Chapter 4

Bette was met at the Airport by one of Xena’s personal staff. "Welcome to New York Miss Porter, I’m Jessica." the sharp dressed young woman announced.

"Thank you, where are we going?" Bette asked vaguely.

"Miss Amphipolis has made arrangements for you to stay in her building so you are close at hand if she needs you," the efficient Jessica revealed.

"Okay, I suppose that makes sense." Bette murmured mostly to herself as she found herself hustled into a waiting car. Jessica passed her some new information concerning the event she was to attend that evening that she looked over during the short commute.

After Jessica ushered Bette to her suite she mentioned, "If you have any questions about ANYTHING, just let me know. I tried to anticipate what you would need but if I missed something…." she left her sentence hanging. "Your evening dress is laid out along with all of your accessories in readiness for tonight. A hair stylist will be here at 7, a.."

Bette cut her off, "None of that is necessary, I brought my own wardrobe and I have been styling my own hair for years but thank you." Bette said smiling politely.

"Oh but, Miss Amphiplois was very specific regarding your attire Miss Porter. In fact she picked out everything herself so I would kindly suggest.." Jessica was again cut off by Bette.

"No. But again thank you, Miss Amphipolis will just have to understand my position on this. Now if you would be so kind, " she said firmly, indicating she wanted Jessica to leave. "I want to prepare for the evening" Bette closed the door behind Jessica feeling as though she won the first battle.

Bette was just finishing her shower when she heard the front door to her suite bang open. She quickly wrapped a bath sheet around herself and hurried out of the bathroom to confront the intruder. She came face to face with her livid employer. "Xena!" she said totally surprised.

Xena snarled advancing on Bette. In a deceptively quite voice she said, "So, Jessica tells me that you have refused to wear the gown I purchased for you?"

Bette smiled nervously feeling very vulnerable standing naked but for the bath sheet she had clutched in her hands. "I didn’t actually refuse to wear it, I…"