At 7:30 pm Tina stood anxiously outside the ball room of the benefit. She spotted Alex across the street. As he approached his face lit up.

Alex: Tina you look gorgeous!

Tina smiled bashfully.

She let her long blonde hair fall across her bare shoulders. The simple black cocktail dress she wore hung in all the right places. It accentuated all of her curves and the plunging neck line left little to the imagination.

Tina: Thank you. You look pretty fabulous yourself there!

Alex: I know.

Tina slapped Alex playfully on his arm.

Alex: Shall we go inside?

Tina took a deep breath and starred transfixed on the door. She wanted to go in there but her nerves were getting the best of her.

Alex: Come Kennard. Get it together and lets mingle!

Tina smiled and took Alexs arm.

As they entered Tina glared at all of the people. Producers, directors, casting agents, and not to mention the actors.

Alex showed Tina to their table. As the night went on Tina found herself becoming more and more comfortable. She was speaking with great ease to every person she met no matter their status. The evening was filled with boring speeches, beautiful performances but still no Bette Porter.

Alex: Im going outside for a smoke…care to join me?

Tina: I dont smoke but Id be more than happy to accompany you. I think I might get going after the smoke…is that ok?

Alex: Of course. Are you ok?

Tina and Alex headed into the crisp air of a summer night.

Tina: Yes, of course. Just tired.

Alex lit his cigarette and passed Tina the lighter.

Tina: I told you I dont smoke.

Alex: I know just hold it for a second.

Tina: I guess Im just upset she didnt show. I was really hoping to meet her.

Alex smiled his face lit by the moon.

Alex: I know kid, just be patient.

Tina sighed defeated.

Alex: Do you still have that lighter.

Tina held it up for Alex to see.

Alex: Good.

Tina felt a tap on her shoulder. She spun around and stood face to face with the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Her heart caught in her throat and she tried to smile.