Tina awoke with a start as the shrill alarm rang out across the cold, dark motel room. Sitting up momentarily she reached for the snooze button and eventually silenced the noisy contraption. Her heavy limbs begged for more rest as she fell back against the mattress.

Closing her eyes she tried to ignore the constant ache in her head but instead found herself wondering if shed packed any Advil.

An hour later she felt marginally better having showered and dressed but decided that breakfast wasnt an option after last nights activities. Flopping back onto the bed she turned on the TV in an effort to occupy her mind until their scheduled meeting time of 9:00am.

Tinas heart skipped a beat as she heard a knock at the door. Looking at her watch she knew they werent due to leave for another 20 minutes.

It didnt come as a surprise to see Greg standing on the other side as she opened the door.

Have I ruined it? He asked quietly.

Ruined what exactly? Tina replied. She looked at his pale, unshaven face and knew that his night had been largely sleepless too.

Our friendship Greg looked away, intensely embarrassed by his actions the night before.

Is that the friendship thats filled with flirting and sexual innuendo or the friendship where you tell me how ***** my partner is and how shes bound to cheat on me again?

Im sorry Greg winced realizing that Tina wasnt going to let him off lightly.

You should be, that was totally unfair, Greg Tina shook her head and looked sadly at the man before her. Despite her anger at his comments she couldnt help but feel sorry for him.

I know He shook his head Iits been driving me crazy. Ever since you started back with the company something changed. It wasnt long before I realized that what I felt for you went well beyond friendship. When you told me about BetteId had so much to drink that I only saw what I wanted to see

And that was? Tina questioned as she folded her arms across her body.

Her betrayal, your hurt. I thought I could take you out of that andlove you. I know what we had was years ago but its always been there, TK. I moved on but what I felt for you never went away. Either way it doesnt matter. I didnt listen to what you were sayingabout how much you love Bette. God, it was so ***** arrogant. You know Im not a complete *****, right?

An arrogant *****? Tina replied, looking skeptically You play it pretty well sometimes

I knowbut Greg pleaded as he looked back up at Tina.

Its OK Tina said as she smiled faintly at her remorseful friend After this long I know you better than that. Last night wasugly. I shouldnt have said what I did about Bette

Can we justleave it in Ohakune?

As long as you understand that what happened between us was a long, long time ago. It was pre Bette Porter Tina looked at pointedly at her friend Do you get what Im saying?

Greg swallowed hard and nodded.

I know she messed up Tina admitted But I also know that she wont jeopardize our relationship again

I get it Greg assured the woman before him Shes lucky, I hope she knows it

So what about you? Tina asked, turning the conversation to the next topic.

Either way I cant leave things as they are Greg said, sighing at the thought of what lay ahead I have to break it off with Julie. Its pretty obvious that Im not ready to marry anyone

Tina just nodded and smiled sadly at the man before her.

A brief silence fell between them, both of them unsure of how to move forward.

Greg cleared his throat Iuh, decided that 2:00am was a great time to call Jim Hallon

Tina frowned and waited for Greg to elaborate.

I asked him if this trip was designed to be an exercise in futility He explained.

Oh really? Tina smiled, sure Greg was bluffing.

I told him it was a complete waste of time. And that I intended to call off the entire thing and get on the next flight back to LA

Youre lying, youd never Tina said.

I threatened to resign if he didnt agree Greg interjected as a smile spread across his face.

Tell me youre not serious? Tina asked, all humor now stripped from her tone.

Greg shook his head It worked. Theyve rescheduled Mondays meeting to tomorrow morning and we fly out in the afternoon

Really? Tina asked wide eyed.

Theres one catch

What? Tina asked then she quickly added It doesnt matter were going home!

Theres a function the night we arrive in LA and hes insisted that we attend Greg explained Its some Gala for the HFPA

Greg saw a look of apprehension cross Tinas face.

Partners are invited of course He added.

Tina nodded slowly OK She replied God, as long as it gets me home I dont care

Were booked on the afternoon flight tomorrow

Nice work Tina smiled happily Thats the best thing Ive heard in days

Yeah, well, this trip is slowly killing us both. Whats the point in putting up with more of the same for another week?

Absolutely Tina replied distractedly, her mind had already found its way home.

So youd better get your things together. Ive told the others that were leaving for Auckland at 11:00

Tina nodded.

Greg turned to leave.

Greg? She called. He looked over his shoulder. Thank-you

No problem, TK

TBC