Bette wandered out into the gallery. James, youre back have you seen Baz?

Bette James looked up, surprised by her sudden appearance uh, youre in..umm Baz was in your office.

I know..hed made himself quite comfortable the irritation was evident in Bettes voice.

Uhh sorry but Franklin said to look after him .. Baz said he wanted to make a few calls so I thought you wouldnt mind

Its OK James Bette said trying to placate him So, what did you think of him? If she could get James to tell her what he was thinking shed found him to be a good judge of character. But he was usually too reticent, too timid to speak up.

He seemed OK; invited me out later.

He hit on you? said Bette incredulous; ready to believe almost anything of Baz.

No, at least I dont think so; a beer with a mate is what he said

Oh, OK Bette paused for a moment then re-focused herself on her goal Do you know where he might be?

Try the main gallery. He said he liked the art work in there James pointed down the corridor.

But its empty in there, thats where Candaces teams is working said Bette Oh..right..I get it . Why doesnt that surprise me? OK. Well I guess thats were Im headed if anyone wants me for anything.

Bette walked off towards the main gallery. Baz made Bettes skin crawl. The thought of dealing with him didnt so much fill her with dread as make her want to puke. How could anyone expect to be treated professionally if they acted so unprofessionally? (She never thought to question herself about her behaviour with Candace here at the office.)

She didnt know many Australians but the ones shed met had been pretty much as shed heard them described, down to earth type people very similar in some way to the Canadians shed met. Surely theyd cringe at having this role model out there introducing their country to the world.

She found Baz propped up against the wall of the main gallery watching the carpenters work and for the first time since she broke up with Candace she felt sorry for her. She walked over towards Baz and put out her hand Look maybe we just got off on the wrong foot.why dont we start again..Hi..Im Bette Porter the director of the CAC.

Baz turned slowly to face her, she could see he was considering whether to take her hand or ignore her but for some reason he decided to go with the former. Im Baz Leer.

Why dont you come to my office so we can talk? Bette decided to try some light hearted banter, see if he would lighten up a bit I know you know where it is. I have to insist though that I sit behind the desk.

He looked at her. I guess youd like to see my portfolio he gave her a wink.

Oh god! she said under her breath Please give me the strength to get through this meeting without knocking this guy out.

TBC