“Oh…hi, Helena. I’m going to the Planet tonight to check out a singer I may want to sign.” Tina hoped and prayed that Helena would not want to go with her.

“Alright, Tina. We’re going to go ahead and take off then,” Oscar informed his boss whose slight trepidation in her voice told him that she didn’t want Helena inviting herself.

“Okay, you two. Remember to call me if you guys can sniff anything out.” Tina reminded them.

“You bet.”

Bette.

“What time does the show start?” Helena inquired.

“Umm, I think like 7:30 or so.” Tina stated. Please don’t ask to come with me, please don’t ask to come with me.

“I see. Will you be back in time for the encore?”

“If I can seal the deal, then, of course.”

“Then I guess I’ll see you when you get back.”

—

KDG Offices: T-Minus 4 Hours To Show Time

“Hey, Little P! We come bearing gifts!” Alice said as she and Tayo walked into Bette’s office.

Bette was concentrating hard on the Power Point displayed on her screen. “Hey, thanks Al. I’m super busy so just drop off the goods right there on the credenza on your way out.” She said without taking her eyes off the screen.

“Hmm. If I didn’t know better, Tayo, I’d say we were being rushed on outta here.” Alice said as she stood in front of Bette’s desk. Tayo just shrugged and nodded.

“No, you don’t know better, Alice. Tayo is more than welcome to stay as long as she wants.” Bette said with a small smirk, still making changes to the presentation.

“Hey! Why are you being so mean to one of your best clients?”

“Because the client that is complaining hasn’t done much for me lately except cost me money and give me a fat lip.” Bette continued working.

“That wasn’t me. That was your little blonde tart that injured you.” Alice finally set down the bag she was holding with Bette’s signature Cobb Salad in it.

A smile fell upon Bette’s lips at the memory of the blonde stranger she shared a dance with the week before. She started to zone out on the Power Point she had been staring at. Images of the blonde in her diamond patterned stockings began invading her thoughts and her concentration was now thwarted.