But instead, she wants to talk about the boots I’m wearing.

Suddenly, she grabs me by the tip of my slightly squared toe and fixes me with a stare of undeniable envy. ”Bette, you both frustrate and fascinate me.” Followed by a long sigh I’m not sure I like the sound of coming from her.

Over the rim of my china cup, I stare back at Phyllis, and burn the holy crap out of my lip on the too hot tea. She pouts a little which is unnerving, and Molly, with lips of asbestos, takes a deep swallow, rolls her eyes, and stares up at the ceiling.

Like a pin prick into my forming blister, I suddenly spill out the whole story of my recent night in the moonlit canyons of New Mexico shooting off my mother’s Colt six-shooters at big fat rattlesnakes.

For once in her life, Phyllis is speechless.

Beverly Hills Rooftop Pool & Bar – Late Afternoon – Tina

It was inevitable that sooner or later I was going to run into the director, Kate Arden, again. I’d had to fire her, after Jenny’s massive sucking up to William made it clear – an opinionated director like Kate was never going to work on Jenny’s story, Jenny’s story, Jenny’s story – I only wish.

Kate motions to me in that too cool way of hers. ”So, how’s the picture coming?”

”We’re just starting principle. Any big news with you?” I breeze back at her.

”My big news? Hmm, I’m headed to Ireland in a few days to start a movie, but I think yours is probably more interesting.” Kate cocks her head, and stares at me from under her hipster cap.

”Mine?” I feel a dry patch starting at the back of my throat and creeping over my tongue. Industry people are horrible gossips, and William and Aaron have been slipping away everyday at lunchtime. I had guessed seeking more investors, but the way Kate says it unnerves me.

A pregnant pause, as she lights a cigarette. ”I guess you could say, I was surprised when someone sent me a YouTube link of you and Bette and Gloria Steinem.”

”Oh, that.” I look around me for other possible ambushes.

Kate presses on, ”If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were an actress.” A smoke ring exits her lips. ”It was great theater, your surprise when she showed you the ring. And I mean that in best of possible ways.”