At Alices
Tina showered, primped herself, and managed to get by without further interrogation from Alice, who was still too stunned to speak. Alice watched Tina move around the apartment as if she didnt a care in the world. It was too early for a joint, but Alice really wanted one.

So, how do I look? Tina sauntered over to Alice who was sitting in front of her pc.

Pretty, Alice replied.

Thanks. But pretty and is professional is more what I had in mind, Tina smoothed her hands over her skirt.

Yeah, that too, Alice commented with no enthusiasm.

Dont tell me you forgot I have to go to Chestnut, Maxwell, and Elba today? Tina sounded disappointed, and Alice said nothing. You did forget Al. Damn! Tina walked away. Oh well, Ill tell you about later if you want? She stated, as walked out the door leaving Alice to her thoughts.

Tina had plenty of time before she needed to be at CM&E and decided on a nice breakfast before doing the meet and greet. She called for a cab and waited on the steps for it. While she waited, Tina called Eric to thank him again for a wonderful evening. She remembered that he had an early meeting and was mentally preparing to leave a message on his voice mail.

Hello? Eric answered.

Eric?

Yes. Tina?

I wasnt expecting to hear your voice. I was about to leave you a message thanking you for a lovely evening, Tina complimented and smiled in recollection.

Youre very welcome, but its I who should be thanking you, Eric returned the compliment. Tina could tell that he was smiling and it made her blush. What are you doing up so early?

Tina paused before replying so she could get in the cab and reconfirm where she wanted to go.

Okay, Im sorry, I just got into a cab. Im treating myself to breakfast before I go to CM&E, Tina excitedly informed Eric.

So? Eric asked.

Huh? Tina replied, forgetting Erics initial question.

Why are you up so early?

Oh! Tina laughed. Alice, my very inquisitive friend wanted details, Tina laughed in tune with Erics robust laugh.

Im sure she was just curious, Eric defended Alice.

I wish she were just that, Tina sighed. Shes great though. Wouldnt change her for the world.

Okay, now Im curious, but youve only got two minutes to tell me, because I have to leave, Eric rambled, and Tina could hear him moving around. Better yet, dont tell me now. Can you meet me for a late lunch? Say 1:30?

Tina instinctively looked at her watch, which now read 7:25 and calculated her morning schedule. She had to go to the center after CM&E, but figured she could swing lunch.

Yeah, that would nice. You decide where, call me, with enough time to spare, and were on, Tina said through a smile.

Sounds good, except Ill send the driver to pick you up from wherever youll be.

Ill be at the Center, Tina looked at her watch. I better let you go. See you later Eric.

Have a great day and good luck. Not that you need it. Eric hung up.

At James
Rock, paper, scissors, James, said, so they could decide who was calling Franklin first.

James lost and he got up to use the phone. Teresa, its James. Can you tell Franklin I wont be in today? Uhm, no, Im not sick. Just using a personal day. Yes, Ive spoken with Bette and shes aware of it, James was trying not to laugh. No, I will be completely indisposed. Whatever he might need, ***** have to wait until tomorrow. Thanks. Bye. James clicked the off button and burst out laughing. He couldnt believe hed called out for no reason at all.

That was cool. Now its my turn, Bette laughed and extended her hand for the phone. She dialed the number and waited. Good morning Teresa, how are you? Good. Yes, Id like to speak with Franklin please. Oh hes not? Can you let him know I wont be in today? Oh, yes, Im aware that he called out, Bette could hear Teresas wheels turning, Bette and James calling out within minutes of each other. Yes, thats it. Can you put me through to his voice mail? Thanks. Bette was red from holding in her laughter. She was trying to keep a straight face as the end of Franklins babble ended. Franklin, its Bette. Due to an unforeseen leave of my faculties, I will be out of the office today. All calls can be left on my voice mail in the office, Bette emphasized. I will be taking no calls on my cell phone. Thanks.
Bette hung up the phone and gave James a high-five. They both roared with laughter again until James put his hands in the time out sign. His stomach ached from laughing so hard.

Oh, oh, oh, my God, that was hilarious. I cant believe you said that, James struggled to speak. Hes gonna be sooo pissed when he hears that, James was straining to stop laughing.

***** him! Bette said, while gasping for air. He takes so much time off for petty *****, so we can take a day too. Any ideas what we should do?

James staggered back to the chair and considered the options. Hey, Ive always wanted to test drive exotic cars, but never had enough in the bank to soothe the salesman. Youve got the name and rep, think we could do that? James asked, eyes wide open and sounding like a five year old.

Bette grinned. She loved the idea. She too was into exotic cars and thought it would be a fun thing to do on such a beautiful day. Yeah, we can do that. Why dont you get showered and dressed. Ill wait here and then you can drive me home, so I can the same, and then we can hit all the hot spots, Bette flashed her Crest-white smile.

James bolted out of the kitchen and straight into the bathroom.

Breakfast and CM&E
Welcome to MsKhaos, the portly woman greeted Tina. Table for?

One. Table for one, Tina smiled her reply.

Tina was seated in a nice table near the window and was handed an oversized menu. She looked it over and was ready to order by the time her waiter came. Tina ordered a full breakfast and read the paper to pass the time. Her food came quickly and she ate it all, enjoying her time alone, before leaving for CM&E. Tina arrived with time to spare and was greeted by the very friendly Ms. Jones who some how knew her before she could introduce herself.

Ms. Kennard, so good to see you. Come. Sit down in here, Ms. Jones ushered Tina into a conference room before she could get a word out. I have everything ready for you. Coffee, cream, no sugar right? Ms. Jones continued fussing over Tina.

Yes. Ms. Jones right? Tina spit the words out before she got cut off again.

Yes, but you can call me Sparta. Im

Not one for all the formality right? Tina cut in. Ms. Jones seemed receptive to Tinas recollection.

Ill be right back with your coffee. Have a seat and you can get started. Ms. Jones whizzed in and out of the room before Tina could even take a breath. Here you are, Ms. Jones handed Tina the coffee.
Thanks, was all Tina said for fear of causing another verbal volcano to erupt from Ms. Jones.

She began filling out the required forms, taking her time to make sure she didnt miss anything. Tina still hadnt told Bette about the position and was stuck when it came to putting the next of kin. That familiar knot tied in Tinas stomach and her hands shook as she contemplated what to write. She finally decided to put Alice down as her sister with the option to change it later if necessary. Once shed completed all the papers, Tina went looking for Sparta who was in a deep conversation with what Tina perceived to be a ***** man and her name was being spoken. She wasnt sure exactly what was being said, but from the smile on Spartas face, Tina could surmise that is was complementary. She strode over to Spartas desk and handed her the papers with a warm smile.

Here you are Sparta, Tina handed over the papers. Everything you need is on there,

Not quite everything, Sparta replied as she reviewed the forms.

Tina wasnt sure how to take Spartas comment and was afraid to query, so she simply smiled and waited.

Bette and James
James got ready within twenty minutes and they were off to Bettes house. The pair chatted like children going back and forth over what they were going to do all day. When they arrived at Bettes house, she immediately excused herself and managed to get ready in a short time too.

Ready to roll? Bette asked.

Yup! James quickly replied. I looked up some places on the Net that we can check out, James handed the print out to Bette.

Great! This is going to be so much fun James, and I cant wait to see their faces tomorrow, Bette laughed.

James and Bette left, taking her car, but letting James drive. If they were going to play show and tell, they needed to look the part.

California Exotic Car Rental is our first stop, Bette said, as she reviewed the list. E.S.C.A.P.E. Rentals Inc., Beverly Hills Rent A Car, Exclusive Motors, Bette read the places off the list. You really did your homework.

Well, I wanted to be prepared and so we could have options seeing as were doing this with no notice, James looked over at Bette.

Just think, Bette smirked. In a little while well be cruising around LA in an exotic car being given the royal treatment and all that, Bette liked how that sounded.

Yeah, and guess what else? James asked, and Bette raised her eyebrows. I know how we can pull this off and make our days expenses billable to the CAC without being audited, James said with a sly grin.

I like how you think James. I like how you think, Bette said with an affirming nod.

Heres to a day of fun, James put his hand out for a low five and pressed on the gas.