Her Portrait Is Black and White

Fame

Bette walked around the gallery ensuring all the latest pieces that were sale. She was taking in each piece when James walked towards her,

"Well, Ms Porter I am betting you are one from proud wife right now," James grinned

"What? More than normal?" Bette said as she took in the piece in front of her which was a lovely photo of the Bay Area.

"Well, news has broken in the art world of the four artist chosen by the White House to have piece housed in the Ball Room of the White House and I see a Ms Tina Kennard,"

"Could be another Tina," Bette grinned as she spoke.

"Unlikely." James smiled

"No, I'm very proud she got the call a week ago. She's been working on the piece,"

"How long does she have to complete it?"

"Another four weeks, then they will install and then there is a massive arts events at the White House,"

"Which you've been invited too?"

"Her invite said Ms Tina Kennard and Ms Elizabeth Porter, so I believe I'm invited."

"Full named as well,"

"Everything for the White House is very formal."

"You might be able to drum us up more business,"

"I might, I'm sure I can sell a piece or two," Bette smiled. "We are making a great profit at the moment, helps we have a website now."

"Will you be returning full time?" James asked, he knew it was a tricky subject, more so with the fact that Bette lived so far out of town now and because of her other commitments.

Bette looked at James and smiled.

"I'm full time I just don't spend all my time here. I'm still putting it a forty hour week. I'm still making sure all the galleries all over the world are running smoothy. Just because I'm not physically here doesn't mean I'm not pulling my weight,"

"That's not what I meant,"

"What did you mean?"

"Its just me here most of the time and I..."

"Need another pair of hands?" Bette asked softly.

"Yeah, I know Porter LA is your baby, your first gallery but maybe getting a couple of other people around so that I can take a vacation and that you can work from home more, you know it would help," James said softly. Like he was scared to ask.

"Would you take the leader in finding the extra pairs of hands you need?" Bette asked, she didn't have the energy to interview people."

"Yes,"

"And I would get the final say, like you tell me about them and I decide if they work here,"

"Just like the other galleries Bette."

"I'll put together an employment budget and you can take it from there. Give me a short list, I will go through them and then we can go from there okay?"

"Yes, thanks Bette,"

"I understand, it's not like the galleries aren't doing well. I shouldn't have put you under so much stress,"