Bette sighed and looked back down at the piece of paper on her table. She wasn’t sure she wanted to open it. She leant over and read the address again. She couldn’t believe it. Why the hell would she of all people want to talk to her? She picked it up and ripped it open.

Dear Bette,

I know we’ve had our problems in the past, but I’d like to put that behind us. You see, since I’ve been… put out of commission by my mother, and am currently in England, it would be quite difficult for me to continue screening all the grant requests and other such things that it used to be my job to do. So, I am formally extending you an invitation to manage the art section of the Peabody grants. Please don’t let our past influence your decision, this could be a great opportunity for you.

Sincerely,

Helena Peabody

Bette scoffed. “Who honestly says ‘This could be a great opportunity for you.’ That’s so fucking pompous!” she thought, shaking her head at the letter. “But, then again, we could use the money. And God damn it, this is a great opportunity for me!” she sighed. “Fuck, I have to do it. Besides, I love Peggy, so this can’t be all bad, right? Right?!” The door opened behind her and she whipped around to face the person who so rudely intruded on her thoughts.

“Mercedes?” The woman glanced up from her place on the couch to see Carmen walking up behind her.

“Hey, have a seat.” Mercedes said, motioning to a chair next to the couch and putting her guitar aside.

Carmen walked in and sat next to her, snuggling into her friend.

“Mercedes, I need to talk to you.”

“OK, then. About what?”

“Shane asked me where I live.”

“Uh.. so?”

“So she’s my ex-girl… No, she’s my ex-fiancée, and we had this whole big fight that was totally public and ridiculously painful, and she just asks me where I’m living like it’s not a huge deal?”

“OK, so it’s a little out of the ordinary, but maybe she was trying to woo you.”

“Maybe I don’t want her to woo me.” There was silence for a couple minutes, “Maybe I just want her to be honest with me.”