One week later

Tina had been at the Center waiting for the Peabody Foundation representative to show up. They had won the highest grant ever, so it was a very big deal. Camera crews entered and started setting up. Tina was overwhelmed when complete strangers sat her down and started fixing her hair, then her makeup.

Oscar stood back grinning. All the children that would benefit from this money and all because of Tina. She deserved some happiness in her life right now. After all she and Bette had been through.

Tina had no idea who she would be meeting. Then the doors swung open and this beautiful slender brunette walked in. She had all these people swarming all over her. She stopped and announced. Where is Tina Kennard?

I just stood there frozen. She was after all very attractive. Her strong presence commanded my attention.

Tina stood up from her chair. I am Tina Kennard.

Helena Peabody gracefully walked over to Tina and extended her hand.

Helena: I am Helena Peabody. We are going to do an interview and then I will be giving you the check for the Center. Then you will need to sign a few forms.

Tina just stood there. This woman was all business like. As if she was there, but didnt really want to be. She was bossy and rude to others but seemed very nice to me.

After all the press left Tina showed Helena to her office. Tina sat down behind her desk to sign the forms the Peabody Foundation lawyers had given her. Helena walked around Tinas office looking at pictures and what nots. Helena picked up the picture on Tinas desk.

Helena turned to Tina and asks. Is this Bette Porter? Yes, she is my wife. Tina looked up and smiled proudly. Helena turned around in a huff. Yes, yes. I have heard of her. Then placed the picture back down on Tinas desk.

Helena: Yes, my mother seems to believe that the sun raises and sets at Ms. Porters feet. I for one do not care for all this art they talk about. That is the main reason the Center received this grant. I plan to take my Foundation into another direction. Helping children is very important to me. Like my children.

Tina: Oh, how many children do you have?

Helena: My ex and I have two children. But I really did not come here to discuss all that. I was very impressed with your grant proposal. I just had to meet the beautiful woman that had written it.

Tina felt her cheeks blush. Ms. Peabody, how did you know what I looked like?

Helena: Please, call me Helena. I have a background check run on all of my applicants that I plan giving a grant to. I have to make sure the money will be put to its proper use. When I saw your photograph, I knew I had to meet you.

Tina was feeling very uncomfortable all of a sudden. She went back to reading and signing the forms. She had a question about the last form.

Tina: Ms. Peabody. Helena… I am confused by this last document. It states that the Center will only receive the Grant as long as I continue to be in charge of it. I am having a baby as you can see. Bette and I plan for me to stay at home after our daughter is born.

Helena: Darlin Tina. Dont make me withdraw the grant. It is a lot of money that will benefit your Center. Once you have taken enough time off after the birth you will return and continue this wonderful job you are doing. The children need you.

Tina sits back in her chair contemplating what she should do. That is a lot of money and it would open so many doors for so many children to be helped.

Before Tina could answer Helena came around behind Tinas desk. Helena leaning over Tinas shoulder lightly brushing her body against Tina.

Helena: You know Ive wanted to kiss you from the first moment I saw you.

Tina felt a warm sensation run through her body when she heard Helena whisper softly against her ear. She felt Helenas breath on her neck and closed her eyes.

Helena: Go to dinner with me Tina.

Tina: (broken from her trance) No, I cant. Thank you, but I have to get home to my wife. I am very flattered but…

Helena: Tina, I will not complete this grant until you at least have dinner with me. I want the opportunity to convince you to come back to work after the child is born.

Torn between the grant, helping the children. Knowing she could just have dinner and get the money. Then this woman would go away. Still nervous about Helena comment, yet pretending she didn’t say it.

Tina: Ok. But I have to be home early. Bette is still recovering from an injury and I have to be there. I just need to call home and make sure this will be ok.

Helena walked back around to the front of Tinas desk. Fine, call Bette and then lets go. I will wait for you outside.