Betsy and Hope: community center opening (backdated)

[xp_trance]

Hope and Betsy run into each other during the opening of the community center. 

"I have to say... this is not the first thing I would picture you doing on an event like today." Hope smiled at the image of Betsy kneeling in the dirt, tapping her pen against the clipboard in her hands. "Having fun?” 

Betsy shrugged her shoulders and dusted some of the dust from her slightly oversized gardening gloves. “I am a lady of many talents, I’ll have you know. Besides, herbs are not only functional but generally rather nice to look at as well. This lavender, for example — “ she gently bent the small plant towards Hope to demonstrate “ — can be used in baking, to repel insects, will make lovely tea, and will be beautiful when it flowers. Assuming it survives, of course. This climate is a bit chilly for it, but hopefully it’ll have enough sunlight up here.”

"It's lovely and I have to admit, the scent is quite relaxing." Hope scanned the other pots, all filled with plants in a dozen shades of green. Some were barely above the earth, the others already brimming with bright green leaves. She crouched down, balancing her clipboard on her knees and reached out to one of the pots, tearing off a leaf and rubbing it between her fingers before inhaling the scent it released. "Basil... that is one of my favorites. So what else are you planning on putting in there?” 

“There are a few different varieties of basil there, since it’s so widely used in different cuisines. And on that side there's mint and oregano, and I also have some thyme and parsley and then the lavender here. I thought about coriander but it might be a bit too cold-sensitive…” Betsy hummed in concentration as she inspected another cutting for roots, then, satisfied with what she’d found, started on another pot. “I didn’t want to take up too much space so it’s just pots for now, but I think someone is also making some larger containers for vegetables over that side, tomatoes and peppers and such. I guessing you are in charge of organising?” She glanced at Hope’s clipboard.

"Just helping out with a few small things this time. Checking if everyone has what they require... those kinds of things." Hope quickly demurred. "I have been swamped with some final twists and turns with setting up Abbott Consulting, but it should be finally sorted in a week or two.... That is actually why I came by though. I have a few people looking to help out and I was wondering if you needed some hands.” 

Betsy raised an eyebrow at Hope’s hesitance but decided not to pry. “I hope the rest of it will go smoothly for you. As for this, I’m getting by but some extra help would mean everything will be done that much quicker, so if there is nothing more urgent please send anyone willing my way, no green thumb required. Figuratively speaking obviously, since someone here probably actually has green thumbs."

"One pair of green thumbs if possible coming up, if not required." Hope made a quick note and waved over a young lad leaning against a nearby wall. "On their way. You sound a little parched though. Would this be helpful as well?" She pulled a water bottle from the small pack that she carried as well and handed it over. 

“Oh, that would be lovely,” Betsy said, cautiously negotiating her way past the plant containers to grab the offered bottle. She took a sip closed and her eyes, enjoying the cool liquid and the light breeze passing them by. “I packed all the necessary supplies for the plants with me, but didn’t think to grab much for myself so I finished my own water some hours ago now. Hopefully this won’t take that much longer though, especially with help."

"It should go twice as fast at least." Hope kidded. "Hey, how would you feel about going out for dinner tonight? There is still that lovely new wine bar I would like to check out and it has been a while since I had the time to do that.” 

“I am always up for a dinner with a friend. Would 8pm be too late? I would need to go back to the mansion to freshen up after finishing here,” Betsy gestured at her dirt-covered clothes. “Or we could try another day, I am free most nights. At least as long we don’t get called in to save the world again."

"I would say there is no time like the present. Eight should give us plenty of time to get ready. I heard the wine bar has a great tasting menu with accompanying wines. It sounds perfect for a relaxing evening to me." Hope smiled, lifting an questioning eyebrow.  

Betsy returned the smile and nodded. “Relaxing with some good wine sounds ideal after this, and I have been hoping for an excuse to dress up for a change. You can tell me all about your adventures with Abbott Consulting. Or something completely different if you want to just forget about work for a while,” she replied as she passed the now empty water bottle back to Hope, before lifting her arms over her head and stretching, trying to shake loose some of the muscles that were starting to complain after kneeling down around planters for hours on end. “Are you coming back to the mansion after being done here or shall we meet there?"

 "I was thinking about staying in the city at first, but a chance to refresh myself would be rather nice. So I'll be heading back as well. How about we take an Uber back into the city?" Hope tucked away the bottle, pausing for a moment to acknowledge someone waving at her. "And that is the sign I am needed elsewhere…" 

“Uber sounds good, I will see you back at the mansion then,” Betsy said, turning back to her planters and starting to look for the best candidate for the next herb. “Good luck with keeping things moving here, and thank you for organizing me some help. I might have been here all evening otherwise.” 

"See you later tonight."