Im going to go, Tina said, standing and reaching for her purse.

Not until you tell me what you talked about with Eric.

The only word that Bette could find to describe the look on Tinas face was disappointment. Profound, abject disappointment. And for a moment, Bette felt a twinge of regret for causing it. But then she remembered that she was the wronged party here. Finally, as she slung her purse over her shoulder, Tina fixed Bette with a steely stare and, quietly, almost eerily quiet, began to speak.

When Eric saw me tonight he asked if we could talk. At first it was fine, low key. And then he told me that hed beenstruggling. With the breakup. And he asked if there was any way that he could have another chance.

So what did you tell him?

I told him, Tina said, her voice shaking. II told him that we couldnt get back together, because Im in love. And Ive never been happier in my whole life.

Bettes heart clenched in her chest and she felt relief and remorse flood through her body. Tina turned to leave and Bette reached for her, pulling her close. Tina, wait. Don’t go.

Tina struggled for a moment, trying to break away, but Bette held her firmly and, finally, she stilled in Bettes arms, giving in to the hot tears spilling down her cheeks.

How could you give me so little credit? Ive ended a relationship, Ivepossibly lost my family forever, Ive freaked out most of my friends, all because I want to be with you. II love you, Bette.

When I saw the two of you together and youyou touched his cheek and I thought I was going toI dont even know what I thought. I got so afraid that you were going to leave me and go back to him. I cant lose you, T. I love you. I know that now. Im so sorry, Bette said, her eyes brimming.

Really?

Of course, really. I never meant to hurt you. I dont ever want to hurt you.

No, not that. I mean. Really, youlove me? Tina looked into Bettes tearful brown eyes.

Bette took Tinas face in her hands and kissed her again and again. Yes. I love you. Only you.

Tina relaxed in Bettes embrace. Wow.

Can you forgive me? Please, Tina. Please forgive me?

Yes. I forgive you, Tina whispered. You are such aa

What?

A ***** gas oven, Tina sighed, resting her forehead against Bettes.

Bette practically sagged with relief. Yes, she smiled, but Im your ***** gas oven.